I get the appeal of smart plugs—being able to reset things from your phone is a lifesaver when you’re out or just don’t want to crawl behind a bush at midnight. But I’ve had a couple of those WiFi plugs randomly disconnect from the network, which is its own headache. Hardwired setups are more work upfront, but once they’re in, they’re rock solid. Curious—has anyone tried integrating solar with smart controls? I keep wondering if there’s a way to get the best of both worlds without running new conduit everywhere.
Lighting Up The Backyard Fence: Solar, Wired, Or Something Else?
Here’s what I did last fall: picked up a set of solar string lights with a built-in dusk sensor, then stuck a cheap smart plug between the solar panel and the lights. It’s not perfect—sometimes cloudy days mean the battery runs out early—but I can still turn them off from my phone if they’re being annoying. No new conduit, just zip ties and a little patience. Not as bulletproof as hardwired, but way less hassle for now. If you want “set it and forget it,” hardwired is king, but for lazy evenings? Solar plus smart plug is a decent hack.
Lighting up the backyard fence: solar, wired, or something else?
That’s a clever workaround with the solar lights and smart plug. I’ve seen a few tenants do similar things, and honestly, for most folks it’s “good enough” without the headache of running new wiring. The convenience factor is hard to beat, especially if you’re not planning to stay in one place long-term or just want something low-commitment.
From an investment perspective, though, I lean toward hardwired if you’re looking for long-term value or curb appeal. It’s more upfront work—trenching, conduit, maybe even hiring an electrician—but it’s reliable and looks polished. Plus, it can be a selling point down the line. That said, I get the appeal of solar for quick upgrades or rentals where you don’t want to mess with the infrastructure.
One thing I’d add: if you’re in an area with lots of shade or unpredictable weather, solar can be hit-or-miss. I’ve had a few properties where the panels just never got enough juice. In those cases, low-voltage wired systems are a nice middle ground—safer than full 120V and still pretty DIY-friendly.
All depends on your priorities... but there’s definitely no one-size-fits-all answer here.
I agree, there’s no universal solution here. I’ve wrestled with this myself, especially since my place is nearly a century old and the wiring is... let’s just say “quirky.” The point about solar being hit-or-miss in shady spots really resonates. I tried a set of solar fence lights last year—looked great for about a week, then the big oak tree did its thing and they barely glowed after dusk.
I do think hardwired lighting adds a certain permanence and polish, but I’m always a bit wary about altering original features. Sometimes running conduit along an old fence or brick wall feels like a compromise. Low-voltage systems are tempting, though—I hadn’t considered them as a “middle ground” until you mentioned it. They seem less invasive and more forgiving if you need to change things later.
“All depends on your priorities... but there’s definitely no one-size-fits-all answer here.”
That sums it up. For older homes, sometimes the best approach is a mix—use solar where it works, wired where it matters, and don’t be afraid to experiment a little.
Honestly, I get why folks like the flexibility of mixing solar and wired, but I’ve seen too many “halfway” solutions end up looking piecemeal. If you want that classic look—especially with older brick or wood—sometimes it’s worth biting the bullet and doing a proper hardwired install, even if it means getting creative to hide conduit. Solar just can’t compete on reliability or brightness, especially under heavy tree cover. Low-voltage is a good compromise, but I’d argue it’s still worth planning out a cohesive system from the start rather than patching things together over time.
