Love the convenience of motorized shades but not the idea of replacing disposable batteries? The Hunter Douglas Rechargeable Battery Wand offers a long-lasting power option for compatible PowerView® automated window treatments. Instead of replacing AA batteries, you simply recharge the battery wand when its power runs low.
The Rechargeable Battery Wand is available with many new motorized blinds and shades, and compatible existing PowerView® shades may also be able to use the rechargeable system. Let’s look at how it works, how often it needs to be charged and the charging options available.
How Long Does the Rechargeable Battery Wand Last?
For most homeowners, one of the biggest questions is how often the battery needs to be charged. Hunter Douglas reports that a fully charged Rechargeable Battery Wand will typically power a shade for about a year, although actual battery life depends on the size and configuration of the window treatment and how frequently you operate it.
Larger shades and window treatments that move frequently may need to be charged more often. PowerView® can also alert you when battery power is getting low, making it easier to recharge before the shade loses power.
For more information about battery care and charging, see the PowerView® Battery Care guide from Hunter Douglas.
How Does the Rechargeable Battery Wand Work?
The Rechargeable Battery Wand contains a lithium-ion battery designed specifically to power compatible Hunter Douglas automated window treatments. It can be positioned behind the shade or installed in a satellite location, depending on the product and window.
When the battery runs low, the wand can be removed from its mounting location and placed on a charging station. Depending on the installation, a single charger may also allow the wand to be charged while it remains mounted at the window.
Can You Add a Rechargeable Battery Wand to Existing Motorized Shades?
In many cases, yes. Hunter Douglas offers retrofit options for compatible PowerView® automated window treatments, allowing some existing shades to transition from disposable batteries to a Rechargeable Battery Wand without replacing the window treatment itself.
Compatibility depends on the shade, motor and generation of the PowerView® system, so it’s important to confirm your existing setup before ordering a retrofit battery. Our team can identify your system and determine which rechargeable power options are available.
Rechargeable Battery Wand Mounting Options
Where the battery is positioned can depend on the shade and the accessibility of the window. The Rechargeable Battery Wand may be mounted near the headrail where it remains largely out of sight, or installed as a satellite wand in another convenient location.
A satellite installation can be particularly helpful when the shade itself is difficult to reach. During your consultation, we’ll consider both appearance and accessibility so future charging is as convenient as possible.
How Do You Charge a Hunter Douglas Battery Wand?
Hunter Douglas offers both single and dual charging options for the Rechargeable Battery Wand. A fully depleted wand generally takes about two to three hours to recharge, depending on which charger you use.
Single Charger
The Single Charger charges one battery wand at a time and can fully charge a depleted wand in approximately two hours. Depending on the installation and access to an outlet, the wand may be removable for charging or charged while it remains at the window.
Dual Charging Station
The Dual Charging Station can charge two Rechargeable Battery Wands simultaneously in approximately three hours. For homes with multiple motorized shades, keeping a fully charged spare wand available can make it easy to swap batteries without interrupting everyday shade operation.
Hunter Douglas recommends using charging accessories designed for its rechargeable batteries rather than third-party chargers.
Can You Use Solar Charging with the Rechargeable Battery Wand?
Yes. The PowerView® Solar Charger offers another convenient way to keep compatible rechargeable motorized shades powered. It works with the Hunter Douglas Rechargeable Battery Wand as well as compatible internal rechargeable batteries, collecting energy at the window to help maintain the battery’s charge.
This can be especially useful for hard-to-reach windows, homes with multiple rechargeable shades and secondary residences where manually removing batteries for charging would be inconvenient. The Solar Charger is designed to work even in lower-light windows, so direct, intense sunlight isn’t required for every installation.
The Solar Charger can be ordered with compatible new shades and can also be retrofitted to many existing PowerView® or SoftTouch® rechargeable shades. Learn more about the PowerView® Solar Charger from Hunter Douglas.
Rechargeable, Solar or Hardwired: Which Power Option Is Best?
The right power source depends on your windows and how you use your shades. Rechargeable batteries are convenient for many existing homes because they don’t require new wiring. Adding solar charging can reduce the need to manually recharge compatible batteries, while hardwired power may make sense when motorized shades are being planned during new construction or a major renovation.
If you’re still comparing your options, our guide to choosing window shade automation explains the other decisions to consider when planning motorized shades, including controls, smart-home compatibility and power.
Is a Rechargeable Battery Wand Right for Your Shades?
For many homeowners, the biggest advantage is simple: you can enjoy battery-powered motorized shades without routinely buying and disposing of AA batteries. Rechargeable power also makes it possible to add automation without hardwiring many windows, while solar charging offers another option for reducing ongoing maintenance.
If you already have PowerView® shades and want to know whether your system can be upgraded, or you’re planning new motorized window treatments and want help comparing rechargeable, solar and hardwired power, our At Home Blinds & Decor team can help. Schedule your FREE design consultation.
