Do Solar Landscape Lights Really Work? Pros & Cons for Homeowners and HOAs

What You Need to Know Before Choosing Solar for Your Outdoor Lighting

With rising energy costs and growing interest in sustainable living, solar landscape lighting has become a popular topic—but does it actually work? The short answer: yes, solar can absolutely work—when done right. But for many residential projects, it’s not the best standalone solution.

At TPG Lighting, we offer both wired and commercial-grade solar lighting systems. Here’s our honest look at the pros and cons of solar lighting, and when it makes sense to use it.

The Truth About Solar Landscape Lighting

✅ Solar Works—When You Use the Right Equipment

Not all solar lights are created equal. The market is flooded with cheap, plastic, low-output solar lights that may last a few months—if that. These are the kind you find at big-box stores: weak illumination, unreliable sensors, and almost zero lifespan.

At TPG Lighting, we do not use or recommend these consumer-grade solar products.

Instead, we offer commercial-grade solar lighting systems with high-output LEDs, durable construction, large-capacity panels, and powerful battery backups—all backed by strong warranties and designed for long-term performance.

Pros of Solar Landscape Lighting

• No trenching or wiring required
  
  
• Eco-friendly and powered by free energy
  
  
• Ideal for remote locations or areas where wiring is difficult
  
  
• Reduced utility bills over time
  
  
• In commercial settings, eliminates costly electrical infrastructure
  
  

Cons of Solar Landscape Lighting (Especially Residential)

• Inconsistent brightness from cheaper fixtures
  
  
• Performance depends on sunlight exposure
  
  
• Batteries degrade over time
  
  
• Limited light duration in cloudy weather or shaded yards
  
  
• Less control over lighting precision compared to wired systems
  
  

The Best Approach for Homeowners: Wired First, Solar as a Supplement

For most residential projects, wired low-voltage LED lighting remains the gold standard. It delivers:

• Consistent brightness
  
  
• Greater placement flexibility
  
  
• Smart home integration
  
  
• Long lifespan with minimal maintenance
  
  

That said, a combination of wired and solar is often a smart second option. You can use solar to light areas far from your home (like fences, driveways, or sheds) while relying on wired systems for your main architectural and landscape lighting.