Install motorized shades to control light, and use that same light to power the motorized shades. This seems logical considering the shades are in the window where they can be exposed to this abundant energy source. Solar panels have been around for a long time and typically are made up of wafer-based crystalline silicon cells. Panels based on a silicon composition are rigid as a result and need direct sunlight to be able to generate power, hence the term Solar Panel. This hasn't worked well for window coverings that are installed on the interior since glass coatings and other obstructions lessen the amount of direct sunlight an interior-mounted panel could receive. A recently announced breakthrough in photovoltaic (PV) technology changes everything. The magic is a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel that doesn't need direct sunlight to generate energy. DSSC, or dye-sensitized solar cell, is an exciting development in PV technology that uses a system similar to how plants convert light into energy in photosynthesis. So DSSC panels are able to generate power in low light conditions where silicon-based solutions can't, and will start creating energy at sunrise and will continue throughout the day even behind coated glazing.

We offer many options for motorizing your window coverings, we strive to make system selection easy for you. The wide range of motors we offer differ in lift capacities, voltage/current, motor diameter, control features, and operating noise level. Sometimes there are existing factors, such as pre-wiring, that will help shape your selection of a system. Motor length can also be a factor in the selection process if your windows aren't wide enough for a particular motor. Aside from physical considerations, the available features of a motor series and how it will be interfaced or be controlled will really help narrow the options. For instance if you want to be able to control and monitor the motorized shades from a Smartphone, Tablet, or PC there are still several options to choose from, but the choices have been honed down to a select few.

Introducing RetroSolar, a performance louver system for the interior, exterior, and in between the glass. Could a window covering product exist that daylights the interior, reflects and cuts both glare and heat, and still manages to allow 86% visibility to the exterior? RetroSolar products do all of that without motorization, without solar tracking automation, and without any movement at all. An immediate increase in the overall health of the work environment is realized from having more natural light to work by, reduced glare at computer monitors, and a view to the exterior to reduce eye strain. Energy savings are also evident since lighting can be dimmed to blend with the natural daylight and climate control costs are reduced as light is reflected before it turns into interior heat.

Skylights and Specialties Fabric Tension Dual Motor System (FTS) - Motorizing skylight and angle openings with an FTS allows complete control, using solar shading or blackout fabrics. Fabric tension systems hardware consists of dual motorized tubes, fabric secured between 2 tubes with cable or industrial webbing. Standard FTS Systems have fabric rolling off the top of the tube (closest to the window) with the motors R/R. Motor speed is 20 RPM. The controller operates each motor independently to maintain the dynamic (moving) tension. The final (static) tension is then set to eliminate sagging when the fabric is fully closed. Spring Tension Motorized Skylight System - Dual Tube application using heavy duty spring mounted in take up tube and motorized fabric tube. Bottom Up Motorized System - Dual tube application using heavy duty spring tube and motorized tube. Take up tube can be mounted at bottom with fabric tube or at top of opening. Single tube designs use tension springs within the load bar with pulley and guiding cable to take up reels on motor tube. Angle Bottom Up Motorized - Special triangle and trapezoid systems are available. Contact SKYCO Shading for technical support. Manual Cord Pulley Spring Tension - Used for small opening applications. A crank handle is optional. Stationary Screen Frames - Set into 1" aluminum angle framing systems for suspended applications. Fabric can be Flat (FTS style and Spring Tension) or Soft Fold.

We offer Motorized Drapery Tracks for the majority of sizes and applications, including custom bends and recessed tracks. Mechanism o Direct Drive - 120V AC motors from 36" to 360" o 24V Motor for sheer and residential applications from 36" to 180" Motor Controls Styles o Pinch Pleat (Standard) o Acordia Z or Ripplefold o Track o Finish - Clear Anodized standard Custom finishes available Operation o Straight o Curved - 90 degree o Continuous curve Draw o Center o One way o Off set

This skylight sun control system is a non retractable louver system that can be mounted on any plane of any angle, curved conditions and unusual shape window configurations. These precision systems are designed to perform with maximum efficiency. The tilt angle is from 0-90 degrees angling from fully open to fully closed. Operation o Manual - Crank operator with detachable crank hook and handle o Motorized - Somfy tubular motor Motor Controls - LV switches, radio & IR remote, sun sensor, home automation and audio visual interface. Shades can operate individually and / or in groups. Rack Arm - consists of an aluminum bar fitted with pivots to which the louvers are attached. Various slat sizes are available with optional materials and finishes.

