Choosing the right landscape lighting can elevate your outdoor space from simply functional to truly spectacular. Whether you’re illuminating garden paths, spotlighting architectural features, or creating ambient mood lighting around your patio, the right setup can completely transform your curb appeal and outdoor usability, especially after sunset.
With an increasing push toward sustainability and cost-efficiency, many homeowners in the GTA find themselves weighing the pros and cons of solar versus wired LED landscape lighting. Both have their unique strengths, but deciding what suits your property best depends on a variety of factors—budget, aesthetic goals, long-term performance, and the Toronto climate.
As one of the top landscape companies in Toronto, we’re here to shed light on your options, starting with a deep dive into solar landscape lighting.
What Is Solar Landscape Lighting?
Solar landscape lighting harnesses the sun’s energy to power LED lights around your property. It’s a self-contained system that works beautifully for areas that receive ample daylight and where trenching wires might be inconvenient or costly.
How It Works
Solar lighting systems function using three main components:
- Built-in Solar Panel Charges During the Day: Each unit is equipped with a small photovoltaic panel that captures sunlight and converts it into electricity.
- Battery Stores Energy to Power Lights at Night: The electricity generated during the day is stored in a rechargeable battery housed within the fixture. Once the sun sets, the system automatically switches on, drawing power from the battery to illuminate your yard or pathway.
It’s a smart, self-sufficient system that can be installed virtually anywhere with sun access.
Key Benefits of Solar Lighting
Solar lighting offers several advantages that appeal to eco-conscious and budget-minded homeowners. Here’s why it might be the right choice for your landscape lighting in Toronto:
1. Easy Installation (No Wiring Needed)
No wires, no trenching, no digging. This is one of the biggest perks. Solar lighting installation can often be done DIY-style—just stake the lights into the ground where desired.
2. Zero Energy Bills
Once installed, solar lights don’t cost a dime to operate. They use 100% renewable energy from the sun, which can be a major plus for homeowners looking to keep their utility bills low.
3. Eco-Friendly
Solar lighting significantly reduces your carbon footprint. It’s powered by clean, renewable energy and doesn’t draw electricity from the grid, making it an environmentally responsible choice.
4. Great for Accent/Path Lighting
Solar lights are ideal for accent lighting—think gentle illumination along garden paths, walkways, or small garden beds. They create a soft, inviting ambiance that enhances nighttime safety and beauty.
Common Limitations
As promising as solar lighting sounds, it’s not without its drawbacks. Before making your final decision, consider the following limitations:
1. Dimmer Light Output
Solar lights often emit less brightness compared to wired systems. If you need high-intensity illumination for security purposes or large open spaces, solar may fall short.
2. Dependence on Sun Exposure
Toronto winters and overcast days can impact the performance of solar fixtures. If your yard is heavily shaded or has limited sunlight hours, the lights may not charge sufficiently to stay bright through the night.
3. Shorter Lifespan Compared to Wired Systems
The rechargeable batteries in solar lights typically wear out faster than hardwired systems. Over time, you may need to replace the entire fixture or the internal battery, adding to long-term maintenance costs.
What Is Wired LED Landscape Lighting?
While solar lighting brings simplicity and eco-friendliness, wired LED landscape lighting is the gold standard when it comes to performance, reliability, and customization. Many landscape companies recommend wired systems for homeowners who want a robust, long-term solution that delivers high brightness and control, regardless of weather conditions.
Wired LED systems are ideal for properties that demand consistent illumination, added security, or elevated aesthetic appeal.
How It Works
Wired LED landscape lighting functions through a hardwired setup connected to your home’s electrical system. Here’s how the typical system operates:
- Low-Voltage Transformer Connects to Electrical System: The lighting system begins with a transformer that converts your household 120-volt current to a safer 12-volt current, perfect for outdoor use and safe around kids and pets.
- Runs Through Buried Cables: From the transformer, the current is distributed through a network of underground cables. Fixtures are connected along these lines and strategically placed throughout the landscape for uniform lighting coverage.
It’s a seamless and permanent solution that delivers high-quality illumination, perfect for all seasons and any time of day or night.
Key Benefits of Wired LED Lighting
There’s a reason wired systems remain the top choice among high-end landscape lighting installations. Let’s take a closer look at what makes them shine:
1. Brighter, Consistent Lighting
Wired LEDs provide a higher lumen output than most solar fixtures. This means brighter walkways, well-lit outdoor living areas, and dramatically enhanced curb appeal—even in large or shaded yards.
2. Long Lifespan and Performance Control
LED bulbs are incredibly energy-efficient and long-lasting, often rated for 50,000+ hours. When paired with a wired system, you enjoy uninterrupted lighting without the worry of battery failures or cloudy-day blackouts.
3. Programmable Settings and Automation Possible
Want your lights to turn on at sunset and off at midnight? Prefer dimming features or motion-sensor activation? With wired systems, automation and smart-home integration are easy. You can control schedules, brightness levels, and even lighting zones to suit different areas and occasions.
4. Better for Security and High-Use Areas
Because of their strength and reliability, wired LEDs are ideal for driveways, patios, entrances, and other high-traffic or security-sensitive areas. Unlike solar lights, they don’t flicker or fade over time, and they’ll shine regardless of weather conditions.
