Motors and power · Rolling Shutter Guide
How do solar-powered rolling shutters work, and where does the panel go?
A solar rolling shutter runs a 12 V DC motor from a battery inside a small solar panel, so it needs no house wiring and works in an outage. Mount the panel on the shutter box or a nearby eave, wherever it gets the most daylight. Gaposa rates a full battery for about 35 days at two cycles a day.
Key facts
- Roll-A-Shield builds solar shutters on two Gaposa Autonomo motors: 30 Nm with the SPB18 panel and 50 Nm with the SPB22 panel. They lift up to 100 lb and 175 lb on a 60 mm axle. Roll-A-Shield data
- Gaposa rates a full battery at about 35 days of use at two open-close cycles a day in low winter light, and gives the battery a service life of 3-5 years. Roll-A-Shield quotes about 60 open-close cycles per full charge.
- The panel and the box lead together give about 3 ft of reach; a 10 ft extension is available when the panel has to sit farther from the shutter. Roll-A-Shield data
- The panel charges from daylight, including indirect light, but not from artificial light. Roll-A-Shield data
- The solar battery is covered by the 2-year electronics term of the Roll-A-Shield warranty. Roll-A-Shield data
Applies to: Gaposa Autonomo solar motors with SPB18 and SPB22 solar stations on rolling shutters, including Roll-A-Shield solar shutters.
How does a solar shutter work?
A solar shutter is a motorized shutter that runs on its own battery, charged by a small solar panel, with no connection to house power.
The Gaposa Autonomo system Roll-A-Shield uses comes as a pre-wired set: a 12 V DC motor inside the shutter's axle, and a solar station, which is the panel with a rechargeable battery built into its aluminum frame. The two plug together with a weatherproof connector. The motor has a radio receiver built in, so it works from any Gaposa remote or Gaposa's smartphone app.
Because nothing has to be wired to the building, the whole installation can be done from outside.
Which solar kits are there?
Roll-A-Shield builds solar shutters on two sizes, each matched to its own solar station.
| 30 Nm solar | 50 Nm solar | |
|---|---|---|
| Solar station | SPB18 | SPB22 |
| Panel | 18 V, 5.5 W | 22 V, 6.5 W |
| Battery | 12 V Ni-MH, 5,000 mAh | 16.8 V Ni-MH, 4,200 mAh |
| Station length | 25.7 in (653 mm) | 28.5 in (723 mm) |
| Curtain it can lift, 60 mm axle | 100 lb | 175 lb |
| Curtain it can lift, 70 mm axle | 90 lb | 150 lb |
The panel is not sold separately; it ships with its motor, and Roll-A-Shield flags it on the cut sheet so it is packed with the shutter. For a curtain heavier than the 50 Nm motor can lift, choose a wired or remote motor; see what size motor a shutter needs.
How long does a charge last?
Gaposa rates a full battery at about 35 days of use at two open-close cycles a day, in extreme low-light winter conditions. Roll-A-Shield quotes about 60 open-close cycles on a full charge, roughly a month of use. The battery is a wear item: Gaposa gives it a service life of 3-5 years.
Gaposa designed the system to recharge in low winter light, and in a Roll-A-Shield trial it kept working with the panel shaded for most of the day. It will not charge under artificial light. A dusty panel charges less, so wipe it clean if the shutter starts to slow.
For sites with little winter sun, Gaposa offers a Y cable that adds a second panel, or a battery charger as an alternative. Charge only with the Gaposa charger, and for no more than 3.5 hours.
Where should the solar panel go?
Wherever it gets the most daylight: usually on top of the shutter box, or on a nearby roof eave.
- Reach. The panel lead and the box lead together give about 3 ft. If the best spot is farther away, a 10 ft extension is available.
- Angle. Gaposa's solar station has adjustable wings that tilt the panel to 10, 25 or 45 degrees to face the sun.
- Light. Give it as much direct sun as the site allows; it still charges in indirect light. A deeply shaded or north-facing opening is usually a better fit for a battery motor.
- Fixing. Screw the panel down through the mounting holes at each end.
Tip: The panel is charged at the factory but can run down in transit, and it charges only once it is plugged into the motor lead. Connect it as soon as it is mounted.
How is a solar shutter installed?
Like any other shutter, with two extra steps: a hole for the motor lead and the panel.
- Mount the guide rails and the box as for any surface-mounted shutter; see the install guides.
- Drill a 1/2 in hole in the top or side of the box for the motor lead, on the side the panel will be.
- Thread the motor lead out through the hole.
- Mount the panel and plug the motor lead's male connector into the panel's female connector. The connector is keyed: the two arrows face each other.
- Test the shutter from the remote. The limits are set at the factory; adjust them from the remote if needed.
Does a solar shutter work in a power outage?
Yes, because it runs on its own stored charge, which is why solar motors have no manual override and do not need one. For a bedroom, check your local egress rules; a solar, battery or manual-override motor keeps the shutter operable in an outage.
The Autonomo motors also have obstacle detection. Gaposa rates the motor for -10 to +40 °C (14 to 104 °F) and a duty cycle of 6 minutes.
What if it stops working?
Start with the light and the connector, then the battery. If the shutter goes part way and stops, or runs slowly, the battery is usually low; see a solar shutter that stops halfway. Roll-A-Shield's field reference values: a healthy battery reads 13.0-14.2 V, and below 11.5 V it should be replaced. The multimeter test walks through it. A solar motor resets differently from a wired one: the panel is unplugged for a full 60 seconds first. See resetting a Gaposa solar motor.
The battery falls under the 2-year electronics term of the warranty. Following a published Roll-A-Shield guide does not void the warranty. Mains wiring must be done by a licensed electrician.
What next
Replacement batteries and remotes are in the parts store. To add solar shutters to a home with no power at the windows, request a quote or call (480) 921-0200; the motor page compares the motor options.
Watch it done
Product overview: the Gaposa solar shutter motor
The written steps on this page are the reference; the video shows the same job.
Frequently asked questions
Will a solar shutter work on a north-facing or shaded window?
It charges in indirect daylight, but the less light the panel gets, the less charge it stores. Mount the panel where it gets the most light, which may be an eave away from the window. A deeply shaded or north-facing opening is usually better served by a battery motor.
Does a solar shutter work in a power outage?
Yes. It is not connected to house power, so it keeps running on the charge in its battery. That is also why solar motors are not made with a manual override.
Can I charge the battery from an outlet?
Yes, with Gaposa's charger, which Gaposa suggests for high-latitude sites as an alternative to adding a second panel. Do not charge for longer than 3.5 hours.
Does a solar shutter stop if something is in the way?
Yes. Gaposa's Autonomo solar motors have obstacle detection, which Gaposa calls double-try obstacle detection.
Parts and next step
Need a part or a hand?
Replacement motors, remotes, straps, slats and hardware ship from our Tempe, Arizona factory. Phoenix-area owners can book a service visit; everywhere else, our technicians help by phone. Call (480) 921-0200; the factory answers technical questions for any rolling shutter, not only ours.