The Chain Operated Tech™ Shade by SKYCO offers the ideal balance between sun protection, easy operation, and value. Manually operated via a continuous, stainless steel, ball-chain loop for reliability and performance.

Just supply power and Radio Controlled motorized shades are ready to be controlled from wall keypads, handheld remotes, and automation interfaces. The are motor options in both line voltage AC and low voltage DC, and quiet motor options as well. We offer the latest options in radio technology and accessory components. Radio Technology Somfy (RTS) is a reliable single-transmission signal that works with a wide array of motors and accessories with built-in RTS, including sun sensors, timers, and multiple control points.

Standard Motors are an entry-level, reliable option when only simple line voltage switch control is needed. The workhorse of the industry, standard motors offer proven mechanical limits and can always be upgraded with external motor controllers for added functionality or to interface with building and automation systems. Offering the widest array of lift capacities, starting with 4Nm (Newton meters) of torque capable of lifting 35 lbs. and going all the way up to 80Nm of torque to be able to lift up to 700 lbs.

Switches - Three position - Paddle, rocker, and toggle - white standard (ivory optional). One or two motors can be controlled off a single DPDT switch. Key switches and key pads are also available. Group Control by GCS II - A low voltage control system controlling 4 motors. Multiple groups can be controlled by a master switch. Sun sensor, timers, and remote controls interface to GCS II''s. Individual and Group Control by IGC & IGC3N1 - Operates 1-3 motors and groupings of motors individually and in sub groups with master control. Dry contact interface is available for connection to automation and audiovisual control systems. Sun sensor, timers, and remote controls interface to IGC systems. Sun Sensors, Timers and Wind (exterior applications) operate individual and group control systems as noted. Radio and Infrared Remote Controls - Radio and IR controls are available in several configurations and integrators to fulfill any complexity of control options. Animeo IB+ Building Automation - enables the automatic control of all interior and exterior window treatments. Automatic control system - The system controls 8 zones determined by the level of light level and room temperature. The shade management software can be linked to the HVAC systems by a personal computer. Sensors - The sensors transmit information concerning light level and temperature via sensor boxes. Decentralized Zone Control - The motor controllers manage the priorities from information delivered from local wired and wireless control points.

Our manually operated window treatments have been installed in notable projects in healthcare, places of learning, and hospitality, as well as residential and commercial projects and national chains. We use high quality clutches and components. Our chain loop is T304 stainless steel with a tensile strength of 100 lbs, and we make the chain loop continuous and completely coupler-less for the ultimate in appearance and reliability. Manual shades offer excellent light and glare control with an uninterrupted view to the exterior. They protect furnishings from harsh UV damage, they add comfort and help to save energy. They are simple to use, easy to clean and are durable in all types of commercial or residential applications. Mechanisms - Heavy Duty Patented Technology R16 - Type 6 Nylon w/ 3 high strength carbon steel wrap springs. R24 - Type 6 Nylon w/ 5 high strength carbon steel wrap springs. R24 Spring Assist - Type 6 Nylon w/ 3 high strength carbon steel wrap springs. SL20 - Fiberglass-reinforced nylon. SL30 - Fiberglass-reinforced nylon. Galaxy - Type 6 Nylon geared clutch w/ 1.6 to 1 ratio for better lifting efficiency. Chain - #10 Qualified Stainless Steel is standard. Color chain is available. Brackets - Standard brackets are .125 thick steel ceiling, rear or side mount. Tubes & Spline - SKYCO Shading exclusive die designs with key ways providing for simple field adjustability or changing of fabric bands. Soft PVC spline is welded onto shade band to affix shade to tube. 1 1/2" Tube w/ single spline key way in .065 gauge wall. 2 1/2" Tube w/ three spline key ways in .071 gauge wall. Hembar - Custom SKYCO Shading extrusion welded on 3 sides into hem pocket. .

