Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - exterior (security) lights - what things to consider ?

Im wanting some motion-activated lights for the exterior of my house. I was originally looking at some solar powered lights, but have since ruled them out. So now the models im looking at will require wiring into the house wiring. What things do I need to consider and can I do this myself without getting some kind of "permit" ? Ill probably need to dril a hole in the roof overhang to run the wire into the attic. Then where do I connect these wires up to. Im estimating 2 or 3 lights, the kind that have 270-degree of motion sensitivity.

This evening I seen some exterior lights that used LED bulbs instead of halogen and ran on batteries instead of wiring. Interesting idea. Would be much easier to install. Thoughts ?

What about something like this battery powered light
Motion Sensor LED Security Spotlight-Battery Operated Spotlight - Improvements Catalog (http://www.improvementscatalog.com/product/motion-sensor-led-security-light.do#)

I prefer to have security lights connected through a switch so I can turn them off during high wind situations.

Quick thoughts:

Whether or not you need a permit depends on your local code. Many places would require a permit unless you are the homeowner and you have lived in the building for X number of years.

I would go with hard-wired over battery. You don't want to worry about batteries dying when it comes to security. Better to invest more time in your initial install and get it done right.

You'll need to find the junction box in your attic closest to the exterior mount, then run solid (not flexible) conduit from the fixture to that box. Or put a new box in at the interior of the place where you drill, and run rigid conduit outside, flexible conduit inside to the closest box.

FYI: I say all this as a general handyman, not as a licensed electrician.