Solar Outdoor Lights vs Wired Outdoor Lights: Which Is Best for You?

Are you torn between choosing solar outdoor lights or wired outdoor lighting for your outdoors? This decision can be more complex than it seems, especially with the variety of factors to consider.

Each option has its own strengths, and the right choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the details, comparing solar outdoor lights and wired outdoor lights across several key factors.

From installation and maintenance to performance and energy efficiency, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make the best decision for your outdoor space.

This guide will help you choose the perfect outdoor lighting solution for your outdoors, whether you're lighting up patio walls or pathways, highlighting your landscape with landscape lighting, or enhancing security.

Deciding Factors Between Solar and Wired Outdoor Lights

1. Cost Analysis

When deciding between solar and wired outdoor lights, cost is a big factor. Let’s break it down into upfront and ongoing costs of each.

Upfront Costs

• Solar Lights: These are generally more affordable upfront. You don’t need to pay for complex wiring or professional installation. Just buy the lights and set them up in your garden. It’s a simple and cost-effective solution.
• Wired Lights: Wired lights usually come with a higher price tag. You’ll need to buy the fixtures and also pay for installation, which often requires an electrician. This makes the initial investment more significant.

Ongoing Costs

• Solar Lights: Once installed, solar lights don’t add to your electricity bill. They run on sunlight, so your only ongoing cost is occasionally replacing the rechargeable batteries.
• Wired Lights: Wired lights will increase your electricity bill. Plus, if you don't opt for a better-quality product, you might need to pay for maintenance if any wiring or fixtures need repair.

Verdict

In terms of cost, low installation costs and minimal ongoing expenses make solar outdoor lights the clear winner. They offer an affordable and easy solution, making them ideal if you’re looking to keep costs down while still adding effective outdoor lighting.

2. Maintenance

When it comes to maintenance, both solar and wired outdoor lights have their own set of requirements. Let’s explore what’s involved with each option.

• Solar Lights: Solar lights are known for being low maintenance. Once installed, they mostly take care of themselves by charging during the day and lighting up at night.
  
  However, over time, you might face a few issues, like worn-out plastic fixtures due to exposure to the elements. Additionally, the rechargeable batteries in solar lights will eventually need to be replaced, though this isn’t a frequent task.
• Wired Lights: Wired outdoor lights are reliable but require regular maintenance. You’ll need to check the wiring and connections periodically to ensure everything is working correctly.
  
  Exposure to weather conditions can cause wear and tear on the cables, which might need repairs or replacement over time if not protected.

Verdict

In terms of maintenance, solar lights have a slight edge. They are generally low-maintenance and require less frequent attention compared to wired lights.

While they do have some upkeep, like battery replacements, it’s relatively minimal compared to the ongoing checks and potential repairs needed for wired lighting systems.

3. Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is an important factor when choosing outdoor lighting. Let’s compare solar and wired lighting in terms of energy consumption.

• Solar Lights: Solar lights are highly energy-efficient because they run entirely on renewable solar energy. They don’t draw any power from the grid, which means they have zero impact on your electricity bills.

  
  
  By harnessing the sun’s energy, outdoor solar lighting also help reduce your carbon footprint, making them an eco-friendly option for your outdoor lighting needs.
  
  Their reliance on solar panels to absorb sunlight and convert it into electrical energy ensures that they’re a green choice, especially in sunny climates.

• Wired Lights: Wired outdoor lights, while reliable, do consume electricity from your home’s power supply. The amount of energy they use can vary depending on the type of bulbs used.

  For instance, using LED bulbs can significantly reduce energy consumption compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
  
  LED lights are known for their energy efficiency, using up to 75% less energy and lasting much longer. However, wired lights will still contribute to your electricity bills, which is something to consider when choosing your lighting solution.

Verdict

In terms of energy efficiency, solar lights have the advantage. They use renewable energy and don’t add to your electricity costs, making them a greener and more cost-effective option over time.

Wired lights, particularly those using LED bulbs, are also efficient but still rely on electricity from the grid, which means they have a higher ongoing energy cost.

4. Aesthetic Versatility

The visual appeal of your outdoor lights can make a big difference in the look of your garden. Let’s compare solar and wired lights in terms of style options.

• Solar Lights: Solar lights come in a variety of designs. You can find sleek, modern styles or more decorative, traditional options. They’re great for adding charm to pathways or highlighting garden features. However, because they rely on solar panels, some designs might be simpler to ensure they function well.
• Wired Lights: Wired lights offer even more variety. There’s a wider range of fixtures, from elegant wall lights to intricate wired landscape lighting systems. These lights can be more complex and customizable, allowing you to create a unique look. Plus, since they don’t rely on solar panels, you have more flexibility in choosing elaborate designs.

Verdict

While solar outdoor lights offer a good range of attractive designs, wired outdoor lights take the lead when it comes to aesthetic versatility.

They provide a broader selection of styles and can be integrated into more complex and customized landscape lighting designs.

This makes wired lights the preferred choice for those looking to achieve a specific, cohesive look in their outdoor spaces.

5. Brightness and Coverage

The quality of brightness and coverage is crucial when it comes to outdoor lighting. Let’s compare how solar and wired lights perform.