Drawbacks of Wired Systems
Wired systems offer premium performance, but they do come with a few practical considerations:
1. Professional Installation Required
This isn’t a weekend DIY project. Installing wired landscape lighting in Toronto requires electrical expertise and compliance with local codes. Fortunately, many experienced landscape companies offer turnkey lighting design and installation services.
2. Higher Upfront Cost
Between equipment, professional installation, and potential trenching, wired systems demand a bigger upfront investment. However, many homeowners find the long-term reliability and enhanced ambiance well worth the price tag.
3. Minor Trenching or Cable Laying Required
Running underground wires requires minor excavation, which may slightly disrupt existing landscaping during the installation process. The good news? Skilled landscape teams plan installations to minimize any disturbance, and your yard is typically restored the same day.
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Solar vs. Wired LED: Feature-by-Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Solar Lighting | Wired LED Lighting |
| Installation | DIY, no wires | Professional, wired |
| Brightness | Lower | High, consistent |
| Cost (Upfront) | Lower | Higher |
| Energy Efficiency | 100% solar (free) | Energy-efficient but grid-based |
| Maintenance | Occasional battery replacement | Minimal after install |
| Weather Dependence | Yes | No |
| Lifespan | Shorter | Longer |
| Best Use Cases | Pathways, accents | Driveways, patios, and security lighting |
Factors to Consider Before Making a Choice
Choosing between solar and wired LED landscape lighting isn’t about picking the “best” option. It’s about choosing what works best for you. Here’s how to think through it like a homeowner, not a lighting technician.
1. Start with Your Budget
Are you looking for a simple upgrade or planning a complete outdoor transformation?
If you’re after a quick, cost-effective way to light up your garden path or patio, solar lighting is a fantastic starting point. It’s affordable, easy to install, and doesn’t require an electrician.
On the other hand, if you’re investing in your forever home or want a polished, long-lasting lighting system, wired LED lighting offers better performance and value over time. Yes, it’s a bigger upfront investment, but it pays off in brightness, control, and durability.
2. Take a Look at Your Sun Exposure
Is your yard sunny most of the day, or do the trees and fences hog all the light?
If your outdoor space gets lots of direct sunlight, solar lights can perform really well, especially in spring and summer. But if you’ve got a shaded yard, north-facing property, or just long, gloomy winters, solar might not be reliable. In those cases, wired lighting is your best bet for year-round consistency.
3. Think About Why You’re Adding Landscape Lighting
Are you going for ambiance… or do you want something more functional?
If you’re creating a cozy vibe around a garden, walkway, or sitting area, solar lights can give you that gentle glow. But if you need bright, focused lighting—like at your driveway, entrance, or around dark corners for security—a wired LED system is going to deliver the power and reliability you need.
4. Consider Your Future Plans
Is this a small weekend upgrade, or part of a bigger landscape vision?
If you’re planning to expand your outdoor lighting later, maybe add lights around the deck, driveway, or water feature. It’s worth thinking long-term. Wired systems are far more flexible when it comes to customizing layouts, brightness zones, or automation features.
Solar lights are great for quick wins, but can be limiting if you want a more sophisticated setup later on.
Hybrid Options: Can You Combine Both?
Absolutely. In fact, many landscape companies recommend blending both systems to balance performance with budget.
Use solar lights to accent flower beds, fences, or garden paths—where wiring may be difficult or unnecessary. Then, apply wired LED lighting for driveways, entrances, patios, or entertaining areas that need reliable, bright illumination.
This hybrid approach gives you flexibility and can reduce installation costs while delivering both form and function.
What the Experts Recommend for Canadian Homeowners
If you live in Toronto or anywhere in southern Ontario, seasonal changes must be considered.
Here’s what landscape pros often suggest:
- Short winters and less sun = wired LED often preferred for consistency: With limited daylight hours and heavy cloud cover in winter, solar lights can struggle. Wired systems, on the other hand, provide reliable lighting in all weather conditions.
- Solar still works great for summer patio areas and garden paths: During the sunnier months, solar lighting can complement your yard beautifully, particularly in low-traffic areas.
- Consider lighting timers and motion sensors for energy savings: Wired systems paired with smart automation can reduce your electricity usage without sacrificing convenience or brightness.
Final Verdict: Which Option Is Right for You?
Still not sure? Let’s break it down.
Choose Solar if:
- You want a quick, budget-friendly, and eco-conscious solution
- You’re lighting small accent areas or garden paths
- Your yard gets full sun for most of the day
Choose Wired LED if:
- You need high-performance lighting for security, driveways, or patios
- You want full control with programmable features
- You’re looking for a long-lasting, scalable system
Ultimately, both options have their place. The smartest choice? Talk to the experts.
Ready to Invest in Landscape Lighting the Right Way?
Whether you’re dreaming of an ambient garden glow or full-scale lighting for safety and style, the right solution starts with a custom plan. Our team at LandCon specializes in landscape lighting in Toronto, offering expert design and installation services tailored to your needs.
Let Toronto’s trusted landscape pros help you create an outdoor space that’s beautiful, functional, and brilliantly lit—every season of the year.
Call us at 416.504.5263 or email us at info@landcon.ca to book your consultation today and bring your outdoor vision to light.
