What Is The Best Outdoor Lighting Option?

DIY Solar-Powered Landscape Lighting vs. Low-Voltage Lighting: Which Outdoor Lighting Option Is Best?

December 16, 2025

Choosing the right landscape lighting can dramatically improve your home's curb appeal, safety, and nighttime ambience. Two of the most common options homeowners compare are DIY solar-powered landscape lighting and professionally installed low-voltage lighting systems.

Both offer unique benefits, but they perform very differently in terms of brightness, durability, and long-term value. This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and ideal use cases of solar landscape lighting vs. low-voltage landscape lighting so you can choose the best solution for your outdoor space.

What Is DIY Solar-Powered Landscape Lighting?

Solar landscape lights use small solar panels to capture sunlight during the day and turn on automatically at night. Because they require no wiring, they’re one of the easiest and most affordable DIY outdoor lighting options.

Benefits of Solar Landscape Lighting

Easy, no-wiring installation
Ideal for homeowners who want quick lighting without hiring a professional.
Lowest upfront cost
Most solar path lights cost $10–$30 per fixture.
Zero energy cost
All power comes from sunlight.
Flexible and portable
Great for renters or temporary setup.

Drawbacks of Solar Lighting

Inconsistent brightness
Performance drops on cloudy days, in shaded yards, or in winter.
Shorter lifespan
Rechargeable batteries and solar panels degrade over time.
Lower light output
Most solar lights produce fewer lumens compared to wired systems.
Limited design impact
Good for pathways but not for highlighting trees, architecture, or large outdoor areas.

Best Uses for Solar Lights

Basic path lighting
Small garden accents
Seasonal or decorative lighting
Small yards with full sun exposure

What Is Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting?

A low-voltage landscape lighting system uses a transformer to safely reduce household current to 12 volts. Professional installers design and wire the system to ensure consistent illumination throughout your property.

Benefits of Low-Voltage Outdoor Lighting

Bright, consistent illumination
Performs reliably in any weather or season.
Professional design & dramatic effect
Enhances architecture, trees, pathways, driveways, and outdoor living areas.
Long-lasting fixtures
High-quality brass or aluminum fixtures can last decades.
Smart controls available
Timers, zones, dimmers, and app-based automation.
Excellent for home security
Brightens dark areas and improves visibility.

Drawbacks of Low-Voltage Lighting

Higher initial cost
Designed and installed by a professional using the highest quality fixtures and accompanying equipment.
Requires expert installation
Wiring, transformer sizing, design research and layout are best done by pros.
Less portable than solar
The system is semi-permanent but can be adjusted.

Best Uses for Low-Voltage Lighting

Whole-property landscape lighting
Architectural accent lighting
Tree uplighting
Driveway and path illumination
Outdoor entertaining spaces
Security lighting

Solar vs. Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting: Key Comparison

Feature / Benefit	DIY Solar Lighting	Low-Voltage Lighting
Upfront Cost	Low	Medium–High
Energy Cost	Free	Very Low
Brightness	Low–Moderate	High
Reliability	Weather-dependent	Consistent year-round
Fixture Lifespan	Shorter	Long-lasting
Design Quality	Basic	High-end
Maintenance	Moderate	Low
Best For	Simple accents	Full-property lighting

Ready to Make Your Choice?

If you are ready to collaborate with an experienced outdoor lighting designer to professionally install a high-quality outdoor lighting system, reach out to AVL Outdoor Lighting & Design and let us provide a free consultation and estimate.

Based in Arden, North Carolina, AVL Outdoor Lighting & Design is a family-owned company specializing in architectural, landscape, and event illumination across Western North Carolina.