When the sun sets and the night takes over your yard, do you feel like something is missing? Maybe it’s a little more light to bring your garden, pathways, or patio to life after dark. Or perhaps you’ve already installed outdoor lighting but aren’t happy with the results. You’re not alone. Many homeowners desire outdoor spaces that shine at night as much as they do during the day. But with so many options for landscape lighting—specifically low voltage vs. solar—it can be tough to decide which is right for you.

You may find yourself asking: “Which lighting option is more energy-efficient? Which will last longer? Which is easier to install? Most importantly, which one won’t break the bank or require excessive upkeep?” These are all valid concerns.

At Brookside Landscape and Desgin, we understand that making the right lighting choice for your home can feel overwhelming. As experts in outdoor lighting, we’ve seen how difficult it can be to navigate all the options available. And we know you want a lighting solution that not only enhances the beauty of your yard but also provides long-lasting, energy-efficient results. So, in this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of low voltage and solar landscape lighting to help you make the best decision for your outdoor space.

The Basics: Low Voltage and Solar Landscape Lighting

Before diving into the details, let’s first understand the basics of each lighting system:

  • Low Voltage Lighting: These lights require a transformer to reduce the standard voltage from 120V down to 12V, which powers the lights through a wiring system. These systems typically need to be hardwired to your home’s electrical system.
  • Solar Lighting: Solar lights are powered by sunlight, which is captured by small solar panels mounted on the light fixtures. During the day, the panels collect sunlight, store it in rechargeable batteries, and then use that energy to power the light at night.

The key difference? Low voltage lighting requires an electrical connection and wiring, while solar lights run entirely on an electrical connection with the sun.

Low Voltage Landscape Lighting: The Pros and Cons

Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of low voltage lighting for your landscape.

The Pros of Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

  1. Energy Efficiency

    Low voltage lighting is designed to be energy-efficient. It uses much less power than traditional 120V lighting while providing a significant amount of light. If you’re concerned about your energy consumption, low voltage lights are a great option to light up your yard without skyrocketing your electricity bill.

  2. Long Lifespan

    Low voltage lights, especially LED variants, have a long lifespan. They can last between 20,000 to 50,000 hours, which translates to 25 years of use when running for about 6 hours a night. This makes them a long-term investment, compared to incandescent bulbs that burn out quickly.

  3. Consistent, Focused Lighting

    Low voltage lights are perfect for providing a bright, consistent, and focused light. Whether you’re lighting up a front entry walkway, highlighting a tree, or accenting architectural features, low voltage lighting provides dependable illumination throughout the night.

  4. Easy to Maintain

    Low voltage lights are very durable and require little maintenance. Because they last so long, you won’t need to replace bulbs frequently, saving both time and money.

  5. Flexible Design Options

    These lighting systems offer many different styles, from path lights and spotlights to puck lights installed into your patio and wall-mounted fixtures. With a variety of shapes, sizes, and color options, you can customize your lighting design to fit the mood and aesthetic of your yard.

The Cons of Low Voltage Landscape Lighting

  1. Higher Upfront Cost

    While low voltage lights are cost-effective to run, the initial investment can be higher than solar options. Additionally, you may need to hire a professional to install the system properly.

  2. Installation Requires Wiring

    Installing low voltage lighting involves running electrical wires, which can be a hassle if you’re not familiar with electrical work. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you may need a professional installer.

  3. Potential for Overheating

    Although rare, low voltage lights can overheat if they are not installed correctly, or if there is dust or debris around them. Ensuring proper installation and maintenance will prevent overheating issues.


Solar Landscape Lighting: The Pros and Cons

Now let’s look at solar lighting, which is another popular choice for homeowners who want an eco-friendly, low-maintenance option for their landscape.

The Pros of Solar Landscape Lighting

  1. No Wiring or Electricity Required

    One of the main benefits of solar lights is that they don’t require any wiring or external electricity source. You can easily install solar lights by placing them wherever you want in your yard without worrying about connecting them to power outlets.

  2. Low Operating Cost

    Solar lights are powered entirely by sunlight, so you don’t have to worry about adding to your electricity bill. Once you make the initial investment, there are no ongoing costs to operate them, making them budget-friendly in the long run.

  3. Environmentally Friendly

    Solar lights are powered by renewable solar energy, making them a sustainable, eco-conscious choice for homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

  4. Low Initial Investment

    Solar lights are typically less expensive upfront compared to low voltage lights, making them an attractive option for homeowners on a budget. They come in a variety of price points, from basic garden lights to more decorative styles.

  5. Easy Installation

    Solar lights are incredibly simple to install—just place them in the desired spot and you’re good to go. This makes them ideal for DIYers who don’t want to deal with complex wiring systems.

The Cons of Solar Landscape Lighting

  1. Lower Brightness

    While solar lights are great for providing soft ambiance, they typically don’t produce as much brightness as low voltage lights. If you’re looking for powerful lighting to highlight features like fountains, trees, or large paths, solar lights might not provide enough illumination.

  2. Performance Dependent on Sunlight

    Solar lights rely on sunlight to charge. If your yard is frequently shaded or you live in an area with cloudy weather, your solar lights might not perform at their best. Overcast days can result in lights that don’t stay on as long during the night. Here in the Pacific Northwest, while we do get our fair share of sun, a majority of our year is spent with overcast sky, rain, and darkness. Using solar lights in this environment, could leave you disappointed and wanting more and brighter lights.

  3. Shorter Lifespan

    Solar lights generally have a shorter lifespan than low voltage lights. Most solar lights last 2 to 4 years if you are lucky, before their batteries need replacing or the lights require maintenance. They can also suffer from inconsistent performance if the solar panel gets dirty or is obstructed.

So, Which One Is Better for Your Yard?

Now that we’ve broken down the pros and cons of both low voltage and solar landscape lighting, it’s time to ask: “Which one is best for my yard?”

Choose Low Voltage Lighting if you want:

  • Bright, focused light for larger areas or specific features
  • Long-lasting, energy-efficient lighting that’s low-maintenance
  • Flexibility in design and lighting placement
  • Don’t mind a higher upfront cost and the need for wiring installation

Choose Solar Lighting if you want:

  • A budget-friendly, no-wiring option
  • An eco-friendly solution that won’t add to your electricity bill
  • A lighting solution that works well in sunny locations with minimal maintenance
  • Easy-to-install lighting that can be repositioned easily

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Home

In the end, both low voltage and solar lighting have their unique advantages. If you’re looking for consistent, bright lighting with a long lifespan and don’t mind the installation process, low voltage lighting is the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a simple, eco-friendly, and budget-conscious solution, solar lighting might be perfect for you. At Brookside, we are big fans of low voltage lighting, yes there is more cost up front, but you are left with bright, almost maintenance free, long lasting lights for years to come.

No matter which option you choose, the right lighting can completely transform your outdoor space, creating beautiful ambiance, enhancing security, and adding value to your home. At Brookside Landscape and Design, we’re here to help you make an informed decision and bring your vision to life with expert lighting installation and advice. Ready to illuminate your yard and make it shine? Contact us today!