Accumulators for sunshades and shutters: "There is no turning back"

When we look at the market demand for battery motors for outdoor sunshades and shutters, we can conclude that this method of operation is now fully accepted by sunshade professionals and is actively promoted in showrooms.

BREL HOME was at the forefront of introducing the battery motor with a solar panel. While the major brands were not yet ready to introduce fully cordless motors, Erik Budding and Reinoud Arts paved the way for this new phenomenon. In a conversation with both gentlemen, they explain how this process has unfolded, what the current state of affairs is, and where BREL HOME aims to go.

In the beginning…

“For BREL HOME, the desire to market battery motors for outdoor sunshades and shutters stemmed from the success we had - and still have - with our battery motors for indoor sunshades,” Budding begins the conversation. “Years ago, we entered the market for indoor sunshades with the intention of being distinctive in terms of installation, user, and control comfort. Of course, it was a journey where progressive insight from day one led to a final product that precisely meets the needs of both the installer and the end-user. The lessons we learned have been invaluable in the development of our motors for outdoor applications.”

Arts adds: “You often hear in the market that our motors ‘just come from China.’ That's true, but it applies to almost all mass-produced electronics. What is much more important is that we have applied our knowledge of battery motors for indoor sunshades in the development of battery motors for outdoor use. There is indeed a piece of BREL HOME 'brains' in it. This also gave us the confidence to supply our battery motors for screens and shutters with a solar panel. Let's be honest, that is the ultimate added value for this product.”

Freedom in installation and use

The battery motors with solar panels offer freedom to both installers and end-users. According to Budding, the combination of a battery motor with a solar panel is becoming the new norm. “There is no going back. Once you get used to working 100% cordless, there is no reason to revert to the old ways. Of course, a large part of our deliveries still consists of traditionally wired motors, but I only have to look at the numbers to see that the battery motor with a solar panel is winning the race. See it as an evolution that was bound to happen. Working with battery motors prevents drilling, chiseling, and breaking work, unsightly wiring, and offers prospects for faster and more efficient installation. The end-user then has a sunshade product - or shutter - that is aesthetically better. Everyone wins.”

Knowledge and experience must ensure a lasting lead

For a long time, BREL HOME was the only brand actively marketing battery motors with solar panels. The company was also the only provider at this level. When asked what BREL HOME thinks about the fact that there are now multiple providers in the market, Arts responds pragmatically: “That is not a problem for us. The advantage is that we are not alone in making this fantastic product known. The consumer is ready for it and can be calmly bombarded with advertising from multiple directions. It is nice that a number of manufacturers have actively chosen BREL and offer our battery motors in assembled products. With that, we have laid a solid foundation. We consolidate the lead we have built by continuing to innovate. As mentioned, part of the technology comes from our own development, and we are not standing still. For example, we are now working on developing a 40 Nm battery motor, with the battery integrated into the motor tube, just like our other battery motors. Our knowledge and experience are, in my opinion, the decisive factor in staying ahead in a market that is expanding and maintaining the lead.”