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Installation GuideJanuary 2026

Solar vs Wired Pathway Lighting: Speed & Cost

Underground cabling costs $225-350 per metre. Compare solar pathway lighting installation speed, costs, and disruption.

Solar bollard light being installed on residential garden pathway without trenching or cabling

Solar pathway lights install without trenching, cabling, or electrician fees

The True Cost of Wired Pathway Lighting

When planning outdoor pathway lighting, the fixture price is often the smallest expense. The real costs lie underground—literally. Traditional wired lighting requires trenching, cabling, and licensed electrical work that dramatically inflate your total investment.

In Australia, underground electrical cabling costs $225-350 per metre, including trenching, conduit, cable, and installation. That 50-metre pathway from your house to the back fence? Budget $11,250 to $17,500 just for the electrical infrastructure—before you even buy a single light.

50m Pathway Lighting: Cost Comparison

Traditional Wired Installation
Trenching & cablingVaries
Licensed electrician (connection)Varies
Wired fixturesVaries
Permits and inspectionsVaries
Total estimateSite-dependent
Solar Installation
Trenching & cabling$0
Electrician$0
Solar fixturesVaries
Permits$0
Total estimateSite-dependent
Potential savings vary by site
Solar avoids trenching and electrical connection costs

Installation Time Comparison

Beyond cost, time is a major factor. Wired lighting installation involves multiple trades, inspections, and potential delays. Solar lighting can be operational the same day you receive it.

Installation Timeline Comparison

Wired Installation
Step 1:Trenching and conduit
Step 2:Cable pulling
Step 3:Electrician connection
Step 4:Inspection, backfill, restoration
Total: multi-day project
Solar Installation
Step 1:Position lights along pathway
Step 2:Stake/mount fixtures
Step 3:Adjust angles for solar exposure
Step 4:Lights operational after charging
Total: can be completed quickly

The Hidden Cost: Property Disruption

Trenching doesn't just cost money—it costs your garden. That 50-metre trench cuts through established lawns, disturbs root systems, and can damage irrigation or drainage you didn't know was there. Restoration adds time, cost, and uncertainty.

Property Impact Comparison

Lawn damage
Full trench line requires re-turfing or reseeding; 3-6 months to recover
None—small stake holes only
Tree root risk
Trenching near trees can damage roots, potentially killing mature specimens
None—no digging near trees
Irrigation/drainage
Risk of cutting existing pipes; expensive repairs
None—surface installation only
Paving/paths
Must cut through or go around; expensive saw cutting
Install directly on any surface
Heritage/strata
May require extensive approvals for ground works
Usually no approval needed for surface fixtures

When Wired Lighting Still Makes Sense

Solar isn't always the answer. Consider wired lighting when:

  • New construction: Trenching happens anyway during build
  • Heavy shade: Areas with no direct sun won't charge solar effectively
  • High-output needs: Commercial lighting requiring 1000+ lumens continuously
  • Integrated systems: Smart home automation requiring wired controls

6 Tips for Solar Pathway Installation

1
Walk the path at night first
Identify where light is actually needed. Mark trip hazards, steps, and intersections that need attention.
2
Check sun exposure along the route
Note areas of shade from buildings, fences, or trees. Position lights where panels will receive adequate charging.
3
Space lights evenly but prioritise hazards
General spacing of 2-3 metres works well, but add extra lights at steps, corners, or level changes.
4
Consider mounting options
Stake mounts suit lawns; surface mounts work on pavers. Some bollards offer both options for flexibility.
5
Allow a full charge before first use
New solar lights may ship with partially depleted batteries. A full day's charge ensures optimal first-night performance.
6
Mix with photoluminescent markers
Luminokrom glow markers between solar lights provide continuous edge definition with zero power draw.

Key Takeaways

  • Underground electrical cabling costs $225-350 per metre—a 50m pathway means $11,000-17,500 in infrastructure alone
  • Solar pathway lighting can install faster without trenching or electrical connection
  • Trenching damages lawns, risks tree roots, and can cut through irrigation or drainage
  • Solar lights have zero ongoing electricity costs; wired systems add to your power bill
  • Project timing depends on contractors, inspections, and site access
  • Photoluminescent markers supplement solar lights for continuous edge marking

Sources & References

[1]
Cost to Run Underground Power — Valour ServicesView source
[2]
ANS Price List 2024-25 — Essential EnergyView source
[3]
Cable Installation Price Breakdown — AND CorpView source

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This article was researched and written with the assistance of AI tools. While we strive for accuracy and cite official sources, information may change. We recommend verifying critical details with relevant authorities. This content is for general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Some links in this article may be affiliate links — if you purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support our content. See our Terms & Conditions for full disclaimer.