Want the convenience of motorized shades without regularly replacing disposable batteries? The Hunter Douglas PowerView® Rechargeable Battery Wand provides a rechargeable power option for many compatible automated window treatments.
It can be used with new compatible Hunter Douglas shades and can also provide a rechargeable power source for many existing Hunter Douglas automated shades. Here’s how the battery wand works, how it charges and what to consider when choosing rechargeable power for your motorized window treatments.
What Is the PowerView® Rechargeable Battery Wand?
The PowerView® Rechargeable Battery Wand contains rechargeable lithium-ion batteries designed specifically for compatible Hunter Douglas motorized window treatments. Instead of replacing disposable AA batteries when power runs low, the wand can be removed and recharged for continued use.
For homeowners with compatible existing Hunter Douglas automated shades, retrofit options may also allow the rechargeable wand to replace an older disposable-battery power source without replacing the shade itself.
Why Choose Rechargeable Power?
Rechargeable battery power eliminates the need to continually purchase and replace disposable batteries for compatible motorized shades. That can reduce battery waste while offering a convenient way to keep your automated window treatments powered over time.
It can be especially appealing when you want motorization without hardwiring, whether you’re adding new automated shades or updating the power source on compatible existing Hunter Douglas motorized window treatments.
Where Is the Rechargeable Battery Wand Installed?
The rechargeable battery wand has a slim profile designed to stay discreet near the window treatment. Depending on the shade and installation, it can be mounted near the headrail or installed in a satellite location connected to the shade with a power cable.
A headrail-mounted configuration keeps the battery close to the shade, while a satellite mount can place the wand in a more accessible location when the window design or installation calls for it.
One mounting option, as shown above, places the battery wand behind the headrail. With a satellite installation, a cable connects the battery wand to the shade and allows the wand to be positioned elsewhere along the window area.
How Do You Charge a Motorized Shade Battery Wand?
Hunter Douglas offers single and dual charging options for the PowerView® Rechargeable Battery Wand. A fully depleted wand typically recharges in about two to three hours, depending on the charger used.
The single charger can charge one wand, while the dual charging station can charge two battery wands at the same time. For homes with multiple motorized shades, keeping a charged spare wand available can make it easy to swap batteries when needed.
Solar Charging for Rechargeable Motorized Shades
For compatible PowerView® Rechargeable Battery Wands, Hunter Douglas also offers a solar charging option that can help keep the battery charged using sunlight at the window. The solar charger connects to the rechargeable battery wand and provides ongoing supplemental power, reducing how often the wand needs to be removed for manual charging.
This can be especially useful for motorized shades on tall, large or hard-to-reach windows where accessing the battery regularly may be inconvenient. Solar charging is not the right fit for every window, so factors such as window exposure, available sunlight and the specific motorized shade should be considered when selecting a power option.
California Window Fashions can help determine whether rechargeable battery power with solar charging, disposable batteries or hardwired power is the best choice for your motorized shades and blinds.
How Long Does a Rechargeable Battery Charge Last?
Battery life depends on the size of the window treatment and how frequently it operates. Under typical conditions, many PowerView® rechargeable battery wands may need to be recharged about once a year, while larger or more frequently operated shades may require charging more often.
The PowerView® App can indicate when battery power is running low, helping you identify which motorized shade needs attention before it stops operating.
Can the Rechargeable Battery Wand Be Added to Existing Motorized Shades?
In many cases, yes. The rechargeable battery wand can be retrofitted to compatible existing Hunter Douglas automated window treatments, allowing homeowners to switch from disposable battery power to a rechargeable system without replacing the entire shade.
This is different from adding motorization to a manual window treatment. The rechargeable battery wand changes the power source for a compatible shade that is already motorized; it does not convert a manual shade into a motorized one.
Rechargeable Battery vs. Hardwired Motorized Shades
Rechargeable battery power is a convenient option when you want motorized shades without running electrical wiring to each window. Compatible rechargeable battery wands can also be paired with a solar charger to help maintain the charge using sunlight at the window.
Hardwired motorized shades may be a better fit for new construction, remodeling projects or installations where permanent power can be planned from the beginning. Disposable AA batteries are another option for compatible motorized window treatments.
California Window Fashions can help you compare rechargeable batteries, solar charging, disposable batteries and hardwired power to determine the best option for your motorized window treatment project.
Built-In Battery Monitoring & Safety
PowerView® helps make battery maintenance easier by providing low-battery notifications through the app. The rechargeable battery wand is also designed with temperature protection that can shut the battery down if it reaches an unsafe temperature near a hot window.
Find the Right Power Option for Your Motorized Shades
Rechargeable battery power can be a convenient choice for both new motorized window treatments and compatible existing Hunter Douglas automated shades. The right power setup depends on your shade style, window location, accessibility and how frequently you plan to use the shades.
If you’re comparing power options or planning new automated window treatments, contact our designers at California Window Fashions. We can help you determine whether rechargeable battery power, disposable batteries, solar charging or hardwiring makes the most sense for your home.
