Guide to Smart Shading Systems

If you want shading and awnings on your property without the chore of deploying them manually (or the fear of wind damage), a smart shading system is likely for you.

In recent years, smart shading tech has skyrocketed, alongside encrypted remotes, voice controls, sensors, and smartphone apps—all to make shading use easier. 

In this guide, we’ll explain what levels of smart shading there are, what remotes you can choose, the types of awnings, and how to know which is best for you.

What is Smart Shading?

Smart shading is the use of motorized shading solutions (like awnings, screens, or shutters) that automatically retract and adjust in response to sensors or remote controls (including smartphone apps). 

For example, many respond to sunlight intensity, temperature, and storm warnings via sensors. But they can also be set to adjust based on customized or automated schedules. 

By blocking heat in the summer and insulating it in the winter, they can reduce HVAC cooling costs by up to 30% and heating costs by 14%. 

 

The Three Levels of Smart Shading Systems

There are three levels of outdoor smart shading systems. Let’s break them down: 

Level 1: Basic Motorization

Basic automated awning systems have been around for decades now, using a Somfy RTS motor with a Telis remote or a wall switch. 

These systems are not really ‘smart’ as they still require some level of human input. But they’re still far more automated than the old manual-cranking alternative. 

They cost around $800 to $1,500 more than manual setups and are best for sheltered locations with infrequent use. 

Level 2: Sensor Automation

Motorized awnings with sensors are a considerable step up for ease of use. Thanks to an Eolis 3D wind sensor or a Soliris RTS sun and wind sensor, they can respond to weather changes. These sensors work independently, with no WiFi or app needed. 

This allows the system to retract when most needed. For example, when clouds go away, it extends to provide shading that reduces UV and temperature. 

Perhaps more importantly, though, they also close up into their housing when winds arrive, to prevent damage from storms, even when you’re not at home. 

You can expect to pay around $1,500 to $2,500 more than a manual shading solution. But it pays for itself by preventing the cost of a similar fabric or frame replacement due to wind damage.

Level 3: Full Smart Home Integrations

Full smart shading systems include the above, with the added benefit of smartphone control or smart home integration. 

This allows for remote access, control, programming, and scheduling. So, you can set schedules, adjust them from the other side of the house, or even when you’re away from the property entirely! 

You can expect to pay around $1,650 to $2,000 for a MyLink set-up or $2,500 to 3,500+ for a professional smart home integration.

Choosing Your Smart Shade System Interface and Remote

If you want the best, go for Level 3. There, you’ll enjoy a smart home awning integration from Rollac that uses ‘Somfy RTS’. This tech enables wireless automation via an encrypted frequency, up to 65 feet away, using the remote.

There’s still some customization to be made, though, via the choice of interface: 

Telis Remotes 

Telis remotes offer a simpler solution than the app-based MyLink. 

You have a choice of models with different ‘channel’ totals; in plain English, this means how many shades or groups of shades you can control via the interface. For example, there are 1-channel interfaces, 5-channel, and 16-channel models. 

Each remote is battery-powered and wall-mountable via the clip included. While perhaps not as fancy as a smart app, many people prefer the dedicated remote that doesn’t rely on cell service or Wi-Fi. 

myLink Smart Hub 

Somfy myLink connects smart outdoor shades to iOS or Android apps. Here you can control up to 5 RTS channels, with far more flexibility, including creating ‘scenes’, schedules, and (best of all) remote access from anywhere (if you’ve got an internet connection). 

This can be the ideal choice for anyone who wants the convenience of adjusting it while out and about, or for vacation rental property owners who may want to retract the smart shade after their guests have left.

Professional System

Finally, the professional custom installation option lets you scale up your smart shading vision. Using a URTSI interface, you can handle 16 RTS channels with precise control over individual motors from 65 feet away. 

Designed for Control4, Crestron, Savant, and Elan integration, these systems can ‘cascade’ up to 16 units for 256 total channels. 

This vast potential makes it the perfect option for luxury homes, commercial buildings, and whole-building automation. 

