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.

  • curbstickle@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    3·
    1 day ago

    Battery powered is the way to go, then add in your solar option.

    If its a rechargeable, use the charging port as a means to feed it.

    If it isn’t, solder direct and add your own battery - you dont want them to only work when the sun is out!

    Both are hacks and not premade, but would do the job.

      • givesomefucks@lemmy.worldEnglish
        4·
        1 day 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.worldEnglish
        3·
        1 day 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.