Shade Motor Technology
Why Choose Motorized Shades from Insolroll?
Insolroll utilizes a wide selection of tubular motors that are mounted and hidden from view inside the shade roller tube. Tubular motors were invented in 1959 and have become the standard motorized operating systems for window treatments, awnings, rolling shutters, and projection screens throughout the world.
Insolroll offers motor options for every application
- 110 V AC motors
- 24 V DC motors
- Somfy battery motors
Quiet Motorization Technology
- Insolroll Quiet Motors (IQM) for interior and exterior use, with the lifting capacity necessary for larger, heavier shades
- Insolroll Quiet Battery Motors (BAT-L series and BAT-X) for interior use with no need for wiring
- Insolroll Ultra Quiet Motors (IUQ) virtually eliminate motor and mechanical noise
- Insolroll’s Ultra Quiet spring-loaded idler further reduces mechanical noise
UL-Listed complete motorized shade system
Most shades in the industry are made up of UL-Recognized components, and other parts that are not tested with the shade. “UL-Listed” status is the Underwriters’ Laboratories most rigorous safety standard and testing program. To earn the UL-Listed mark, Insolroll upgraded a number of our motors and shade components to meet the higher standard.
- All parts of the shade system have been tested together to meet the standard
- UL-Listed mark shows inspectors and homeowners at a glance that all parts of the shade together meet the “Listed” standard
Original Somfy AC or DC hard-wired directional motors provide durability and reliability
The original tubular motor design is still the industry standard today due to reliability and cost advantages. These motors were designed with a brake system to prevent shades from slipping, internal limit switches for setting the upper limit of shades when raised and lower limit when shades are down, and thermal overload system to prevent the motor from failing if it gets too hot.
They require wired switch legs, relays to isolate each motor and 3-position switches.
Recommended for group control applications in new construction projects.
Somfy Battery-Powered Motors
Where wiring is difficult or impossible, Insolroll offers 4 battery motor options.
Why battery motors?
- Enjoy a motorized shade without additional wiring needed
- Perfect for existing homes and businesses
- Easy control via smart phone, tablet, handheld remote control, wireless wall switch or integrated with a smart-home automation system
NEW Insolroll Quiet Lithium Motor Systems
Insolroll’s new BAT-L series Lithium-ion motors by Somfy with embedded Li-ion battery has all the benefits of a battery-powered shade motor without an external battery wand or the need to change batteries. It’s also an Insolroll Quiet Motor, with lower operational noise.
BAT-L2-R
Somfy 12 V Embedded Li-ion Battery Quiet Radio Motor
- Li-ion motor built into the shade roller
- Once-a-year charging*
- Operates at approximately 44 decibels or less, about the same as the hum of a refrigerator
- Quiet hardware to further reduce mechanical noise
- 2.0 Newton Meter motor
- Greater lifting capacity than our standard BAT-R motor
- Widths available up to 120″ wide
- Smaller roller for lower visual impact at the top of the window
- Available with 4″ fascia, 4″ cassette, Paramount Valance, 6″ Valance or Exposed Roll with upgraded brackets
BAT-L1-R
Somfy 12 V Embedded Li-ion Battery Quiet Radio Motor
- Li-ion motor built into the shade roller
- Once-a-year charging*
- Operates at approximately 49 decibels or less, about the same as moderate rain
- Quiet hardware to further reduce mechanical noise
- 1.1 Newton Meter motor
- Narrower widths available- from 24 ⅛”
- Smaller roller for lower visual impact at the top of the window
- Available with 3″ fascia, 3″ cassette, Paramount Valance, 6″ Valance or Exposed Roll with upgraded brackets
*based on once-daily up-down, down-up cycle
BAT-X1-R
Somfy 12 V External Lithium Battery Pack Quiet Radio Motor
- External 18″ battery wand with reloadable lithium batteries
- Optional External Rechargeable Li-ion battery wand available
- Battery wands can be charged away from shade location.
- Backup wands allow for no shade downtime due to charging
- Available with 3″ fascia, 4″ fascia, 3″ cassette, 4″ cassette, Paramount Valance, 6″ Valance or Exposed Roll with upgraded brackets
Quiet battery-powered shade control options
Compatible with all Somfy RTS (Radio Technology Somfy) Control, with control options including:
- Smartphone and tablet app
- Handheld remote control
- Voice control with compatible systems including Amazon Alexa®
- Integration with 3rd party home automation systems
Personalized shade control
- Set operation schedules at home or away from home
- Set shade control “scenes” for specific activities or times of day
- Integrate with 3rd party home automation systems
- Operate shades when away from home
Insolroll’s standard BAT-R battery motor
Our BAT-R motor by Somfy uses regular D-cell batteries, and features smooth soft start and stop, adjustable speed control, and LED low battery indicator. Somfy has been the world leader in shade motorization for almost 50 years, and offers versatile solutions for new or retrofit applications.
Features
- Maximum width of 96″ at 72″
- Maximum height of 108″ at 84″
- Compatible with all Somfy radio controls
Wand options
- Replaceable batteries
- Rechargeable batteries
- Solar-powered with rechargeable batteries
Control options
- Handheld remote
- Wall mounted switch
- Somfy myLink® App based control for smartphone or tablet
- 3rd party home automation system
Learn more about shade control options
How does Somfy’s solar-powered rechargeable system work?
The solar (photovoltaic panel is simply mounted on the inside of the window opening, and converts the sun’s light into electrical energy. The harnessed electrical energy is stored within a specialized Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-H) battery which powers Insolroll BAT-R motorized window shades. This system is maintenance-free, environmentally friendly alternative to disposable lithium batteries. If your application does not get enough sunlight to fully charge the batteries, they can be recharged via a plug-in charger if needed.
Radio motor switching technology
Recent advances in motor and switching technology have led to the development of motors with built-in switching technology.
Radio motors are the most popular option due the ease of wiring a motorized project and the array of transmitters, switches, timers, and automatic controls available.
Intelligent motors with advanced control capability
- Allows for programming flexibility
- Seamless integration with 3rd party lighting and building automation controls
- 2-way feedback to advanced control systems
- Connected by a bus-line communication system.