Choosing between solar and electric (mains-powered) fairy lights is one of the first decisions you'll make when shopping for outdoor lighting. Both options have distinct advantages and limitations, and the right choice depends on your specific situation, location, and priorities. This guide provides an honest comparison to help you make an informed decision.
How Solar Fairy Lights Work
Solar fairy lights consist of a solar panel connected to a rechargeable battery pack, which in turn powers the LED string. During daylight hours, the solar panel converts sunlight into electricity, charging the internal batteries. When darkness falls—detected by a built-in light sensor—the lights automatically turn on, drawing power from the charged batteries.
Most solar fairy lights use either NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) or lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. These typically provide 6-10 hours of illumination on a full charge, though actual run time depends on factors like battery capacity, LED count, and lighting mode selected.
How Electric Fairy Lights Work
Electric (mains-powered) fairy lights plug into a standard Australian power outlet (240V). A transformer or adapter steps down the voltage to a safe level—typically 24V or 31V for LED fairy lights—which then powers the LED string directly. As long as they're plugged in and switched on, they'll illuminate consistently.
Some electric lights include features like timers, remotes, or smart connectivity for convenient control, but they all share the fundamental requirement of access to mains power.
Quick Decision Guide
Choose solar if: You need lights in areas without power access, want zero running costs, or prefer completely wireless installation.
Choose electric if: You need guaranteed brightness, consistent run times, or lights for shaded areas.
Brightness and Consistency
Solar Lights
Solar fairy light brightness varies based on how well the batteries charged during the day. On sunny days following several hours of direct sunlight, they perform at their best. However, after cloudy days or in winter when daylight hours are shorter, brightness may be reduced and run time shorter. As batteries deplete through the night, some dimming may occur.
This variability isn't necessarily a problem—many people appreciate the natural ebb and flow that mirrors the rhythm of the day. But if you need predictable, consistent illumination for specific occasions or times, this inconsistency can be frustrating.
Electric Lights
Electric fairy lights provide consistent brightness for as long as they're powered on. There's no variation based on weather or season, and no dimming as the evening progresses. If you're hosting an event or need reliable lighting for a specific purpose, electric lights deliver predictable performance every time.
Installation and Placement
Solar Lights: Flexibility with Caveats
The biggest advantage of solar lights is installation flexibility. With no wires running to power outlets, you can place them virtually anywhere—wrapped around distant trees, along remote fence lines, or in areas of your garden far from the house. This makes them ideal for large properties or areas where running electrical cables would be impractical or expensive.
However, the solar panel needs adequate sunlight to charge effectively. This creates constraints:
- The panel must be positioned in full or near-full sun for 6-8 hours daily
- Shaded areas (under trees, against south-facing walls, in courtyard gardens) may not receive enough light
- The light string length is limited by the cable connecting to the solar panel
- Panel positioning may not suit your aesthetic preferences
Electric Lights: Power-Dependent but Reliable
Electric fairy lights need access to a power outlet, which immediately limits placement options in outdoor spaces. Most Australian homes have limited outdoor power points, often just one or two on the back patio. This means installations further from the house require extension leads or, for permanent setups, professional installation of additional outdoor power points.
On the positive side, once you've solved the power supply question, electric lights work reliably in any lighting condition. Shaded courtyards, covered patios, and north-facing areas that receive minimal sun are all suitable for electric lights but problematic for solar options.
Australian Safety Requirement
If using extension leads outdoors, ensure they're rated for outdoor use and connected to an RCD-protected circuit. Standard indoor extension leads are not safe for outdoor use in Australian conditions.
Running Costs and Environmental Impact
Solar: Free to Run
Once purchased, solar fairy lights cost nothing to operate. They generate their own power from sunlight, making them genuinely free to run. For environmentally conscious users, this is a significant advantage—you're illuminating your garden with renewable energy and zero ongoing carbon footprint.
The trade-off comes in replacement costs. Solar lights include batteries that degrade over time, typically needing replacement every 1-2 years. While replacement batteries are inexpensive (usually $5-15 for a set), this ongoing cost erodes some of the running cost advantage.
Electric: Minimal Running Costs
LED fairy lights are remarkably energy-efficient. A typical 20-metre string consumes around 5-10 watts—less than a single traditional light bulb. Running such a string for 6 hours every evening would cost approximately $5-10 per year in electricity at typical Australian rates.
While not free, this running cost is negligible for most households. Electric lights don't have batteries that need replacing, potentially giving them a longer overall lifespan with fewer ongoing expenses than solar alternatives.
Longevity and Durability
Solar Light Lifespan
The LEDs in solar fairy lights can last for years, but the system's lifespan is typically limited by battery degradation. Most rechargeable batteries lose significant capacity after 300-500 charge cycles—roughly 1-2 years of daily use. The solar panel itself may degrade by 0.5-1% per year due to UV exposure, gradually reducing charging efficiency.
Quality solar fairy lights from reputable brands often feature user-replaceable batteries, extending the product's useful life. Cheaper options may have sealed battery compartments, rendering the entire product disposable once batteries fail.
Electric Light Lifespan
Electric fairy lights have fewer components that degrade over time. With no batteries and no solar panel, the main points of failure are the LEDs themselves (which typically last 20,000-50,000 hours), the transformer, and the wiring. Well-made electric fairy lights can last 5-10 years or more with proper care.
The transformer is usually the first component to fail in electric lights, but this can often be replaced more easily than addressing systemic battery degradation in solar products.
Best Use Cases for Each Type
Choose Solar Fairy Lights For:
- Remote locations: Garden areas far from power outlets, back fences, separate outbuildings
- Easy installation: Rental properties where you can't install additional power points
- Eco-priority: When minimising environmental impact is a key consideration
- Casual use: Ambient garden lighting where perfect consistency isn't required
- Sunny locations: Northern Australia and areas with reliable sun exposure
Choose Electric Fairy Lights For:
- Shaded areas: Courtyards, covered patios, under trees or awnings
- Event lighting: When you need guaranteed performance for specific occasions
- Longer run times: If you want lights on all evening, every evening
- Indoor-outdoor spaces: Alfresco areas adjacent to the house with easy power access
- Year-round use: Southern Australia where winter sun is unreliable
The Hybrid Approach
Many homes benefit from using both types. Electric lights for the main entertaining areas near the house, and solar lights for distant garden features. This combines reliable primary lighting with the installation flexibility of solar in harder-to-reach areas.
Cost Comparison
Solar and electric fairy lights of similar quality are typically priced comparably at purchase. Solar lights may be slightly more expensive due to the additional components (panel, battery, charge controller), but the difference is usually modest—perhaps 10-20% more for comparable solar options.
Over a 5-year period, considering purchase price, running costs, and likely battery replacements, the total cost of ownership is remarkably similar between the two options. Your choice should therefore be based on suitability for your situation rather than purely on cost considerations.
Making Your Decision
There's no universally "better" option between solar and electric fairy lights—only the option that better suits your specific needs. Consider your available sun exposure, proximity to power, reliability requirements, and environmental priorities. For many Australian outdoor spaces, the abundant sunshine makes solar a compelling choice, but don't overlook the consistent performance of electric lights, particularly in shaded areas or for important occasions where reliable illumination matters.
Whatever you choose, both options offer beautiful, energy-efficient lighting that can transform your outdoor spaces into magical evening retreats.