How do I motorize my shades?
With the new window covering legislation at our door, motorization is becoming one of the most popular options to control your shades. So this week, let’s talk about motorization! There are only two ways to power your shades: with a battery, or to have them wired.
Let’s take a look at both these options and their main differences!
Battery Motorization
This option is both more convenient and more affordable. For this option, you can have a few choices on how you want the battery to be placed/charged. These are some choices you will see for battery powered shades:
This option is both more convenient and more affordable, and also offers a few alternatives on how the battery is placed/charged. These are some choices you will see for battery powered shades:
Removable battery: This option requires a “AA” or “CC” size battery that clips in behind the shade.
Solar: This option incorporates a solar kit. This kit is installed behind the shade and continually recharges the battery throughout the day.
Internal: This option consists of a tubular internal lithium-ion rechargeable battery, where the battery and motor are integrated. The battery is charged by plugging in the wire when needed, usually once a year.
Typically, any battery operated shade will last about one year before the batteries need to be replaced.
Wired Motorization
With this option, these are a few really important things to consider:
The gage of the wire
The number of conductors of the wire
The length of the wire needs to run from the shade to the power source
Typically, we will run them back to the electrical panel or to the rack to make sure there is a clean installation. Having a professional guide you on where to place the wire, what type of wire to use, and how long that wire line is crucial.
Ultimately, the choice is yours! What do you think would work best for your home, battery or wired?