Retrofitting electric Roller Shutters: everything you need to know
Retrofitting your home withelectric Roller Shutters is one of the most modern ways to enhance comfort, security, and energy efficiency. Whether you want to automate your existing manually operated Roller Shutters or install a completely new system —the selection of motors, control systems, and installation options for modern Roller Shutters is greater today than ever before. There are also attractive solutions for existing buildings that require no complex wiring at all.
Using the ROMA dealer locator, you can quickly and easily find qualified partners in your area who will assess your specific situation on-site and retrofit your existing roller shutter systems with electric operation.
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Retrofitting electric Roller Shutters: the most important facts in brief
Flexible retrofit options —for virtually all types of roller shutters and building situations.
Wireless solutions available —e.g., battery-powered or solar-powered, without the need for mains power or chiseling.
Mounting options – surface-mounted for quick installation, flush-mounted for an elegant look.
Versatile control options – switches, remote control, app, Smart Home, or hybrid solutions.
Energy savings and added comfort – automatic shading, thermal insulation, and burglary protection.
Smart Home-compatible – integration with common systems is possible.
Why should you retrofit electric Roller Shutters?
Anyone who retrofits their Roller Shutters with electric operation benefits from a whole range of advantages. For one thing, there’s no more tedious pulling on the strap or turning the crank by hand —a push of a button or a tap of a finger is all it takes. When combined with voice-control systems, retrofitting Roller Shutters with electric operation can also be implemented to be fully accessible. Additionally, sun protection can be automated to adapt optimally to daylight, the season, and the weather. This ensures optimal protection against glare, noise, and heat, enhancing living comfort year-round.
Especially in times of rising energy prices, the combination of comfort and efficiency is playing an increasingly important role. Smart control systems ensure that electric Roller Shutters close automatically during strong sunlight to prevent rooms from overheating, or remain closed at night in winter to reduce heat loss.
Burglary resistance as another advantage
With customizable opening and closing times, electric Roller Shutters simulate your presence, thereby providing effective protection against break-ins. Read more about this topic under “Roller Shutters and Burglary Protection: Greater Security with ROMA Systems.”
What retrofit options are available for electric Roller Shutters?
Depending on the building's layout and your personal needs, there are various technical solutions available for retrofitting Roller Shutters with electrical systems.
Retrofitting electric Roller Shutters without cables
Wireless systems powered by a rechargeable battery or solar energy are ideal for retrofitting existing buildings. They do not require mains power, eliminating the need for complex wiring and additional chiseling work. Retrofitting electric Front-Mounted Roller Shutters with solar-powered motors can therefore be done without major alterations to the building structure .
To ensure reliable operation, the solar panel charges the built-in battery on sunny days. In the evenings and on cloudy days, the battery then powers the roller shutter motor —ensuring reliable operation in all weather conditions.
Retrofitting electric Roller Shutters: Surface-mounted
For surface-mounted installation of electric Roller Shutters , the motor is placed directly inside the existing Roller Shutter box, and the control unit is installed via a visible switch or radio receiver.
This option offers particularly quick installation and requires only minimal alterations to the existing structure, making it ideal for retrofitting electric systems in existing buildings.
Retrofitting electric Roller Shutters: flush-mounted installation
Harmonious facade and interior design and the retrofitting of existing Front-Mounted Roller Shutters with electrical systems are not mutually exclusive: With flush-mount installation, cables and connections disappear completely into the wall, and the switches are flush with the surface. This elegant solution blends seamlessly into the interior design.
On the exterior, the otherwise visible roller shutter box is plastered overto blend with the facade, creating a modern, uniform facade appearance. However, this installation method requires more work and is therefore particularly suitable for new construction or extensive renovations.
Read more about Front-Mounted Roller Shutters with Flush Mounting
Retrofitting with or without existing roller shutter systems
Depending on whether electric Roller Shutters are to be fully retrofitted or existing systems are simply to be equipped with an electric drive, different solutions are recommended:
Complete retrofit: Front-Mounted Roller Shutters with an electric motor are ideal, as they can be installed without major alterations to the building structure. In cases of extensive energy-efficiency retrofits involving window replacement, electric Top-Mounted Roller Shutters can also be retrofitted.
Retrofitting Existing Systems: Manual Roller Shutters can usually be easily retrofitted with a suitable Roller Shutter Motor. For hard-to-reach systems without a nearby power source, solutions with solar-powered motors and radio control are recommended, as they can be installed without additional wiring.
Control options for electric Roller Shutters
Modern electric Roller Shutters can be operated in a variety of ways. Among the most popular options are wall-mounted switches, wireless remote controls, and apps. The right control system depends on your personal preferences for convenience, your home’s technical infrastructure, and the desired level of automation.
Common control options for electric Roller Shutters:
Classic wall switch – durable and easy to use
Wireless remote control – convenient control from a distance
Wi-Fi and app control – worldwide operation via smartphone
Smart Home integration – automatic scenarios, e.g., opening at sunrise
Hybrid solutions – motor with an emergency crank for operation even during a power outage
It is precisely the combination of automatic control and sensor technology that delivers real added value. Weather or sun sensors ensure that Roller Shutters respond not only at set times but also based on light intensity, temperature, or wind speed. This way, the Roller Shutters always open and close exactly when it makes the most sense from an energy efficiency standpoint.
Electric Roller Shutters: Retrofitting solar
Solar-powered roller shutter systems are particularly interesting for retrofitting electrical systems. These systems operate independently of the power grid, are easy to install, and function reliably even on days with diffuse light. Installation is suitable for, among other things:
Skylights
Sunrooms
Patio doors
Additions or garden sheds without a power connection
Thanks to their independence from the power grid, they offer a flexible solution for nearly any building situation while also saving on ongoing energy costs.
Tips for successfully retrofitting your electric Roller Shutters
Careful planning is crucial for the successful retrofitting of electric Roller Shutters. A professional installation ensures that motor power, shaft dimensions, and the control system are optimally coordinated. Equally important is personalized consultation from an expert who assesses the on-site structural conditions and recommends the appropriate solution.
Those who plan with the future in mind take the Roller Shutters’ Smart Home compatibility into account from the very beginning, so that future upgrades can be implemented without any problems. The ROMA dealer locator helps you find the right contact in your area.
Retrofitting electric Roller Shutters: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can electric Roller Shutters be retrofitted without cables?
Yes, wireless systems with battery or solar drive do not require mains power and can be installed without laying cables or chiselling work. This makes them ideal for retrofitting in existing buildings.
What is the difference between surface-mounted and flush-mounted installation?
With surface-mount installation, the motor is installed in the existing roller shutter box and the control unit is mounted in plain view —quickly and with minimal disruption to the building structure. Flush-mount installation hides the cables and switches inside the wall, but requires more work to install.
How can you control electric Roller Shutters?
Classic wall switches, radio remote controls, WLAN and app control, Smart Home integration of Roller Shutters or hybrid solutions with emergency crank are available for controlling electric roller shutters. The combination with sensors that react to weather and daylight is particularly convenient.