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22.08.2025

Retrofitting electric Roller Shutters: everything you need to know

Modernized house with PV system and new Roller Shutters from the street

Retrofitting electric Roller Shutters is one of the most modern ways to bring more comfort, security and energy efficiency into your home. Whether you want to automate your existing manually operated Roller Shutters or install a completely new solution, the choice of drives, control types and installation options is greater than ever. There are also attractive solutions for existing buildings that do not require any complicated cable laying.

You can use the ROMA specialist dealer search to quickly and easily find qualified partners in your area who will check your individual situation on site and recommendthe right roller shutter system.

Retrofitting electric Roller Shutters: the most important facts in brief

  • Flexible retrofitting - for almost all types of roller shutters and building situations

  • Wireless solutions available - e.g. with rechargeable battery or solar drive, without mains power or chiselling work

  • Installation options - surface-mounted for quick installation, flush-mounted for an elegant look

  • Versatile control - switch, remote control, app, Smart Home or hybrid solutions

  • Energy and comfort gains - automatic shading, thermal insulation and burglar resistance

  • Smart Home-capable - integration into common systems possible

Why should you retrofit electric Roller Shutters?

Anyone who retrofits their Roller Shutters electrically benefits from a whole range of advantages. On the one hand, there is no need for tedious pulling on the strap or cranking by hand - all you need to do is press a button or tap a finger. Secondly, the sun shading system can be automated to adapt optimally to daylight, season and weather.

Especially in times of rising energy prices, the combination of convenience and efficiency is playing an increasingly important role. Intelligent control systems ensure that Roller Shutters close automatically in strong sunlight to prevent rooms from heating up, or remain closed at night in winter to reduce heat loss.

Another plus point

With programmed opening and closing times, electric Roller Shutters simulate your presence - an effective contribution to burglary protection. Read more about this topic under Roller Shutters and burglary protection: More security with ROMA systems.

What retrofit options are available?

Depending on the structural situation and personal requirements, various technical solutions are available for retrofitting Roller Shutters.

Graphic in front of Roller Shutters lists the variants for retrofitting electric roller shutters without cables, surface-mounted or flush-mounted

Retrofitting electric Roller Shutters without cables

Wireless systems with rechargeable batteries or solar Roller Shutters are ideal for retrofitting in existing buildings. They require no mains power, no wiring and no chiselling work. The solar panel charges the integrated battery, which reliably powers the motor - even on cloudy days.

Retrofitting electric Roller Shutters: Surface-mounted

With the surface-mounted installation of electric roller shutters from ROMA , the motor is placed directly in the existing roller shutter box and the control is attached via a visible switch or radio receiver.

This variant is particularly quick to install and requires only minimal intervention in the existing building fabric, making it ideal for renovations.

Retrofitting electric Roller Shutters: flush-mounted installation

With flush-mounted installation, cables and connections disappear completely into the wall and the switches are flush with the surface. This elegant solution blends seamlessly into the room design, but requires more installation work and is therefore particularly useful for new buildings or extensive renovations.

Control options for electric Roller Shutters

Modern electric Roller Shutters can be operated in a variety of ways - from classic to fully automatic. Which control system is the right one for you depends on your personal comfort requirements, the technical equipment in your home and the desired level of automation.

  • Classic wall switch - robust and easy to operate

  • Radio remote control - can be conveniently controlled from a distance

  • WLAN and app control - worldwide operation via smartphone

  • Smart Home integration - automatic scenarios, e.g. opening at sunrise

  • Hybrid solutions - motor with emergency crank for operation even in the event of a power failure

The combination of automatic control and sensor technology in particular provides real added value. Weather or sun sensors ensure that Roller Shutters react not only at fixed times, but also depending on light intensity, temperature or wind speed.

Electric Roller Shutters: Retrofitting solar

Solar-powered systems are particularly interesting. These work 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

  • Roof windows

  • conservatories

  • patio doors

  • Extensions or garden sheds without a power connection

Thanks to their independence from the power grid, they offer a flexible solution for almost any building situation and save running energy costs at the same time.

Tips for successfully retrofitting your electric Roller Shutters

Careful planning is crucial for a successful retrofit of electric Roller Shutters. Professional installation ensures that the motor power, shaft dimensions and controls are optimally matched. Equally important is individual advice from an expert who checks the structural situation on site and recommends the right solution.

Future-oriented planners should consider the Smart Home capability of the Roller Shutters system from the outset so that future extensions can be easily implemented. The ROMA specialist dealer search will help you to find the right contact person 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 mounting, the motor is installed in the existing roller shutter box and the control unit is mounted visibly - quickly and with minimal intervention in the building fabric. Flush-mounted installation integrates cables and switches invisibly into the wall, but requires more installation work.

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.

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