Motorized blinds are smart window coverings that offer a variety of convenient control options so you can operate them from within your comfort zone. Also, these blinds are operated using a motor that gives the power to tilt or lift for the opening and closing functions. But have you ever thought about where the motor gets the power to operate these blinds?
Well, there are multiple power source options for motorized blinds so as to make them fully functional. However, some of these blinds are only operational with a specific type of power source and won’t simply work with the other one. And, this statement is valid for some types of shades as well. Below, we’ve discussed all the different power supply options for motorized blinds and shades.
How Do Motorized Blinds & Shades Get Power?
Before purchasing these smart window coverings, you need to decide on the power source options. And, to help you make the right decision, we’ve described all 3 types of power supply options for motorized blinds and shades named wired, battery, and solar power options.
1. Wired Power Supply For Motorized Blinds & Shades
If you don’t want to charge and replace batteries again and again, then the wired power supply option will suit you the most, given the condition that the wiring is done precisely. This power source withdraws power from the main power supply line of your home and there are also two further types within this category, i.e. hardwired and plug-in. And, we’ve described all the pros and cons of both these options below.
1. Hardwired
If you’re having a substantial renovation or constructing your home interiors from scratch, then the hardwired power supply option is the best option for you. Because it involves wires running through the walls of your home and is the easiest to be done before the walls are finished and closed.
However, some homes are built keeping in view the futuristic needs, thus allowing the hard wiring to be done without much damage to the walls or interior infrastructure. In any case, if you’ve made up your mind about having this source of power supply option for your motorized blinds or shades, then it is advised to hire a professional electrician for this task.
2. Plug-In
In case, if hard wiring is not possible considering your interior setting, then prefer choosing plug-in motorized blinds as an alternative. It is not complicated at all and requires the power cord/ line of your motorized blinds to be simply plugged into a nearby power outlet. It can be done if the power outlet is right next to the window and in case, if it’s a little bit far, then a power lead or extension can be used, as well.
The only disadvantage of this type of power supply is that the hanging power cords from your window can make your room look less tidy. However, if you can somehow conceal and secure these power lines using brackets, then it can be the easy-to-use power supply option for your motorized blinds and shades.
2. Battery Power Supply For Motorized Blinds & Shades
With this type of power supply, your automatic window treatments can operate independently from the rest of the house. And with that being said, your blinds will be functional even in cases of power cuts. There are 3 types of battery power sources and all of them are explained below.
Read More: Different Types Of Motorized Blinds
1. Built-In Rechargeable Batteries
Motorized Blinds or Shades operated on these blinds feature a seamless design with no wires, plugs, or outlets because the power package is concealed within the window treatment. These types of batteries can last anywhere from 6-12 months, however, it depends upon the extent of their usage. And, it takes them about 5-6 hours to recharge completely and it can be done by simply connecting the power cord from a nearby outlet to the battery.
2. External Non-Rechargeable Batteries
These are mostly round-shaped batteries and have to be replaced once they expire, thus they don’t require any charging. Lithium AA batteries are mostly used and recommended for motorized blinds and shades. The best quality batteries can last up to one year, so you won’t need to replace them for a long time.
3. External Rechargeable Batteries
These batteries have to be wall-mounted and concealed behind your window treatment to attain a smooth window appearance. These batteries have to be charged and can also be replaced easily when expired, unlike the built-in rechargeable batteries for which the blinds or shades have to be disassembled.
Also, these batteries can power more substantial window treatments with enhanced efficacy as they are more powered than all other types of batteries. The most significant advantage of this type of power supply option is that you can buy two of these external rechargeable batteries so as to swap them when one runs out of charge.
3. Solar Power Supply For Motorized Blinds & Shades
It is the last power supply option for motorized blinds and shades and is suitable only for those automatic window coverings that get at least eight hours of sunlight per day. The automatic window treatments powered via this source come with a compact solar panel positioned right behind the shades and in the window. If you’ve got lightweight blinds or shades, then this power supply option can reduce your electricity bills to a great extent.
This solar panel converts the sunlight into electric energy which is stored in rechargeable batteries. However, this type of power source suits the lightest to medium-weight window coverings and is not for heavy-weight blinds or shades framing large window panels. Because the power generated by this solar panel is generally lower than battery-powered options. Also, solar panels have to be replaced after every 2-4 years to keep your blinds functional.
Final Verdict
These are the 3 different types of power supply options for motorized blinds and shades and all of them have their own pros and cons. Also, your choice of power supply option can have a significant impact on the electricity bill of your home. The lowest running cost is of the wired power options whether hardwired or plugged-in which can sustain even heavy-weight window treatments without any difficulties.
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