I want to install smart lighting into my garden? Solar-powered or LED lighting?

[JuliaCao]

Hello. I'm planning to install smart lighting in my garden but am unsure whether to choose solar-powered or low-voltage LED lights. Solar lights are easy to install and energy-efficient, but I've heard they may not provide consistent brightness during cloudy days or when sunlight is insufficient. On the other hand, low-voltage LED lights offer stable illumination and have a longer lifespan, but they require a connection to the power supply, making installation potentially more complex. Has anyone used either of these lighting options? Could you share your experiences and recommendations?

 

[oneeye]

Hello Julia thanks for posting. For garden lighting, electric light will give you the best brightness and reliability. Solar lighting can malfunction and cause low light quality. Keep us posted on how it turns out.

 

[Sean Regan]

Hi and welcome.

Mains and low voltage lighting I find best. They are less troublesome.

We have 5 x 240v porch lights on the back of the house, the garage, shed and summerhouse. Two 30w 12v spotlights, two 12v lanterns, a 12v fountain/light and four sets of 12v fairy lights.
The lanterns have recycled pool lights and have been there for nearly forty years, as have the mains porch lights.
Every few years we have to change the fairy lights as a few bulbs stop working.

All the lights and the fountain are controlled by four switches behind the lounge curtains.
No exposed 240v cables.

We did have some solar lights as in the video, but despite taking them in and removing the batteries each winter, they were a pain to get going again the following year, as damp would get in and rust the terminals. So I had to use bits of copper wire to make a good connection. I don't bother with them now, (I actually binned them).

 

[PinkyP22]

It's an excellent idea, but we recommend installing the electrical lights because they are reliable. Overall, adding extra beauty to your garden is a superb decision.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

I have seen led lights that run off a 12volt solar powered battery. Presumably if there is enough oomph in the battery it could compensate for 'off' days.