Choosing between Low Voltage vs Solar Landscape Lighting in the GTA?
It’s a common question for homeowners in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and beyond, who want to light up their outdoors without sacrificing style, safety, or performance. In this blog, we’ll break down how both options compare when it comes to brightness, cost, reliability, and long-term value (especially in real GTA weather conditions).
While both serve the same basic purpose. Lighting up your yard, the way they work, their performance, and long-term value are very different.
Let’s break them down and see what’s truly the better fit for homes in our region.
What is Low Voltage Landscape Lighting?
Low voltage lighting uses a transformer to convert your home’s standard 120V power down to 12V or 24V, making it safe, energy-efficient, and highly customizable. These systems are professionally installed and built to last through Canadian seasons.
Why Toronto, Mississauga & the GTA homeowners love it:
- Bright, reliable illumination year-round
- Precise control over design and beam angles
- Weatherproof and long-lasting
- Safer around kids and pets
From lighting up pathways and patios to spotlighting your favorite tree, low voltage gives you design flexibility with lasting performance.
You can explore some of our recent lighting projects in the GTA to see the impact low voltage solutions can make.
What About Solar Lighting?
Solar lighting is powered by sunlight, small built-in panels charge batteries during the day and automatically turn on at night. It’s a popular DIY choice for decorative purposes, especially in smaller spaces.
Pros:
- Easy to install, no wiring
- Runs on free solar energy
- Great for subtle accent lighting
But here’s the catch, especially in Toronto, Mississauga and the GTA:
- Performance drops during cloudy days and winter
- Light output is low and inconsistent
- Batteries wear out, often needing replacement every 1–2 years
While solar has its place (especially for temporary or low-priority lighting), it’s not ideal when you want consistent, strong lighting in all weather.
GTA Weather Test: Low Voltage Wins
In our part of Ontario, long winters, overcast skies, and snow cover mean solar lights often fail to get enough charge. When it comes to low voltage vs solar landscape lighting in the GTA, low voltage systems work reliably all year round (rain, snow, or shine).
If your lighting needs are about more than just decoration. For example, safety, visibility, or highlighting your landscape design, solar simply can’t keep up.
We use a range of high-quality low voltage lighting products designed for performance and durability across GTA weather conditions.
Cost & Longevity: Think Beyond the First Bill
It’s true: solar lights often cost less upfront. But low voltage systems provide better value long term.
You invest more with low voltage, but you get stronger lighting, better control, and fewer replacements. Over time, it pays off, especially if you care about quality.
Running Cost Insight
Solar systems use free sunlight, but often require battery replacement. Low voltage lighting costs about $1–3/month for 8 hours of nightly use.
So, Which Is Better for Your Home?
If you’re serious about transforming your outdoor space with beautiful, functional lighting, low voltage is the way to go, especially in a region like the GTA.
Why Low Voltage Lighting is the Go-To Choice for Toronto, Mississauga & the GTA Homes
When it comes to outdoor lighting, every homeowner wants something that’s reliable, efficient, and built to last, especially in a region like the GTA, where weather can be unpredictable and seasons bring their own challenges.
Over time, low voltage lighting has become the go-to choice for many of our clients, not just because of how it performs, but because of the balance it strikes between beauty, safety, and longevity.
It offers:
- Consistent performance year-round, even in cloudy or snowy weather
- Beautiful design flexibility, from subtle garden glow to bold architectural highlights
- Low energy consumption without compromising on brightness
- A feeling of safety and warmth around pathways, decks, and outdoor spaces
We’ve seen firsthand how this approach works, not just technically, but emotionally. Lighting, when done right, changes how you feel about your home after dark.
At BD Lights, our landscape lighting services include everything from custom planning to professional installation and ongoing support.
Are Solar Lights Really Eco-Friendly?
While solar lights are often seen as the greener option, they can actually create more waste over time. Most inexpensive solar lights have short-lived batteries and fragile plastic bodies that aren’t built to withstand harsh weather. As a result, many homeowners end up replacing them every year or two.
This constant replacement cycle leads to more electronic waste, especially since many solar lights can’t be repaired or recycled easily. On the other hand, low voltage systems use durable materials, energy-efficient LEDs, and can last for years with minimal maintenance, making them a more sustainable choice in the long run.
Thinking About Lighting Your Outdoors?
If you’re exploring your options, we’re happy to share ideas or help you figure out what might work best for your space. No pressure, no push.
At BD Lights:
- We offer free consultations across the GTA
- Every design is tailored to your space and style
- Our installations are clean, efficient, and built to last
- And we stay connected in case you need anything down the road
Book a free consultation today or call us at (647) 893-6582 . Let’s light up your GTA home together!
