There is such a wide selection of garden lights available now and one of the things that need to be taken into consideration is power options which can be split into two main groups; wired garden lights or solar. Both have their advantages but which one to choose?

Flexibility

Solar garden lights can be used in lots of locations and be moved depending on your needs whereas wired garden lights need cabling. This makes them a bit more restrictive but if you have one specific use in mind for them then they’re ideal. The garden spotlights from Zexum have 3 internal LEDs for spotlighting garden features or for lighting pathways to deter potential thieves. They need no wiring, switching, or electrical knowledge.

Quality Of Light

The quality of light is very much dependent on the product you choose and the quality of the build but, generally, wired lights are brighter. Take the Lighthouse FLBPIR Powder Coated LED Flood Lights with PIR for example, these are an incredibly cost-effective lighting solution and reduce energy consumption by up to 80% compared to HID lights They have a 50,000-hour lamp life with very little maintenance needed.

Price

Once again the quality of the product you choose might be a deciding factor here. As a rule of thumb solar outdoor accent lighting is usually less expensive because they’re simpler and not as powerful. Don’t let price be your reason for your decision - The light you choose should fit your needs.

Bear in mind that with regards to the cost of running the light, both options differ. Solar lighting has no running costs, they’re powered by the sun and turn on at sunset. Wired lights run from your electricity which always involves cost.

Endurance

You want your garden lights to last for a long time so the question is, which lasts longer, wired or solar outdoor lighting?

Garden lights need to rated at least IP43 ensuring that they’re safe and will endure outside. Wired lights tend to be higher rated than wireless as they are connected to the mains power – no risk can be taken with electricity. Solar power or battery power are safer options and so they can be the minimum rating to withstand the weather.

IP table

Installation

Not everyone is a master of DIY or an electrician, so it can be important to be able to install your garden lights with ease.

Wireless garden lights don’t need cables or wiring so it requires little skill to install. The only installation needed might be a few screws to attach your light to a wall, shed or tree. Many lights come as a spike which can simply be pushed into the ground.

Wired garden lights do need a level of electrical knowledge if they are going powered from mains but there are also plug and play wired lights which just plug into an outdoor socket.