Most patio lighting runs on one of three power sources: a small solar panel and battery, a low voltage system fed by a transformer, or a plug-in strand or lamp on household current. Each has a clear place, and many patios end up using more than one.

Solar

Solar lights charge a built-in battery from a small panel during the day and switch on at dusk. They need no wiring, which makes them easy to place and move, and renters can use them.

The trade-off is output and consistency. Brightness and runtime depend on how much direct sun the panel got that day, and makers’ runtime figures assume a full charge. Shade, short winter days and dirty panels all cut runtime, and batteries lose capacity over the years.

  • Best for: accent lights, path markers, post caps, fence lights and string lights in sunny spots
  • Watch for: shade on the panel, winter runtime, battery replacement

Low Voltage

A low voltage system runs a cable from a transformer, which plugs into an outdoor outlet and steps household power down to 12 or 24 volts. Path lights and spotlights connect anywhere along the cable.

Low voltage gives steady, brighter light every night and timers or photocells to control it. It takes more work: planning, running and usually burying cable, and sizing the transformer. One maker in our research advises loading a transformer to no more than 80 percent of its rating.

  • Best for: path lighting, uplighting trees and walls, a permanent yard layout
  • Watch for: transformer capacity, cable gauge on long runs, calling 811 before digging

Plug-In

Plug-in string lights, lamps and fixtures run on household current from an outdoor outlet. They are the brightest and most predictable, and commercial-style strands with safety listings can stay up for long periods.

They need an outlet nearby, and cords have to be routed safely. Use a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet with an in-use cover, outdoor-rated extension cords, and stay within the maker’s linking limits. Hardwired fixtures such as wall lights belong to the same family but must be installed to local electrical code, and a licensed electrician should do the work if you are not qualified.

  • Best for: string lights over seating, wall lights by doors, bright task light
  • Watch for: outlet location, cord routing, linking limits, safety listing

Mixing Power Sources

A common patio setup uses plug-in string lights over the seating area, a wall light by the door, low voltage path lights to the yard, and solar accents on posts and fences where cables cannot reach. A plug-in timer or smart plug can switch the plug-in parts on at dusk.

FAQ

Are solar lights bright enough for a patio?

For accent and marker lighting, yes. For lighting a dining table or grill area, plug-in or low voltage lighting is usually more reliable.

Is low voltage lighting safe to install yourself?

Plug-in transformer kits are designed for DIY use with an existing GFCI outdoor outlet. New outlets or hardwired transformers need a licensed electrician.

Which option costs least to run?

Solar has no running cost. LED low voltage and plug-in lights use little power, and a timer keeps them from running all night.

Ready to compare products? See our guides to Best Solar Pathway Lights and Best Outdoor String Lights, or browse the Outdoor Lighting category.