Grid vs Solar Sports Court Lighting

Grid-powered court lighting delivers unlimited output for high-level play but needs trenching, wiring, and ongoing energy bills. Solar court lighting eliminates trenching and bills — ideal for remote courts or sites far from power — but output and run-hours are bounded by panel and battery sizing. For recreational courts, solar is increasingly viable.

This comparison helps you choose the power source.

At a glance

How to choose

Choose grid for maximum output or competition levels, where high footcandles, long operating hours, and broadcast demands exceed what a solar system can practically store. Choose solar for remote or recreational courts where trenching is costly — it eliminates wiring and energy bills and installs anywhere the sun reaches, at recreational levels (~30 fc). The honest boundary: solar is excellent for recreational and remote courts and a poor fit for high-output competition. (360 Solar, a Duvon company, designs the off-grid systems.)

Frequently asked questions

Should I use grid or solar for court lighting?

Grid for unlimited output (needs trenching and energy bills); solar for trench-free off-grid courts (output bounded by system size). Recreational courts increasingly use solar.

When is grid better?

For maximum output or competition levels with high footcandles and long hours.

When is solar better?

For remote or recreational courts where trenching is costly.

Can solar power competition courts?

High-level competition favors grid; solar suits recreational courts at ~30 fc.

Does solar court lighting need maintenance?

Low maintenance — periodic panel cleaning and a battery replacement every ~8–10 years.

Compare grid vs solar with a free layout. Get it at duvonlighting.com/free-quote.