Motorized shades make it easy to adjust light and privacy throughout your home, but they still need a reliable source of power. The Hunter Douglas Rechargeable Battery Wand provides a rechargeable power option for compatible PowerView® automated shades, eliminating the need to continually replace disposable AA batteries.
Available for new installations and as a retrofit option for many compatible existing PowerView® window treatments, the rechargeable battery wand combines the convenience of motorization with simple, rechargeable power.
What Is the Hunter Douglas Rechargeable Battery Wand?
The rechargeable battery wand is a lithium-ion power source designed for compatible Hunter Douglas PowerView® automated window treatments. Instead of replacing disposable batteries when the shade needs more power, the wand can be recharged and returned to the window.
For many homeowners, that means less battery waste, fewer replacement batteries to keep on hand, and a convenient way to power automated shades when hardwiring isn’t available or wasn’t planned during construction.
How Long Does the Rechargeable Battery Last & How Do You Charge It?
According to Hunter Douglas, most homeowners can expect a fully charged rechargeable battery wand to operate for about a year under typical conditions. Actual battery life depends on the size of the shade and how frequently it is operated.
When it’s time to recharge, the battery wand can be removed from its mounting location and connected to a Hunter Douglas charger. A single charger handles one wand at a time, while a dual charging station can charge two wands simultaneously. A fully depleted wand generally takes approximately two to three hours to recharge.
Can Solar Power Keep the Rechargeable Battery Charged?
Yes. The Hunter Douglas PowerView® Solar Charger can be connected to a compatible rechargeable battery wand to continually provide power from natural light at the window. This can reduce or, in many installations, eliminate the need to remove the wand for routine manual charging.
The Solar Charger is designed to work even on windows that receive relatively little direct sunlight, including many north-facing windows. That makes solar charging particularly useful for hard-to-reach shades, homes with multiple rechargeable shades, and window treatments in second homes where regular access may be less convenient.
The slim charger can be mounted directly to the window glass or along the window jamb. It can be ordered with compatible new shades or added to many existing PowerView® or SoftTouch® rechargeable shades. Learn more about the PowerView® Solar Charger from Hunter Douglas.
Can You Add a Rechargeable Battery Wand to Existing PowerView® Shades?
In many cases, yes. Hunter Douglas offers retrofit options that allow compatible existing PowerView® automated window treatments to use rechargeable battery power. Compatibility depends on the window treatment and PowerView® system, so the existing shade should be evaluated before selecting a retrofit kit.
The retrofit does not necessarily require replacing the entire window treatment. Our team can help determine whether your existing PowerView® shades are compatible with the rechargeable battery wand or whether another power option would be a better fit.
Where Does the Rechargeable Battery Wand Mount?
The rechargeable battery wand can be installed in different locations depending on the window treatment and the space surrounding the window.
Headrail Mounting
On compatible window treatments, the rechargeable battery wand can be mounted behind the headrail, keeping the power source close to the shade and largely out of view.
Satellite Mounting
When mounting directly behind the shade isn’t practical, a satellite battery wand can be connected to the window treatment with a cable and positioned in another accessible location nearby. This can be useful when window size, depth, or placement makes access behind the headrail difficult.
For skylights, tall windows, and other difficult-to-reach locations, our designers can consider both battery placement and charging access when planning the motorization system. A PowerView® Solar Charger may also be an option when regular access to the battery wand would be inconvenient.
Which Hunter Douglas Shades Work with Rechargeable Battery Wands?
Rechargeable battery power is available for many compatible Hunter Douglas window treatments equipped with PowerView® Automation. Availability can depend on size, features and other specifications. Some favorites include:
- Duette® Honeycomb Shades
- Designer Roller Shades
- Silhouette® Window Shadings
- Pirouette® Window Shadings
- Vignette® Modern Roman Shades
Many other Hunter Douglas products also offer PowerView. Because available power options vary by window treatment and system generation, we recommend confirming compatibility when choosing a rechargeable battery wand, retrofit kit, or solar charging system.
Rechargeable Battery Wands vs. Disposable Batteries
Both rechargeable and disposable battery wands can provide cordless power for compatible motorized window treatments. The main difference is what happens when the power runs low: disposable battery wands require new AA batteries, while the lithium-ion battery inside the Hunter Douglas Rechargeable Battery Wand is recharged instead of replaced.
For homeowners planning several automated window treatments, rechargeable power can reduce the number of disposable batteries used over the life of the shades. Adding solar charging can further reduce the amount of routine battery maintenance required.
Is Rechargeable Power Right for Your Motorized Shades?
The best power source depends on your windows, the number of shades you’re motorizing, access to electrical wiring, and how easy the window treatments will be to reach after installation. Rechargeable battery wands can be a practical alternative when hardwiring isn’t available, while solar charging may make sense for windows where routine charging would be inconvenient.
At Bazaar Home Decorating, we can help you compare rechargeable, solar, battery, and hardwired options as part of a complete motorized window treatment system.
Rechargeable Battery Wand FAQs
Can I add a rechargeable battery wand without replacing my shades?
Many compatible existing PowerView® automated shades can be retrofitted with a rechargeable battery wand. Compatibility depends on the product and PowerView® system.
Does the rechargeable battery wand have to be mounted behind the shade?
No. Depending on the installation, the wand may be mounted behind the headrail or installed as a satellite battery wand in another accessible location near the shade.
Can a solar charger be added to an existing rechargeable shade?
The PowerView® Solar Charger can be retrofitted to many compatible existing PowerView® and SoftTouch® rechargeable shades, so solar charging does not necessarily need to be selected when the original shade is ordered.
Is solar charging only for windows with direct sunlight?
No. The PowerView® Solar Charger is designed to collect energy from available natural light and can work well even in many low-light and north-facing windows.
Are rechargeable battery wands useful for hard-to-reach windows?
Yes. Rechargeable power can be used for difficult-to-reach motorized shades, but battery access should be considered during installation. For some hard-to-reach windows, adding solar charging can reduce the need to access the battery for routine charging.
Can I use a third-party charger with a Hunter Douglas rechargeable battery wand?
Hunter Douglas recommends using the charging accessories designed for its rechargeable battery system.
Explore Rechargeable Power for Your Motorized Shades
Whether you’re planning new motorized window treatments, exploring solar charging, or want to find out whether existing PowerView® shades can be converted to rechargeable power, our team can help you determine the best option for your windows.
Contact Bazaar Home Decorating to schedule a free design consultation and learn more about PowerView® Automation and rechargeable power options.
