an improvement in a recessed lighting strip that interlocks between insulated roof panels is presented herein . the recessed lighting strip uses mating interlocks to snap between the insulated panels , providing a method to place lights at each panel juncture across the width of the application , without violating the integrity of the panels themselves . the lighting strip is made from extruded plastic or aluminum that is essentially an open - topped rectangular box , shaped on the sides to interlock with foam insulated room panels that are typically 3 ″- 6 ″ thick and used in the construction of patio covers , patio enclosures , sunrooms and all other residential and commercial applications which use insulated roof panels .