Light Tower Rentals

Portable light towers are essential for nighttime construction, outdoor events, emergency response, and any job site that needs temporary illumination. RentalHawk helps you compare light tower rental prices from top providers in your area.

Light Tower Rental Options

Portable light towers come in several configurations, from compact pedestals for small areas to towable units that illuminate entire job sites. Choosing the right type depends on your coverage area, power source preference, and whether the unit needs to be mobile.

Towable Light Towers (Diesel/Gas)

The most common rental option. Towable light towers feature 4-6 metal halide or LED fixtures mounted on a telescoping mast that extends 20-30 feet. They’re powered by an onboard diesel or gas generator and provide 360-degree illumination covering 1-5 acres. Ideal for construction sites, road work, parking lots, and large events. Expect to pay $75 to $200 per day or $800 to $2,500 per month.

LED Light Towers

LED light towers consume 50-70% less fuel than traditional metal halide units and produce brighter, whiter light. They run longer on a single tank (60-100+ hours vs. 40-60 hours for metal halide) and require less maintenance. LED units cost slightly more to rent — $100 to $250 per day — but the fuel savings often offset the premium.

Solar-Powered Light Towers

Solar light towers use photovoltaic panels to charge battery packs during the day, providing emission-free illumination at night. They’re ideal for remote locations without generator access, environmentally sensitive sites, and long-duration projects where fuel delivery is impractical. Monthly rates range from $1,200 to $3,000.

Compact Light Pedestals

Light pedestals (also called balloon lights or light stands) are smaller, portable units that provide localized illumination for specific work areas. They typically mount on a 6-12 foot telescoping stand and produce soft, glare-free light. Perfect for indoor construction, confined spaces, and small outdoor work areas. Daily rates range from $50 to $125.

Balloon Lights

Balloon lights use an inflatable diffuser to produce 360-degree glare-free illumination. They’re popular for emergency response, disaster relief, road construction, and film production because they eliminate harsh shadows. Rental rates typically run $100 to $300 per day.

Factors That Affect Light Tower Rental Cost

Several factors influence what you’ll pay for a light tower rental:

• Light technology: LED units cost more upfront but save on fuel; metal halide is cheaper to rent
• Power source: Diesel generators are standard; solar units cost more but eliminate fuel costs
• Tower height: Taller masts (30+ ft) provide greater coverage and cost more
• Rental duration: Monthly rates offer 40-60% savings over daily rates
• Number of fixtures: 4-lamp vs. 6-lamp configurations affect both coverage and price
• Delivery distance: Most providers charge $75-$200 for delivery and pickup

How to Choose the Right Light Tower

Match the light tower to your specific application:

• Large construction sites: Towable diesel light tower — maximum coverage, reliable power
• Long-duration projects: LED or solar — lower operating costs over weeks/months
• Indoor or confined work: Light pedestal — compact, no exhaust emissions
• Events and film production: Balloon lights — soft, even illumination without glare
• Remote sites: Solar light tower — no fuel delivery needed
• Emergency response: LED towable with fast-deploy mast — quick setup, bright output

Rent vs. Buy: Light Towers

A new towable light tower costs $8,000-$25,000 depending on configuration. Renting makes sense for seasonal work, specific projects, or when you need multiple units temporarily. Purchasing is more economical for contractors who use light towers daily year-round. Many rental companies offer rent-to-own programs that apply a portion of rental payments toward purchase.