News

Solar Protection is Solar Powered in Eco Houses (4/4/2005)

An innovative development of environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient houses in Carshalton, Surrey is cleverly using the power of the sun to warm the buildings in the winter yet keep them cool in the summer.

A unique feature of the houses is an automated solar protection system of 25mm pleated blinds, which is not only controlled by solar sensors but also driven by solar power.

All the houses have a south-facing two-storey, double-glazed, timber-framed conservatory to maximise solar gain and reduce the amount of artificial heating required in winter.

In summer, the automated solar protection system helps to keep the houses cool.

The system, designed by Burgess Fabric Engineering of Colchester, makes full use of control technology from Somfy, world leaders in blind automation.

A 24volt Somfy tubular motor and a Somfy RTS 25 DC radio receiver are mounted into the headrail of each blind. The motors are powered by two 12volt batteries, which in turn are charged by solar roof panels.

Control of the blinds is convenient and wire-free via a wall-mounted Somfy Chronis RTS L controller, which provides master and individual control of several blinds at the same time, either manually, on timer or by an integrated light sensor.

John Burgess of Burgess Fabric Engineering said: "This is an excellent example of smart home technology being used for the good of the environment. It's a case of joined up thinking helping us to create an innovative approach to energy efficiency in modern housing design."

The houses were built by local housebuilder Greenacre Homes on behalf of the Wandle Housing Association. The blinds were manufactured by TF Sampson Ltd of Stowmarket.

www.somfy.co.uk