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20.02.2026

Retrofitting Roller Shutters with crank to electric

Q: Can I retrofit any Roller Shutters with a crank handle electrically?

In most cases, it is possible to convert cranked Roller Shutters to electric without any problems. It is important that the existing roller shutter shaft is suitable and that the roller shutter box offers enough space for a motor.

Q: How long does it take to retrofit an electric drive?

The conversion is usually completed within one day. ROMA specialist partners take care of the planning and carry out the installation professionally and cleanly.

Roller Shutter Profiles with light slits from the outside

Anyone who has their manually operated Roller Shutters retrofitted with an electric crank handle is investing in greater living comfort, energy efficiency and security. Particularly in the course of modernization or energy-efficient refurbishment, the question often arises as to whether the step from manual operation to motorized operation of the Roller Shutters is worthwhile. The answer is yes, because with the electric retrofit of your Roller Shutters, tedious cranking is a thing of the past. Thanks to convenient control at the touch of a button, app or Smart Home, your sun protection becomes an efficient part of your home.

Would you like to have your Roller Shutters electrically retrofitted with a crank handle?

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Retrofitting electric Roller Shutters with crank handle: the most important facts in brief

Retrofitting from crank to electric drive is easily possible with most Roller Shutters.
Extensive control options: Switch, remote control, app or automated via a timer.
Roller shutter motors from Somfy, elero and Geiger are Smart Home compatible and powerful.
Advantages: Retrofitting increases convenience, security and energy efficiency.
Subsidies are also available for electrical retrofitting.

Why converting to electric Roller Shutters is worthwhile

Old roller shutter systems are usually equipped with a manual crank drive that can be used to open and close the roller shutters. Although this drive basically enables flexible control of the sun protection - as is also possible with electric Roller Shutters - it is rather impractical in the long term and no longer up to date.

Operation can be exhausting and takes a lot of time. This effort is particularly inconvenient with large-area elements or if the Roller Shutters are often adjusted to the position of the sun. Manual operation is particularly strenuous for older people or people with limited mobility and significantly reduces living comfort. Therefore, an electric conversion to operating Roller Shutters with remote control or other control units is usually the better solution.

Woman operates Roller Shutters with remote control

Roller Shutters with motor drive: advantages at a glance

If sun shading systems are equipped with a motor drive and have an electric control unit, they can be operated by anyone without any problems. An electric retrofit with a roller shutter motor offers numerous advantages:

More convenience thanks to automated operation
Saves time in everyday life
Increased burglary protection thanks to programmable presence simulation
Optimized thermal insulation thanks to targeted control
Integration into the Smart Home for automated processes

More about electric Roller Shutters from ROMA

How can Roller Shutters with crank handle be retrofitted electrically?

Electric conversion is also possible for existing Roller Shutters with crank drive. It is not necessary to replace the entire system. Retrofitting is usually carried out by installing a suitable roller shutter motor in the roller shutter box.

ROMA specialist partners will retrofit your Roller Shutters for you and also take care of dismantling the old control unit. They check on site whether the structural requirements for an electrical retrofit are met, advise you on the selection of a suitable system and take care of the installation.

The conversion is usually completed within one day. The installation of an electric drive is particularly quick with ROMA Front-Mounted Roller Shutters and Top-Mounted Roller Shutters, which are designed for the simplest possible motor integration.

ROMA roller shutter motors: the right technology for your sun protection

ROMA offers various roller shutter motors for electrical retrofitting. All motors can be easily retrofitted into the roller shutter box and offer various advantages:

Somfy roller shutter motor: automated operation via timer or weather sensor, Smart Home integration possible, central app control.
Elero roller shutter motor: as a radio or wired version, particularly quiet mechanism, sophisticated control technology and with smooth start and stop.
Geiger roller shutter motor: wireless operation, durable technology, intelligent Smart Home solution, energy-efficient and low-maintenance.

If you are looking for a quick and wireless solution, you can also consider a solar-powered roller shutter motor. This is a convenient alternative for retrofitting, especially for windows without a power connection nearby.

Convenient control: electric Roller Shutters with timer and more

If you want to retrofit your Roller Shutters with an electric crank, you have a wide range of different operating options to choose from. Whether at the touch of a button on the wall switch or conveniently on the move via app - operation is quick, uncomplicated and effortless.

The various control options include

Manual switches: wall switch close to the window for quick operation
Radio remote control: flexible control from the desk or couch
App control: via smartphone and tablet from home or on the move
Timer: for automatic processes and more burglar resistance
Sun and weather sensors: for optimum heat and glare protection all year round

Control with the ROMA Smart Home is particularly efficient. The various control options can be flexibly combined with intelligent Smart Home systems such as elero, Somfy TaHoma, Loxone or KNX. This allows you to turn your Roller Shutters into a powerful functional unit.

House with Roller Shutters and Smart Home at dusk

What subsidies are available for retrofitting?

As part of an energy-efficient refurbishment, external sun shading systems are potentially eligible for funding via BAFA. As an automated drive contributes to energy efficiency and thermal insulation in summer, the electrical retrofit can also be financially supported. The free ROMA subsidy assistant helps you to quickly and easily check the eligibility of your planned measure.

To the BAFA funding assistant

From manual to smart - converting Roller Shutters to electric is worthwhile

Anyone who has their Roller Shutters with crank retrofitted with an electric drive will benefit in the long term from greater convenience, increased energy efficiency and modern control. Whether by switch, radio, app or fully automatically in the Smart Home - operation is uncomplicated and time-saving.

Trust in quality made in Germany and get expert advice. Use the ROMA specialist dealer search now to find the right partner in your area.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about converting Roller Shutters with crank handle

Can I retrofit any Roller Shutters with a crank handle electrically?

In most cases, it is possible to convert cranked Roller Shutters to electric without any problems. It is important that the existing roller shutter shaft is suitable and that the roller shutter box offers enough space for a motor.

How long does it take to retrofit an electric drive?

The conversion is usually completed within one day. ROMA specialist partners take care of the planning and carry out the installation professionally and cleanly.

What control options do I have after the retrofit?

If you decide to convert to an electric drive, you can operate your Roller Shutters using a wall switch, radio remote control, app or timer. Integration into the ROMA Smart Home system is also possible.

Are there any subsidies for electric Roller Shutters?

Yes, BAFA can grant a subsidy for your conversion to electric Roller Shutters as part of an energy-efficient refurbishment. The ROMA subsidy helper will assist you with the application.

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