Independent Buyer's Guide

Permanent Lighting Systems, Compared

Most permanent outdoor lighting looks similar switched off — but the little LED module tucked under your soffit is where the systems really differ. Here's a plain-English look at the four modules we're asked about most: Gemstone Lights, JellyFish Lighting, Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro and Trimlight 3L — including how each one is powered.

The short version

Gemstone uses a clear round RGBWW puck with visible internal optics. JellyFish uses a wider rectangular frosted module with a soft architectural lens. Govee Pro uses a larger standalone square puck that throws a broad triangular cone. Trimlight 3L uses a clear raised three-LED dome bulb for a more traditional look. Every system is low-voltage at the roofline and designed by us around your home.

Gemstone Lights

Clear RGBWW puck with visible optics

Color system
RGB + dedicated warm white
Lens
Clear (optics visible)
Per light
~1 watt
Weather
IP67
Module shape
Round clear puck
Spacing
Fixed in custom track
  • Puck design: Clear, circular waterproof module with multiple visible internal optics.
  • LED construction: Each track light uses three LED packages, with red, green, blue and warm-white diodes.
  • White light: Dedicated warm-white capability rather than producing every white tone only by mixing RGB.
  • Lens: Clear lens that leaves the individual LED optics visible.
  • Wiring: Connected inline with black low-voltage wiring, normally concealed inside its aluminum track.
  • Power draw: Maximum draw of approximately 1 watt per light.
  • Weather rating: IP67.
  • Brightness: Approximately 46 lumens per track light.
  • Installation: Professionally installed inside custom-fabricated aluminum track, available in numerous soffit and fascia colors.

What sets it apart

A relatively bright RGBWW puck with visible internal optics and a dedicated warm-white component.

How it's powered

The control box houses the system power and “brains” and plugs into a standard 120V outlet. It is commonly mounted on the home exterior near the roofline, or inside a garage attic. Larger runs (several hundred feet) may need multiple control boxes and power connections; a licensed electrician may add an outlet if none is nearby.

Gemstone specifications above are compiled from publicly available manufacturer information as of September 2026 and may change. Gemstone Lights and related marks are trademarks of their respective owner; Eavefy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by that manufacturer.

JellyFish Lighting

Rectangular frosted module

Color system
RGB + multiple white presets
Lens
Large frosted circular lens
Per light
< 1 watt
Weather
Sealed module
Module shape
Rectangular frosted module
Spacing
~6", 9" or 16"
  • Puck design: Wider rectangular, sealed module rather than a traditional round puck.
  • Lens: Large frosted circular lens designed to soften the light and create a smoother reflection.
  • LED construction: Three light points are visible beneath the frosted lens.
  • Wiring: Heavy 16-gauge, four-wire construction with redundant data wiring — the system can keep working if one light fails.
  • Connections: Modules are manufactured as part of the wire assembly, with no separate connector at every individual light.
  • Power draw: Less than one watt per light.
  • White range: Advertised presets include 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K and 5000K.
  • Available systems: Both 12V and newer 48V configurations may be offered depending on the installation and market.
  • Spacing options: Commonly ~6, 9 or 16 inches, with 9 inches giving the traditional-light appearance.

What sets it apart

Proprietary rectangular housing, frosted architectural lens and a four-wire system.

How it's powered

The controller and power supply are designed for indoor installation — typically mounted on an interior garage wall — and plug into a standard 110V outlet (often GFCI-protected) rated for the load. Low-voltage wiring is then routed from the garage up to the soffit.

JellyFish specifications above are compiled from publicly available manufacturer information as of September 2026 and may change. JellyFish Lighting and related marks are trademarks of their respective owner; Eavefy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by that manufacturer.

Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro

Larger standalone square puck

Color system
RGBICWW (color + warm/cool white)
Lens
Convex anti-glare lens
Per light
< 1 watt
Weather
IP67 (control box IP65)
Module shape
Rounded-square puck
Spacing
~20" (60 lights / 100 ft)
  • Puck design: White or black molded rounded-square module with a prominent circular optical lens.
  • Lens: Convex anti-glare lens engineered to project a recognizable triangular wall-wash cone.
  • LED system: RGBICWW — independently controlled color effects with warm- and cool-white capability.
  • Wiring: Each puck is permanently connected to visible flat cable running between modules.
  • Track: A metal track is not part of the standard system; tracks and covers seen online are normally aftermarket additions.
  • Installation: Factory adhesive and cable clips attach the modules directly under the soffit.
  • Customization: Pro strands can be cut and extended within the manufacturer’s instructions and length limits.
  • Weather rating: Light strings are IP67; the control box is listed as IP65.
  • White range: Approximately 2700K–6500K.
  • Typical spacing: A 100-foot kit contains 60 lights — roughly 20 inches between modules.

What sets it apart

A larger standalone square puck that creates a broad triangular cone without requiring a professional aluminum channel.

How it's powered

The included power adapter is rated for indoor use only (not weatherproof). It is commonly placed in an attic or garage, or inside a weatherproof enclosure under the eave, with the low-voltage cable passed through the soffit to the lights. The control box is listed as IP65.

Govee specifications above are compiled from publicly available manufacturer information as of September 2026 and may change. Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro and related marks are trademarks of their respective owner; Eavefy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by that manufacturer.

Trimlight 3L

Clear raised three-LED bulb

Color system
RGB color-changing
Lens
Clear raised dome
Per light
~0.9 watt (12V)
Weather
IP68
Module shape
Raised clear dome bulb
Spacing
6", 9" or 12"
  • Puck design: Compact clear inline bulb with a raised transparent dome.
  • LED construction: Contains three LEDs, which is why it is called the 3L.
  • Color system: RGB color-changing module; published 3L specs do not describe a separate dedicated warm-white diode.
  • Lens: Clear raised dome provides stronger visibility from different angles and a more traditional holiday-light look.
  • Wiring: Black wires enter opposite sides of the clear sealed housing.
  • Power: 12V, approximately 0.9 watt per bulb.
  • Brightness: Approximately 30–60 lumens, depending on the measurement method.
  • Weather rating: IP68.
  • Spacing options: 6, 9 or 12 inches.
  • Rated life: 50,000+ hours.
  • Installation: Inserted into a patented color-matched channel, with the wires hidden behind it.

What sets it apart

A raised three-LED clear bulb designed to stay discreet during the day while offering greater nighttime visibility from multiple angles.

How it's powered

A 12V system powered by a transformer/controller, generally installed in the garage or a protected exterior location, feeding low-voltage wiring that is concealed behind the channel.

Trimlight specifications above are compiled from publicly available manufacturer information as of September 2026 and may change. Trimlight 3L and related marks are trademarks of their respective owner; Eavefy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by that manufacturer.

Side-by-side at a glance

SystemModule shapeColor systemLensPer lightWeatherSpacing
Gemstone LightsRound clear puckRGB + dedicated warm whiteClear (optics visible)~1 wattIP67Fixed in custom track
JellyFish LightingRectangular frosted moduleRGB + multiple white presetsLarge frosted circular lens< 1 wattSealed module~6", 9" or 16"
Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights ProRounded-square puckRGBICWW (color + warm/cool white)Convex anti-glare lens< 1 wattIP67 (control box IP65)~20" (60 lights / 100 ft)
Trimlight 3LRaised clear dome bulbRGB color-changingClear raised dome~0.9 watt (12V)IP686", 9" or 12"

Comparison compiled from publicly available manufacturer information as of September 2026 and subject to change. Figures such as spacing, wattage and weather ratings are typical published values and can vary by product generation, configuration and installation.

How the lights are powered

Every system is low-voltage at the roofline, fed by a transformer or control box that connects to household power. Where that box lives — an exterior wall near the roof, a garage wall, or an attic — depends on the specific system and your home’s layout, and is finalized during the on-site design. In some homes a licensed electrician adds a dedicated outlet.

