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Are there solar powered window blinds? (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 2 weeks ago by clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.works to c/homeassistant@lemmy.world
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I've got an extra tall living room, and without a 15' ladder there's no way I can actuate the pull down shades. I would be annoyed to have to climb up to change batteries a few times a year. What I would ideally want are some kind of window shade or blinds with a remote or HA controllable, and a little solar panel to collect the juicy rays of the sun.

I have found hard wired shades, battery powered shades with remotes, and zigbee etc shades, but not exactly what I'm looking for.

Any suggestions?

I don't actually HAVE any automation at home beyond some hated Alexas, but these shades would be a great place to start.

Thanks in advance.

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[-] clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 weeks ago

Could be a fun excuse to learn to solder.

[-] givesomefucks@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

No need to solder.

Someone mentioned battery blinds that charges by USB, lots of small panels provide charge by USB.

I'd say it's worth spending extra on a panel that won't try to charge a full battery just to be safe, but other than that with as little juice as it uses you can buy a very cheap, very small panel and just stick it in an upper corner.

[-] Grimy@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago

Batteries are not something you should mess around with without experience. There is a very real chance of a fire and your insurance might not pay out if its caused by you.

It's doable but I would be very careful and triple check everything. The better solution is probably to plug it into an outlet or directly wired into the house, with the solar panels on the roof instead serving the entirety of your home.

[-] curbstickle@lemmy.dbzer0.com 3 points 2 weeks ago

Good point, it didnt sound like there was any accessible power source, but definitely an assumption on my part.

[-] clay_pidgin@sh.itjust.works 2 points 2 weeks ago

That's definitely a concern! Even worse than insurance would be the entire recriminations from my wife.

this post was submitted on 08 May 2025
35 points (100.0% liked)

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