If you are thinking of installing security lights around your property, you have two choices. Buy solar security lights or install electric ones. Both solar and electric security lights illuminate your property when it’s dark. Also, both types of security lighting have similar features. So, what is the difference between solar security lights and electric ones?
This article explores the differences between the two most popular types of security lights—solar and electric. In the end, you will have a better idea as to the best security lighting solutions for your home.
What are Solar Security Lights
Solar security lights are bright, easy to install outdoor lighting solutions that use the sun’s energy for power. Solar panels harness the sun’s energy during the day and charge batteries. At dusk, the security lights are powered, ready to illuminate properties. The best solar-powered security lights are weather-resistant, easy to install, and have motion sensors.
Many homeowners choose solar security lights for their reasonable cost, zero running charges, and no wiring installation.
Additionally, solar-powered lighting is virtually maintenance-free because they use long-lasting LED lamps and high-quality rechargeable batteries.
What are Electric Security Lights
Electric security lights are the traditional way of increasing security around a home property. Running of the electric mains supply, security lights provide powerful illumination in yards using halogen or LED lights. Mains-powered security lighting relies on a constant power source or battery backup.
Some homeowners prefer the type of home security solutions that electric lighting provides. And, electric security lights can be especially useful for large industrial properties. Similar to many solar lights, electric security lighting solutions use a combination of light and motion sensors to optimize effectiveness.
The Pros and Cons of Solar Security Lights
What are the best reasons for choosing solar security lights for your home? Are there any drawbacks to solar-powered outdoor lighting? Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of security lights that use solar power.
Pros of solar security lights
Here are some of the compelling reasons to choose solar power for your outdoor security lighting.
1. Cost-effective security lighting
The most significant benefit of installing solar-powered security lights is cost savings. Because they use solar power, solar lights don’t cost anything to run. Apart from helping to lower your energy bills, you also reduce your carbon footprint. Additionally, the initial cost of solar lights is not much more than outdoor electrical lighting.
2. Easy to install and maintain
Solar security lights have almost zero maintenance costs. After installation, solar-powered lights switch on automatically at dusk or when they detect motion. The only necessary maintenance is to keep the solar panels clean for optimal charging.
3. Solar lighting is a green energy source
Installing solar security lighting uses the ‘greenest’ energy source available—power from the sun. Renewable energy is the way forward when it comes to lighting. By harnessing the sun’s energy, you are not reliant on external electrical power or fossil fuel power.
Cons of solar security lights
What are the disadvantages of using solar power for your outdoor security solutions? Here are a few things to consider.
1. Not suitable for all outdoor areas
The most significant advantage of solar-powered lighting is also its weakness—sunlight. It’s not always possible to install solar panels to absorb enough sunlight. This can mean that installing solar lights on the north side of buildings, near trees, or in the shade of other structures is problematic.
But it’s good to note that the US Department of Energy says that “outdoor solar lighting systems work well in most areas of the United States.”
2. Dependent on battery charge
Solar security lights will only shine for as long as the battery has power. This means that batteries may not charge enough on overcast days or short winter days. So, the solar light may not shine throughout the night or turn on when necessary.
However, the best solar security lights have multiple lighting modes to conserve power to last throughout the night. For example, they have an all-night ambient mode but then shine brighter if they detect motion.
It’s also good to remember that you can avoid any seeming disadvantages of solar lighting by investing in high-quality units. The best solar security lights have a highly effective charging capacity, detachable solar panels, and powerful rechargeable batteries.
The Pros and Cons of Electric Security Lights
Are there persuasive arguments for sticking with mains-powered security lighting? What are the disadvantages when compared to solar lighting? Here are some of the pros and cons of security lights that have electrical wiring installation.
Pros of electric security lights
1. Security lighting whenever you require it
Because electric security lights are wired to the mains, you have outdoor lighting whenever you require it. Even if there’s a power cut, the best electrical security lights have a battery backup.
2. Brightness
Although solar-powered lighting is getting brighter, electric lights tend to be brighter. Because bright security floodlights require more power, electric lights have the advantage. You can get the level of brightness you need and for as long as necessary.
After an overcast day of heavy clouds and rain, you can be sure that electrical lights will still shine throughout the night.
3. Cheaper to buy
Outdoor electric security lights are usually cheaper to buy. All the lighting unit consists of is the casing and LED or halogen light. However, in the long run, electrical lighting costs more to operate.
Cons of electric security lights
What are the reasons to avoid installing mains-powered security lights? Are there any benefits from switching from electric security lights to solar ones? Here are a few disadvantages of outdoor electrical lighting.
1. Installation and maintenance
A significant disadvantage of electric security lighting is the cost and time to install the units. Typically, you’ll need to call a professional electrician. The wiring may involve digging in the yard or installing cables on building façades.
Also, wired security lighting requires regular professional checks and maintenance—something solar lights don’t need.
2. Cost more to run
Outdoor, electrically-powered security lighting will increase your energy bills. Depending on your security needs, this could be a significant amount over a year. Also, most mains electricity comes from power sources that generate carbon dioxide (CO2). So, not great if you want to reduce your carbon footprint.
Solar Security Lights vs. Electric Security Lights — In Conclusion
The right type of security lighting solution is a crucial choice for your property. You want you and your family to feel secure at night time. Outdoor security lighting helps deter unwanted visitors, prevents critters from causing havoc in your garden, and makes your yard safer.
Security lights must illuminate your yard when you require it. The best solar security lights generally are the best choice for residential security. Although the units initially cost more to buy, they have no running costs. Additionally, solar-powered lights are easy to install, don’t require maintenance, and are Eco-friendly.
Overall, solar lighting is the most cost-effective solution for outdoor residential security.