If you have ever thought "I want electric shutters, but I don't want to chase walls for cables", then solar-powered roller shutter motors are the revelation you have been waiting for.
A small photovoltaic panel on the shutter box charges an internal lithium battery. Your shutters go up and down electrically - without a single centimetre of cable, without chasing the façade, without any running electricity cost. Zero bill, zero electrical wiring needed.
The system consists of three elements: (1) a small photovoltaic panel mounted on the outer face of the shutter box, (2) a rechargeable lithium battery built into the tubular motor, and (3) a wireless remote control.
The panel converts light into electrical energy, charging the battery continuously. Even on days without sun (e.g. a rainy week in Northern Greece), the battery easily handles over 30 cycles (up-down) on a single full charge. For a typical family using the shutters 2–3 times a day, that means 10+ days of autonomy without any sunshine.
The main reason many homes lack electric shutters is wall chasing. During renovation, running a 230 V cable from the panel to each shutter box means: cutting channels in walls, re-plastering, re-painting. Cost, time, mess.
Replacing windows but don't want major work? The solar motor requires no cable in the wall whatsoever. The technician removes the old shutter, fits the new one with the solar motor and sticks the panel on the outside. In 30 minutes per shutter the job is done.
In traditional stone houses or listed neoclassical buildings, cutting channels is prohibited. Solar motors are the only legal motorisation solution. The building's character is preserved while you gain full automation.
On the islands, the electrical infrastructure is often inadequate or homes remain closed for months. Solar shutters operate autonomously - even if you turn off the mains! You can schedule automatic opening/closing for ventilation even when you are not on the island.
The most common question: "What happens in winter or on rainy days?" The answer is reassuring. The photovoltaic panels do not need bright sunshine - they work effectively even with diffused light on overcast days.
Moreover, the lithium battery stores enough energy to cover extended periods without any charging. Leading manufacturers (Somfy, Becker, Cherubini) guarantee operation even in Scandinavian climates - Greece, with its 300+ sunny days per year, is absolutely ideal.
The lithium batteries (Li-ion or LiFePO4) last 8–12 years before needing replacement. Replacement is easy without removing the motor - you simply swap the battery module.
This is a huge advantage. When the neighbourhood loses power (blackout, storm), your shutters continue to operate normally. Security even when the grid is down - and without a generator or UPS.
Every shutter movement is powered by 100% renewable energy. In an era where building energy ratings affect property values, solar-powered shutters upgrade both the energy certificate and the resale value of your home.
Solar motors do not sacrifice "smart" for autonomy. Modern versions (e.g. Somfy Oximo Solar io) integrate the io-homecontrol wireless protocol, making them fully compatible with the Hub (TaHoma), schedules, automation scenes and voice control via Alexa / Google Assistant.
Compared with wired electric motors, a solar motor costs around €40–80 more per shutter. However, if you factor in the savings from not having to chase walls and do electrical work (€150–300 per shutter in a renovation), the total cost is much lower overall.
💡 Tip: If you are renovating without electrical work, always request solar motors instead of manual shutters. The small cost difference is no longer justifiable compared to the enormous upgrade in daily convenience, security and operation even during power outages.
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