We welcome you to contact us today if you would like to begin creating a customized smart shading system. 

Choosing Your Smart Shade System from Rollac 

Rollac has smart-ready products that can revolutionize your home and reduce your HVAC and heating bills. 

Motorized Retractable Awnings: 

Our smart shade motorized retractable awning provides customizable outdoor shading, which is perfect for patios, decks, pools, and outdoor kitchens. These awnings extend outwards from their wall mount. 

Available in a full cassette (the fabric is fully hidden when retracted), a half cassette (the roller is enclosed, but part of the fabric is exposed), or an open-roll option. 

It uses gore-tex thread, and you’ll get UV-resistant stitching that lasts 3 to 5 times longer than standard polyester.

Sizes are available between 8’ and 35’; smart features allow remote control or control via the myLink app. It provides a shade projection of 13’1”. 

Drop Arm Window Awnings: 

Our smart shade Drop Arm Window Awnings features a slightly different vertical deployment, from above or beside windows for fantastic internal shading. 

Suited for any window type, we offer custom sizing with a motorized smart system set-up. This allows an adjustable projection angle so that you can control your view and the amount of light entering the window. 

With a sun sensor, for example, you could set it to deploy automatically when the sun hits the window. Just set it and forget it, and you’ll reduce indoor temperatures even when you’re not at home. 

Vertical Drop Awnings:

For a more compact shading, consider our smart shade vertical drop awnings. 

Using a rail-guided, cable-guided, or free-hanging set-up, they’re ideal for balconies, apartments, offices, patios, and tight spaces. 

With smart control, they can descend when the sun arrives, making them perfect for any property that tends to overheat quickly during summer. 

ZipShade Motorized Exterior Screens:

Our ZipShade exterior screens are our smart shading pride and joy, wind-tested to 80mph!

With a unique zip-track system, the fabric locks into side channels, ensuring zero light gaps and no billowing even during strong winds!

ZipShade is perfect for large openings, screened porches, pool enclosures, tight spaces, and coastal or high-wind installations. 

With an Eolis wind sensor for awning integration, you can relax knowing they’ll retract even during hurricane-force winds. For those calmer, baking-hot days, you can expect up to 99% UV protection, depending on the fabric density you opt for. 

Motorized Roller Shutters 

Finally, if you’re in the market for a more robust shutter setup, consider our smart shade shutter systems. 

Available with smart control via myLink and optional wind sensors, you’ll gain full blackout privacy, thermal insulation, and hurricane protection. For those who want protection over style, go the shutter route. 

Which Smart Shading Level Is Best for Me?

Start with Level 1 Basic Motorization, if:

• Minimizing your expenses is your priority.
• You live in a low-wind risk location.
• You’re home frequently to manually operate.
• You don’t think you’ll be using it frequently. 

Upgrade to Level 2 Sensor Automation, if:

• It’s for a high-wind area. 
• It’s a vacation home, vacation rental, or you’re just frequently away. 
• It’s for a west- or south-facing installation (which receives high sun exposure).
• You have no interest in control via an app.
• You want shade that doesn’t require your ongoing attention.

Go Level 3, Full Smart Integration, if:

• You already have a smart home ecosystem (Alexa, Google, or Control4).
• You’ll have multiple motorized products to control.
• You want scheduling and automation beyond weather sensors.
• You’d prefer to use a voice/app control over remotes.

Get a Professional Consultation, if

• You’re planning a large automated awning system with more than 5 shades, awnings, or shutters.
• It’s a commercial installation.
• You want integration with an existing Control4/Crestron system.
• You require maximum wind protection.

Buy and Install Smart Shading Systems with Rollac 

If you’re looking for an automated awning system, then choose Rollac! 

Our products are the result of 40 years of innovation and feature top industry-standard materials and smart tech. Whether you’re after a motorized awning system or voice-controlled outdoor shades, we can help create a system that transforms how the sun enters your home.

Our selection of awnings includes automated systems for all conditions, including hurricane-prone regions.

We invite you to browse our smart shade systems and contact us today for a consultation.