• Solar Lights: Solar lights are great for small areas like garden paths or decorative spots. However, their brightness can fade as the night goes on because the battery drains. This means they start bright but might dim out before morning. The coverage is usually limited, so they work best for accent lighting rather than fully lighting up larger spaces.
• Wired Lights: Wired lights, on the other hand, provide consistent brightness all night long. Since they’re powered by your home’s electricity, there’s no dimming as the hours pass. They offer strong, steady light and can cover larger areas effectively. This makes them ideal for driveways, patios, or expansive gardens where you need reliable lighting.

Verdict

In terms of lighting quality, wired outdoor lights come out on top.

They offer brighter, more reliable illumination, making them the better choice for those who need dependable lighting throughout the night.

6. Dependability on External Weather Conditions

How well your outdoor lights perform depends on a few key factors. Let’s compare how solar and wired lights are influenced by external factors.

Solar Lights Dependence on Sunlight

Outdoor solar lights need direct sunlight to charge during the day. If it’s sunny, they work well. But on cloudy days or in shaded areas, they might not get enough charge. This can lead to dim lights at night.

So, if your garden has a lot of shade or if you live in an area with frequent cloudy weather, solar lights might not always be reliable.

Wired Lights Independence from Weather Conditions

Wired lights don’t depend on sunlight. They work consistently, no matter the weather. Whether it’s sunny, rainy, or snowy, wired lights provide reliable illumination. You won’t have to worry about them dimming as the night goes on or if it’s been a cloudy day.

Verdict

When it comes to dependability, wired outdoor lights have the upper hand.

They offer steady lighting regardless of sunlight or weather, making them a more reliable choice for any outdoor space.

7. Placement Flexibility

Where you can place your outdoor lights makes a big difference in how well they meet your needs. Let’s compare the placement flexibility of solar and wired lights.

Solar Lights

• Flexibility with No Wires: Solar lights offer great flexibility because they aren’t tethered to a power source by wires. You can easily place them wherever you like without worrying about finding a nearby outlet or dealing with cables.

  However, there’s a catch—solar lights need direct sunlight to charge effectively.
  If your garden has a lot of shade from trees, buildings, or architectural features, it can be challenging to find the right spot for your solar landscape lights. This dependency of solar landscape lighting on sunlight can limit where you can place solar lights, as they won’t work well in shaded areas or under structures.

Wired Lights

• Placement Flexibility: Wired lights, on the other hand, offer even more flexibility when it comes to placement. Since they don’t rely on sunlight, you can install them almost anywhere, regardless of how much sun the area receives.
  For example, you can attach wired landscape lighting to shaded walls or areas that don’t get direct sunlight without worrying about their performance.
  This makes wired landscape lights a more versatile option for those with low sunlight coverage, ensuring consistent lighting throughout your outdoor space.

Verdict

While both solar and wired lights offer placement flexibility, wired outdoor lights provide more options. They can be installed in a variety of locations without being dependent on sunlight, making them a versatile choice for any outdoor space. This allows you to illuminate areas that might be challenging for solar lights, ensuring your entire space is well-lit.

8. Smart Features and Controls

Smart features can add convenience and versatility to your outdoor lighting. Let’s see how solar and wired lights compare in this area.

Solar Lights

• Automatic On/Off: Solar lights usually have sensors that turn the lights on at dusk and off at dawn. This feature makes them easy to use, as they adjust to the natural light levels without any need for manual control.

• Motion Detection: Some solar lights also include motion sensors. These lights only turn on when they detect movement, which helps save battery life and adds a layer of security to your home.

• Limitations: While these features are useful, solar lights often lack more advanced controls. You typically won’t find options for dimming, setting timers, or integrating with smart home systems. This can limit how much you can personalize your lighting setup.

Wired Lights

• Advanced Features: Wired lights offer a much broader range of smart features. You can add dimmers to control brightness, set timers for automatic on/off scheduling, and use motion detectors for enhanced security. This allows you to tailor your lighting to suit different needs and occasions.
• Smart Home Integration: Many wired lighting systems are compatible with smart home technology, enabling you to control your lights through apps or voice commands with systems like Alexa or Google Home. This makes managing your outdoor lighting incredibly convenient and flexible.

Verdict

Wired outdoor lights excel when it comes to smart features.

They provide a wider array of options and greater control, making them a better choice if you’re looking to create a customized and responsive outdoor lighting system.

Final Verdict: Solar vs Wired Outdoor Lights?

When deciding between solar outdoor lights and wired outdoor lights, your choice depends on your specific needs, considerations and preferences.

Solar lights are budget-friendly, easy to install, and eco-friendly, making them a great option if you're looking for low-maintenance, energy-efficient lighting that reduces your carbon footprint. However, they rely heavily on sunlight, which can limit their placement and brightness, especially in shaded areas or during cloudy weather.

Wired lights, on the other hand, offer more consistent performance, superior brightness, and greater placement flexibility. They come with advanced smart features and less dependent on weather conditions, making them ideal for those who want full control over their outdoor lighting. Although they have higher upfront and ongoing costs, their reliability and customization options make them a solid choice for larger or more complex outdoor spaces.

In summary, if you value low cost and eco-friendliness, solar lights are a good choice. But if you need dependable, bright lighting with more placement and control options, wired lights might be the better investment.

If you’re torn between the two, why not consider a hybrid approach?

Mixing solar garden lights with outdoor wall lights can give you the best of both worlds—eco-friendly lighting for garden paths and reliable, bright illumination for areas that need it most.

Explore the 7Pandas exterior lighting collection today to find the perfect blend of solar and wired options for your outdoor space.