How are Motorized Shades Powered
Feb 18, 2022Motorized shades are the booming smart invention in the latest growing trends of smart homes. If you are not aware of what they are, Motorized shades allow you to control the movement of your window shades with a click of a button or a mobile application. Can you imagine not getting up to close out the sun when you need to nap on a Saturday morning? Well, Motorized shades can make this possible for you. In this article, we are going to talk about how motorized shades are powered and which options are available for you. You can either select to power your window shades with battery, DC motor, solar power, or hardwire them to the main electricity supply. So, without further ado, lets head to it.
SOLAR POWER
Motorized shades are manufactured on the promise of energy efficiency and green solutions. So it’s only fair that it gives you an energy-efficient power option as well. Solar power is one of the easiest and most approachable natural power options for your shades. All you need to do is place a solar panel framework orienting the face behind your shades facing outwards. The panel will generate solar power, which will be collected in solar batteries. You will connect these batteries with the motor and thus, operate the shades.
Now, the problem with solar power is that not all the windows in your house will get an equal amount of sunlight. Your shades will work perfectly fine for south and west-facing facades since these get a great deal of sunlight. However, for eastern and northern facades, this might not be an ideal option. Other than that, you only need to make sure trees, awnings, or rooftop shades are not blocking the sun reaching your windows. In terms of installation and maintenance, solar-powered motorized shades are easier to install and handle as compared to their other alternatives.
For someone who wants to adopt green technologies, solar-powered motorized shades are the best option. It allows you to diminish the needs of standard batteries and shift towards the use of natural resources, i.e. the sun.
DC SHADES
Another convenient and energy-efficient option to power your shades is through DC motor. You simply plug your motorized shades to a DC adapter which, in turn, is connected to a power outlet. The good thing about DC adapters is that you don’t need to replace it after short intervals. In fact, a good DC adapter can last for several years as compared to frequently changing batteries. In addition to this, there is no messy wiring. You simply connect your shades to the adapter and enjoy it.
The only drawback with DC adapters is that you need to have a power source near your shades. If you’re constructing a new house and plan on installing motorized shades in the future, its best to place power outlets near your windows.
BATTERY WINDOWS
Batteries are the easiest and straightforward way to power your motorized shades. It saves you from the hassle of wiring your shades and provides a practically invisible solution. Motorized shades come with a cylinder that encapsulates the motor, batteries, and power unit. The good thing about battery-powered shades is that you don’t need to adjust a power outlet near your window. If you have windows that are hard to wire (wet-zones like bathrooms) or hard-to-reach (skylights), battery is the best option.
Typically, double A batteries are used, however, they need to be changed regularly or after a few weeks. Lithium batteries usually have a longer life as compared to regular ones. The only downside to using batteries is that they need to change regularly after a certain time.
HARD WIRED
Constantly changing loads of batteries can seem like a drag or even a rather tedious task. For individuals who do not have the time to do this, hardwiring is the best way to go. When you hardwire your shades, the wires are connected to the main power supply. In this way, you don’t have to worry about the additional costs of changing batteries or keeping a power outlet near your windows. For someone who wants to install motorized shades during the construction phase, it is best to opt for hardwiring.
Wiring your motorized shades is a little complex as compared to the other options. This requires proper wiring, a circuit tester, and a power source. It is practically impossible to hardwire your motorized shades on your own. You’ll need an expert technician or an electrician to do this job for you. In this way, your motorized shades will become a part of the overall electrical system of your house. The only downside to this is that you’ll need to invest pretty heavily in the beginning to cover the technician and the wiring cost.
FINAL WORDS
There you go, guys. I hope this answered your questions about how motorized shades are powered. If you want to go for an energy-efficient choice, solar power is your way to go. However, if you feel like getting an easier to use power source, you can opt for batteries to power your shades. Another cost-efficient and easy-to-use power source for your window shades are DC adaptors. They save you from the regular hassle of changing the batteries or installing a solar panel system. The last option is to simply hardwire your motorized shades.
If you have windows that are hard-to-reach or placed in wet-zones (Washroom, laundry, etc), then it is best to use battery to power your shades. If you are a little environmental-conscious, you can adopt the solar power system. Before making your final choice, make sure to check the pros and cons of each option and find the one that suits you the best.