Back to all articles
31.08.2026

Electric vertical awnings: Smart control types

Frau schaut durch ROMA Senkrechtmarkise und steuert diese mit App

An electric vertical awning offers modern sun protection that perfectly combines functionality and comfort. Whether on large windows, on the patio, or on the balcony —electrically controlled systems provide reliable protection against sunlight, overheating, and unwanted views into your home. With smart control solutions via app, timer, or sensor, vertical awnings become a well-thought-out component of a future-ready Smart Home and optimize living comfort in two ways: by providing pleasant protection from the sun and glare while maintaining a clear view to the outside, as well as through convenient, barrier-free operation.

Would you like to integrate high-performance motorized vertical awnings into your home?

Find a ROMA Authorized Distributor

Table of contents

Electric vertical awnings: The most important facts in brief

  • Electric vertical blinds: enable convenient operation via switch, remote control or app

  • Smart Home integration: e.g. with Somfy TaHoma, Loxone or KNX

  • Individually controllable: according to the position of the sun, wind, rain or time of day

  • High-quality design: electric vertical awning made to measure for new builds and renovations

  • Suitable for: large window fronts, balconies, terraces and façades

What is an electric vertical awning?

An electric vertical awning, also known as a Textile Screen, is a fabric sunshade that is mounted vertically in front of windows or glass facades. Unlike traditional folding-arm awnings, vertical awnings are guided along a rail or by a tensioned cable. This makes them particularly wind-resistant and ideal for outdoor use: You can install vertical awnings on building facades, in front of large glass surfaces, as well as on balconies and patios. They are powered by an integrated electric motor that raises and lowers the fabrics conveniently at the push of a button or fully automatically.

ROMA uses exclusively high-quality Rail-Guided Systems that feature a zip guide for exceptional wind resistance up to 120 km/h. This makes our custom-made electric vertical awnings suitable even for exposed locations and very large window areas.

Nahaufnahme schienengeführtes System bei Senkrechtmarkisen von ROMA

Vertical awnings: electrical control types at a glance

Modern electric vertical awnings can be operated in a variety of ways—depending on your needs and the technical environment. From the classic remote control to a fully automated Smart Home solution, ROMA offers a wide range of control systems that combine convenience, efficiency, and safety.

Manual Control via Switch or Remote Control

With simpler systems, operation is carried out via a wall switch or a handy wireless remote control. This allows you to extend and retract the awning at any time—conveniently from inside your home. This type of control is particularly popular for retrofits or as an entry-level solution for electric outdoor sun protection.


Automatic Timer: Utilizing the Sun’s Position and Daily Rhythm

With the help of a programmable timer, the vertical awning can be automatically controlled at set times. For example, it extends in the morning to provide sun protection and retracts again in the evening. The automatic timer can be easily adapted to individual daily routines and reliably provides sun protection, even when no one is home.

In addition, preprogrammed schedules help protect the home against break-ins. Activating the sun protection daily simulates occupancy while you’re on vacation and can thus reduce the risk of burglary.


Weather-Sensitive Control: Protection Against Wind and Rain

Sensors for wind, rain, and sun make controlling these wind-resistant vertical awnings particularly smart. In strong winds, the awning retracts automatically; in intense sunlight, it extends again. This protects the material and ensures that you’re always optimally protected.


App Control and Smart Home Integration

Integrate your vertical awning electronically into existing Smart Home systems such as Somfy TaHoma, Loxone, or KNX. Using an app, voice control, or a central panel, you can control individual or multiple vertical awnings —even in combination with Roller Shutters or External Venetian Blinds. This creates a comprehensive shading solution that combines design, comfort, and efficient protection against heat and glare.

Subscribe to the ROMA Sun Protection Newsletter
Textilscreens von ROMA

Motorized Vertical Awnings: An Overview of Drive Types

Various types of motors are suitable for electric vertical awnings. Especially if you want to control your sun protection intelligently, you should make sure that the motor you choose is compatible with common Smart Home systems.

Criterion
Radio motor
Wired Drive
Solar drive
Operation
Wirelessly via a radio transmitter or app
Hard-wired wall switch
Can be operated wirelessly, via an app, or using a radio transmitter
Distinctive feature
Optional battery backup for reliable operation during emergencies and power outages
Ideal for the centralized control of multiple systems
Self-powered drive—no additional power connection required
Smart Home-compatible
Yes
Restricted
Yes
Ideal for
New Construction and Renovation Using the Existing Electrical System
New building
Retrofitting and Energy-Efficiency Renovations in Existing Buildings

Electric Vertical Awnings for Balconies and Patios

Vertical awnings for outdoor use protect outdoor living spaces from heat, glare, and prying eyes. To maximize comfort on your balcony or patio, electric vertical awnings are the ideal solution here as well. With just the push of a button, you can adjust the sunshade exactly to your needs and enjoy the view of nature — even when it’s closed—thanks to the transparent fabrics.

For exposed locations and use on higher floors, the wind resistance of the sunshade is crucial. Combined with wind sensors that retract the fabric at just the right moments, you can ensure that the electric vertical awnings for your balcony remain undamaged and provide long-lasting protection.

Elektrische Senkrechtmarkise

Retrofitting Electric Vertical Awnings

In most cases, electric vertical awnings can be easily retrofitted. It is also generally possible to equip existing systems with an electronic drive. This is made possible by the combination of wireless radio technology and systems designed for front-end installation. Retrofitting becomes even more flexible with a solar-powered drive: Solar vertical awnings are energy-self-sufficient and require no additional electrical installation.

Learn more about solar-powered sun protection

Solar Textilscreens

Electric vertical awning made to measure

Every custom-made electric vertical awning from ROMA is individually designed and manufactured. There is a wide selection of ROMA colors and vertical awning fabrics to choose from. The tracking system—for example, an electric vertical awning with a rail system— is also precisely tailored to the installation site. This ensures that the sun protection blends harmoniously into the architecture while meeting the highest technical standards.

An electric vertical awning installed outside the window is more than just sun protection. It embodies modern architecture, smart living, and the highest level of comfort. Whether for new construction or renovation, whether for a patio, balcony, or building facade: ROMA offers you high-quality systems that are perfectly suited to your project.

Request a no-obligation quote now

  1. A no-obligation, free initial consultation
  2. Only ROMA-certified distributors
  3. Response within 5 business days

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Electric Vertical Awnings

What is the advantage of an electric vertical awning over a manual one?

An electric vertical awning offers significantly more convenience and precision. It can be controlled at the touch of a button, remote control or app - even automatically if desired. As a result, it reacts independently to the position of the sun, wind or weather conditions and reliably protects the fabric and the technology.

Is it possible to retrofit an exterior vertical awning with an electric motor?

Yes, many ROMA models are suitable for retrofitting existing structures. Thanks to modern wireless solutions, additional wiring is often not necessary. Your ROMA specialist will assess on-site which options are best suited for your facade or patio.

How wind-resistant are motorized vertical awnings?

ROMA vertical awnings with Zip technology can withstand wind speeds of up to 120 km/h. The lateral rail guide fixes the fabric tightly and prevents flapping or tearing - even in strong gusts.

What drive options are available for electric vertical awnings?

Vertical awnings with motors can be equipped with wired or wireless motors. A solar-powered drive is recommended for particularly easy retrofitting without an electrical connection.

Previous article
To the top