Spring Tension Motorized Skylight System - Dual Tube application using heavy duty spring mounted in take up tube and motorized fabric tube.

Fabric Tension Dual Motor System (FTS) Motorizing skylight and angle openings with an FTS allows complete control, using solar shading or blackout fabrics. Fabric tension systems hardware consists of dual motorized tubes, fabric secured between 2 tubes with cable or industrial webbing. Standard FTS Systems have fabric rolling off the top of the tube (closest to the window) with the motors R/R. Motor speed is 20 RPM. The controller operates each motor independently to maintain the dynamic (moving) tension. The final (static) tension is then set to eliminate sagging when the fabric is fully closed.

Skyco Spring Roller Tech™ Shades are industrial strength with inertia/gravity driven locking mechanisms. 1-1/4" , 1-1/2" and 1-3/4" diameter units, are one piece, heavy gauge steel, roll formed, with rust resistant finish. 2-1/4" and 3" diameter units are heavy guage roll formed steel with galvanized finish Entire lock/spring module is replaceable Durable, predictable ball bearing locking mechanism (2-1/4" and 3" units utilize ratchet/pawl locking mechanism) Industrial quality, drawn wire springs for a wide variety of applications Rust resistant, heavy gauge steel roller tubes for minimum sag Exclusive aluminum spring spindle to strengthen unit N-10 pulley perfect for "bottom-up" window shade applications Spline-in-Groove Fabric Attachment - Rollers provided with groove for spline attachment of fabric with conitinuous wire, or clips. Pre-tapping of tube for fabric attachment optional.

The superb styling of the Tech™ Shade by SKYCO Shading Systems offers excellent light and glare control with an uninterrupted view to the exterior. Blackout materials are offered for complete control. The crank mechanism is to be specified for large oversized shades and special conditions where standard manual shades will not work and motorization is not a viable alternative. Crank operators are an excellent alternative for exterior applications where chains are not recommended. The shade presents the same appearance, inside and out, so they are ideal for many different architectural settings. All Tech® Shades by SKYCO Shading Systems Inc. are custom-made to your exact size, color and material specifications.

Distributed intelligence is the best way to get all of the reliability of wired communication to control the shading system, without the expensive and laborious task of installing wiring and conduit home-runs back to a central location in a structure. The system uses industry standard wiring and cable, so not only will this system save on the amount of copper wire and conduit needed, but also the wiring and wiring practices are non-proprietary and familiar to electricians and general contractors. Motorizing shades is the state of the art way to control the interior environment of commercial, hospitality, institutional and residential installations. The superb styling of these shading systems offers the ultimate in sun protection and temperature control.

Currently the most quiet motor series, Lutron's QED and QS systems. QS Shades offer a 4-wire low voltage connection for power and control. An optional radio dongle can be added to each motor for wireless control via Lutron's Radio RA2 components.

Architecturally stylish shades available in solar, woven woods, bamboo, grass, some blackout material and customer's own material. Available as both Manual and Motorized operation. Roman shades can be heavy, so motorizing larger Roman Shades may be required. Style - Flat or Soft Fold Manual - Cord Pulley or Bead / Reel Motorized o 120V AC with 2" aluminum tube. o Motor in a tube with take up reels or "C" clamps take up the heavy duty lift cord. Motor Controls - Switches, radio & IR remote, sun sensor, home automation and audio visual interface. Shades can operate individually and / or in groups. Brass rings or grommets for cord guide. 1" x 2" or 1" x 4" wood mounting board - covered all sides with matching fabric to shade. Custom edge banding is available in assorted trims or COM. Valance - self front or front mounting without valance.

Motorizing shades is the state of the art way to control the interior environment of commercial, hospitality, institutional and residential installations. The superb styling of these shading systems offers the ultimate in sun protection and temperature control.