An articulated arm awning is a handy addition to your home: it offers shade, comfort and cooling in the house. But what does the electrical connection of an articulated arm awning involve? And is this even necessary? In this blog we delve into the world of electricity for these screens, so that you know exactly what to take into account.

What electrical options do you have with an articulated arm awning?

Many screens use electric motors to roll in and out. This can offer many advantages over manual operation.

• Ease of use: Your folding arm awning opens and closes at the touch of a button.
• Connectable to smart technology: Easily connect the screen to your smart home solutions.
• Sustainability: If you become less mobile in 10 years, you can continue to use your screen without any problems. The transition from manual to electric is virtually impossible.

Do I need an electricity connection nearby?

If you choose an electric screen, you have 2 options: Wired with a plug or with a solar panel.

When using a wired connection you need to take into account:

• Power supply: You have an outdoor socket up to 10 meters from the engine or an indoor socket up to 10 meters from the engine
• Drilling inwards: When the electrical system is inside, drilling inwards is required. Take into account any electrical system behind the wall or metal beams.
• In the case of new construction: It is useful to take into account a possible screen to be installed by pulling electricity outside onto a separate group.

When choosing a solar panel, you should take the following into account:

• Sufficient sun: The battery must be able to charge itself by the sun.
• Battery: A battery can, especially in winter, slowly discharge and has a number of cycles. Often a battery lasts less long than the sun protection itself.

We are happy to help you set up your electrical system for sun protection. Please contact us for additional advice, completely free of charge.

Can an articulated arm awning also be used without electricity?

Yes, you can choose between a solar panel or manual control. Since we are focusing exclusively on electric control in this blog, we will leave manual control aside for now.

Advantages of a solar panel:

• No electrical wiring needs to be drilled into the building.
• The system is plug & play. This means that less knowledge is required for installation.
• There is no need for a power outlet nearby

Disadvantages of a solar panel:

• The battery has a number of charging cycles, so it often needs to be replaced after 10 years.
• When it is cold, the battery has less power to open and close the screen.
• The solar panel is only available in white and black and can contrast with the sleek finish of the folding arm awning.

What are the costs of electrical installation?

At STERK Zonweringen you pay a fixed amount for the installation of your sun protection. This depends on your specific situation. When we look at the most standard installation, you pay, at the time of writing, €400 for the installation. In this case, your electrical system is drilled in and the sun protection is placed on a standard brick wall. The electrical system is not finished.

When you choose a sunshade with solar panel, the lower installation costs are included in our sharper product price. The additional price is therefore lower than the actual cost of the solar panel with battery. These costs do not include the sunshade itself.

Some tips for a smooth installation

• Check if there is a power outlet near the sun blind. If you already have an electric sun blind hanging, this power supply can be taken over.
• No electricity nearby? Consider electricity via a solar panel.
• Opt for professional installation: this can prevent problems during installation and in the future.
• Take maintenance into account. This prevents extra cold from entering the home via the duct where the electricity runs

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us.