Motorized shades make everyday light control easier, but every automated shade needs a reliable source of power. For many Hunter Douglas PowerView® shades, the Rechargeable Battery Wand offers a convenient way to enjoy automation without regularly replacing disposable batteries.
At Timan & Co., we can help you determine whether rechargeable battery power is the right fit for your new PowerView® automated shades. Here’s how the Hunter Douglas Rechargeable Battery Wand works, how it’s charged and what to consider when choosing a power source.
How Does the Rechargeable Battery Wand Work?
The Hunter Douglas Rechargeable Battery Wand provides battery power for compatible PowerView® automated window treatments. Instead of replacing disposable batteries when power runs low, you recharge the wand and return it to the shade. The slim battery wand can be mounted discreetly behind the shade or positioned remotely using a satellite mount, depending on the window treatment and installation.
How Long Does a Rechargeable Battery Wand Last?
For many households, a fully charged Hunter Douglas Rechargeable Battery Wand can provide approximately a year of typical shade operation before it needs to be recharged. Actual battery life varies based on the size of the window treatment and how frequently the shade moves, so larger or more frequently operated shades may need charging sooner.
The PowerView® App can also alert you when a shade’s battery level is getting low, helping you recharge before the shade loses power.
Where Is the Rechargeable Battery Wand Installed?
The battery wand can often be mounted behind the window treatment, keeping the power source largely out of sight. A satellite mounting option can position the wand away from the shade when the window, shade or installation requires easier access or a different placement.
Your Timan & Co. designer can determine the best battery placement based on the window treatment, window location and accessibility.
How Do You Charge the Battery Wand?
Hunter Douglas offers single and dual charging options for the Rechargeable Battery Wand. A single charger can recharge one wand in approximately two hours, while the Dual Charging Station can charge two wands simultaneously in approximately three hours.
For homes with several battery-powered automated shades, keeping a charged spare wand available can make the process especially convenient. When one wand needs power, it can be exchanged for a charged wand while the depleted battery recharges.
Can You Charge Motorized Shades with Solar Power?
Yes. The Hunter Douglas Solar Charger offers another convenient way to keep compatible rechargeable motorized shades powered. Installed at the window, the Solar Charger continuously provides a low-level charge to the rechargeable battery, helping reduce how often you need to remove the battery wand and charge it manually.
It can be used with compatible PowerView® shades that have a Rechargeable Battery Wand or internal rechargeable battery. And, it doesn’t require a window flooded with direct sunshine. The charger is designed to work even in lower-light conditions, including many north-facing windows. The amount of available light will affect charging performance, but in many homes, the Solar Charger can keep the battery topped off with little or no manual recharging.
This option can be especially helpful for hard-to-reach windows, homes with multiple motorized shades or windows where removing a battery wand would be inconvenient. One Solar Charger is used for each compatible shade, and placement is planned around the window, shade and available sunlight.
Can You Add a Rechargeable Battery Wand to Existing PowerView® Shades?
Rechargeable Battery Wands can be retrofitted to certain existing Hunter Douglas automated window treatments, but compatibility depends on the product and operating system. If you already have PowerView® shades, our team can help identify your system and determine whether a rechargeable battery option is available for your window treatments.
Is Rechargeable Power Right for Your Motorized Shades?
Rechargeable battery power can be an excellent option when you want automated shades without replacing disposable batteries or planning for hardwired power. It’s especially useful for existing homes where running electrical wiring to every window may not be practical.
But rechargeable batteries are only one way to power automated window treatments. The best choice depends on your windows, shade style, frequency of use and whether you’re planning automation during a remodel, new build or window treatment update. Our guide to choosing window shade automation can help you explore those considerations.
Explore PowerView® Automation with Timan & Co.
Ready to make everyday light control more convenient? Timan & Co. can help you select the right Hunter Douglas shades, controls and power source for your home. Explore our motorized window treatment solutions to learn more about PowerView® Automation, or contact our designers to get started.
