The location of the battery for a motorized roller shade depends primarily on the width of the unit. Somfy® offers both integrated and external power solutions to ensure that even narrow windows can benefit from wire-free motorization.
Embedded (Internal) Batteries
For most standard-sized windows, the battery is located inside the roller shade tube. This “embedded” design is favored for its clean aesthetic and streamlined installation.
- Sizing Requirement: To accommodate an internal battery and the motor components, the shade must have a minimum width of 24 inches.
- Visual Impact: Because the battery is concealed within the tube, there are no visible wires or external battery wands, making it the ideal choice for open-roll or fascia-mounted designs.
External Battery Options
For narrow windows or specialized architectural applications where an internal battery is not feasible, an external battery wand is utilized.
- Versatility: This allows windows narrower than 24 inches to be motorized using the same RTS technology.
- Mounting: The external battery is typically mounted behind the fascia or headrail, or tucked discreetly along the window jamb.
- Maintenance: External batteries are just as easy to recharge or replace and provide the same high-performance power as their embedded counterparts.
Not sure which battery configuration is right for your window dimensions? Our online ordering system automatically calculates the best motor and battery pairing based on your width measurements.
