Sunshade Electric Roller Blind
Create a stylish and comfortable space with this classic window treatment. Whether blocking daylight in media rooms, filtering light for offices or achieving subtle dappled effects, there are options to suit any need.
Rechargeable batteries provide an elegant alternative to hard-wiring motorized shades, eliminating the need for regular battery replacements. Power over ethernet (PoE) provides even more convenience, with command and control messages sent directly over an ethernet cable to the shade’s motor.
Features
Unlike most motorized shades, this one relies on power over ethernet (PoE) rather than batteries, meaning you’ll never need to charge or replace them. Your professional installer will create controlled routines that can automatically open and close the shades depending on sunrise and sunset times, if they’re in direct sunlight, or based on triggers from other smart home devices. The installer will also set up vacation schedules, so your house can look occupied when you’re away on trips.
The app allows you to choose from a few different color options for the shades and three light-filtering fabrics. You can also choose between two styles for the blinds: Affinity, which reveals the electric dowel that moves it up and down; Concord, which snaps onto the shade brackets and hides the motor inside a metal or plastic fascia the same color as the shade; and Pinnacle, which works the same as Concord but uses a fabric front instead of mounting the shade brackets to the window frame.
You can use a remote control included with the blinds, or you can purchase a Somfy RTS wall switch that mounts to your wall like a regular light switch and lets you adjust up to 15 shades. You can pair the switches with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. You can also integrate them with IFTTT to automate your blinds based on your daily routine or other factors.
Options
If you opt for a smart version of this product, you can choose between a plug-in model that requires cords to run from the motor to an outlet or PoE (Power over Ethernet), which runs on ethernet cable that you string into your window frame. The latter option offers a cleaner installation because you don’t need to install a power outlet in the wall.
With either option, you can select between three styles: Affinity, which exposes the electric dowel that moves the shade up and down; Concord, which conceals the motor inside a metal or plastic fascia that matches the blind; and Pinnacle, which works the same as Concord except you mount the shade brackets to the fabric front instead of the window frame. You can also order a single shade or a day/night option, which includes two shades stacked together so one operates during the day and the other lowers down at night for advanced light control.
Most smart shades use a communications protocol to send commands and receive feedback from a smartphone app or smart home hub. Graber uses Z-Wave for its Virtual Cord motorized shades, and Serena by Lutron employs the same Clear Sunshade Electric Roller Blind Connect RF specification used with its Caseta smart lighting and ceiling-fan controllers.
While you don’t get a physical remote or a mobile app with these graywind shades, you do have the option of adding a hub that acts as a smart controller and integrates with Google Assistant, Alexa, and IFTTT. The hub costs extra and adds to the price, but it’s worth it if you want these shades to work with your other smart home devices.
Installation
Choosing between hard-wired and battery-powered blinds is a personal decision that depends on your needs and the kind of experience you want to create. Generally, hard-wired models offer better functionality and integrate with your smart home lighting system, but they also tend to cost more because you’ll need antennas installed and a professional installation that requires electrical work.
Before installing your new shade, it’s a good idea Sunshade Electric Roller Blind to test the upward and downward movement of your shades. This is a simple process that’s sure to help you get the most out of your investment.
You’ll want to make sure your brackets are securely fastened to the window frame, molding or ceiling. Depending on the design of your brackets, you may need to use a level to confirm that they’re perfectly horizontal. Once your brackets are in place, it’s time to insert the shade. Pull the cord on the front of the shade to raise it, and pull on the rear cord to lower it.
Once the blind is in place, you’ll need to connect it to the motor by pressing and holding the “Prog” button for one second until it beeps. This will put the blind into program mode and allow you to pair it with your remote control. You can then adjust your shades as needed.
Pricing
When it comes to smart window shades, pricing can vary a lot. In general, the more options and customization power you want, the more you will spend.
That said, there are some options that are fairly affordable and still offer good quality and compatibility. For instance, you can get a motorized shade from Graywind for under $200 that can automatically open the shades in the morning to help wake you up and make it easier to peel yourself out of bed.
Another option is the Powershades TruePoE motorized shade that uses a Somfy RTS motor and plugs directly into your home’s electrical system, which means it never needs batteries. It’s compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa and SmartThings and also supports HomeKit. You can also add a variety of sensors to automate the blinds even more, including light and wind sensing.
The motorized shades from PowerShades are a bit more expensive than those from Lutron and Graber, but they offer the advantage of being compatible with your existing blinds and not needing a hub to operate. They can be installed in place of traditional roller shades, and they come in a number of styles: Affinity, which reveals the electric dowel that moves the fabric; Concord, which conceals it inside a metal or plastic fascia; and Day/Night, which has two shades stacked together where one operates during the day and the second is lowered down at night for better light blocking and privacy.