How Motorized Shades Are Powered

For whole-home motorization (5+ shades), low voltage hardwired to your electrical panel is the most reliable and cost-effective long-term solution. A single transformer powers all shades with no batteries to manage. If panel access isn't feasible, a plug-in transformer can power smaller groups of shades per room.

Most rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs last 6–12 months per charge for a standard-size shade used twice daily. Heavier shades, larger sizes, or more frequent use (4–6 cycles per day) will reduce this to 4–6 months. Adding a solar panel charger can extend battery life indefinitely in sun-facing windows.

Yes — this is one of the most common retrofit requests we handle. We can replace battery motors with wired motors and install a low-voltage transformer (either panel-connected or plug-in). This eliminates battery maintenance entirely. The conversion typically requires running low-voltage wire through the wall or ceiling.

In the shade industry, 'transformer' and 'transducer' are often used interchangeably to describe the power supply that converts 120V AC to 12V or 24V DC. The plug-in version sits at an outlet; the hardwired version connects to your electrical panel. Both output the same low voltage to the motor.

Yes — solar panel chargers (like Somfy's solar panel kit) attach to the window and trickle-charge the battery throughout the day. In south or west-facing windows with good sun exposure, a solar panel can keep the battery topped off indefinitely, eliminating the need to manually recharge. North-facing windows may still require occasional charging.