X-10 is an electronic system that allows you to control lights, heating and cooling, just about any thing electrical even the curtains, garage doors and gates.
Basic installation is very easy for lamps and plug in items.
The minimum requirements are one control unit and one control module. There are several types of modules and switches to replace existing wall switches. In a completely automated home all lights, pool pumps, and security systems are manageable or run by X-10 control units. Just login to my home website and turn on, off or dim any controlled unit from any where in the world. The software I use accepts Longitude and Latitude so that assorted lights can be set to go on, off or dim relative to sunrise and sunset.