Gemstone Lights

The control box houses the system power and “brains” and plugs into a standard 120V outlet. It is commonly mounted on the home exterior near the roofline, or inside a garage attic. Larger runs (several hundred feet) may need multiple control boxes and power connections; a licensed electrician may add an outlet if none is nearby.

JellyFish Lighting

The controller and power supply are designed for indoor installation — typically mounted on an interior garage wall — and plug into a standard 110V outlet (often GFCI-protected) rated for the load. Low-voltage wiring is then routed from the garage up to the soffit.

Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro

The included power adapter is rated for indoor use only (not weatherproof). It is commonly placed in an attic or garage, or inside a weatherproof enclosure under the eave, with the low-voltage cable passed through the soffit to the lights. The control box is listed as IP65.

Trimlight 3L

A 12V system powered by a transformer/controller, generally installed in the garage or a protected exterior location, feeding low-voltage wiring that is concealed behind the channel.

Power-sourcing descriptions are typical examples based on publicly available manufacturer information as of September 2026 and on common installation practice. The exact location of the transformer or control box, and whether an electrician is needed, is always confirmed during your on-site design.

How the track looks during the day

Switched off in daylight, a well-installed track is discreet. Because the channel is color-matched to your soffit or fascia, most people never notice it until the lights come on. The exact daytime look depends on the system, the mounting location and the color chosen.

Black color-matched permanent lighting track with warm-white pucks mounted on a dark soffit, seen during the day
A black track color-matched to a dark soffit keeps the daytime profile minimal.
White permanent lighting track blending into a light-colored home soffit and fascia during the day
On a lighter home, a white track blends into the fascia line.

How we measure — and price fairly

One of the most common questions we get is “how do you come up with the measurement and the price?” Before we ever visit, we trace your home's roofline on high-resolution satellite imagery to calculate the linear footage that would carry lighting. That gives you a fast, transparent starting estimate — then we confirm everything on-site so the final design and price match your actual home.

  • We outline the exact roofline that would be lit on satellite imagery.
  • The tool calculates perimeter footage and area for an accurate starting point.
  • Pricing is based on measured linear footage — not a vague guess.
  • An on-site visit confirms the design before anything is finalized.
Satellite view of a home with its roofline traced using a measurement tool, showing calculated perimeter and area for a permanent lighting estimate
A traced roofline on satellite imagery gives a precise starting measurement for a fair, transparent quote.

Transparent, itemized pricing — no crazy seasonal markups

You should know exactly what you're paying for. Every Eavefy quote breaks the project down section by section so you can see how the price is built — and you'll never get hit with inflated holiday or “busy season” pricing. The same fair rate applies whether you book in July or December.

Itemized by section

Front roofline, garage, peaks, dormers, accent runs and more are each listed with their own footage and price — not lumped into one vague number.

Measured, not guessed

Pricing is based on the actual linear footage we measure from satellite imagery and confirm on-site, so the number reflects your real home.

No seasonal surge pricing

We don’t raise prices around the holidays or during peak demand. What we quote is what you pay, any time of year.

Important disclaimer

All product specifications, features, spacing, wattages, weather ratings and power-sourcing details on this page were compiled from publicly available information published by each manufacturer as of September 2026. This information is provided for general educational and comparison purposes only, may contain errors, and is subject to change without notice. Always confirm current specifications with the respective manufacturer before making a purchasing decision.

Gemstone Lights, JellyFish Lighting, Govee (Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro) and Trimlight (Trimlight 3L) are trademarks of their respective owners. Eavefy is an independent lighting design and installation company and is not affiliated with, authorized by, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of these manufacturers. All brand names are used for identification and comparison purposes only.

Power-sourcing descriptions (for example, where a transformer or control box is typically located) are general examples based on common installation practice and published guidance; the correct setup for your home, and any electrical work required, is determined during an on-site assessment by qualified installers.

Not sure which system fits your home?

Eavefy designs and professionally installs permanent outdoor lighting across Texas. Get a free, satellite-measured quote with a custom design mockup — no obligation.

Or call: (817) 393-5835