Somfy Electric Blinds battery replacement

I've had these blinds since 2013 and while they haven't broken, the battery usage is absurd. We don't even open them daily, but every 6 months or so the battery pack needs 8 new AA batteries. I used to use high-end lithium batteries, which made no difference from standard AA batteries. Is the extreme heat causing it?
Follow along as I show how to change the batteries in Somfy Electric Blinds.
Somfy is a well-known brand specializing in motorized window coverings, including electric blinds. Somfy electric blinds offer convenience, functionality, and enhanced control over your home's natural light and privacy. Here's some information about Somfy electric blinds:
Motorization: Somfy electric blinds are equipped with motorized systems that allow you to open, close, or adjust the blinds with the touch of a button or through automation. The motorization eliminates the need for manual operation, providing ease and convenience.
Remote Control: Somfy electric blinds often come with handheld remote controls. These remotes allow you to control individual blinds or groups of blinds simultaneously, making it easy to adjust the light and privacy levels in a room with a single command.
Wall Switches: In addition to remote controls, Somfy offers wall switches that can be installed to control the electric blinds. These switches provide a fixed location for controlling the blinds and can be integrated into your home's existing electrical system.
Smart Home Integration: Somfy electric blinds are compatible with smart home automation systems, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This integration allows you to control the blinds using voice commands or through smartphone apps, giving you the ability to operate them from anywhere.
Timers and Schedules: Somfy electric blinds can be programmed with timers and schedules. You can set specific times for the blinds to open or close automatically, enabling you to create personalized routines and enhance energy efficiency by maximizing natural light or reducing heat gain.
Sensors: Somfy offers various sensors that can be integrated with their electric blinds. For example, sunlight sensors can automatically adjust the blinds based on the intensity of the sunlight, ensuring optimal comfort and preventing excessive heat or glare.
Motor Options: Somfy provides different motor options to suit various blind types, sizes, and installation requirements. These motors are designed to be quiet and efficient, ensuring smooth and reliable operation.
Battery-Powered Options: Somfy electric blinds are available in both wired and battery-powered options. Battery-powered blinds offer flexibility in installation, as they don't require electrical wiring, making them suitable for retrofitting existing windows.
Range of Blind Styles: Somfy electric blinds are compatible with a wide range of blind styles, including roller blinds, Roman blinds, Venetian blinds, and more. This allows you to choose the style that best suits your aesthetic preferences and functional needs.
Energy Efficiency: By automating the opening and closing of blinds, Somfy electric blinds can help improve energy efficiency in your home. You can control the amount of sunlight and heat entering your space, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and cooling systems.
Somfy electric blinds provide an enhanced user experience, convenience, and flexibility in controlling natural light and privacy in your home. They offer integration with smart home systems, allowing seamless operation through remote controls, smartphones, and voice commands. With a variety of motor options and compatibility with different blind styles, Somfy caters to diverse needs and preferences in window coverings.

[@jeff3941]

Actually I had the same exact issue with my somfy motorized shades. I live close to Lindbergh Field, (the San Diego airport) and the control tower transmissions were repeatedly activating the receivers in my shades, causing the LEDs to blink randomly all the time when I was not pressing any remote control buttons.
In any event, my batteries kept draining about every 6 months as well and became a chore and an expense to replace. My solution? Was to hardwire these using a somfy AC/DC transformer and low voltage wiring like doorbell or telephone wiring.
Because I didn't want the wiring to be exposed, I ended up installing it behind the drywall which became a pretty big project overall, but has saved countless battery changes since doing this. The transformer plugs into an outlet near my windows and the shades are now hardwired. This might not be the solution for everybody, but for those willing to put in a little extra effort it makes a world of difference!
I was able to purchase all of the parts I needed on eBay or through a somfy dealer.

[@jamzdotnet]

Great information here, thank you! I might give some a try

[@jbk51691]

they do make a solar powered unit instead of the battery tubes.

[@jamzdotnet]

Hmm .. I will need to look into this. Does it just attach to the window? Can I retrofit mine?

[@alexstaunton9687]

Agreed, would never buy again! Same thing, batteries constantly going out and when they're working, they just work "decent" and the company that I bought them from also went out of business

[@jamzdotnet]

I went to open them again. Yup, a few months and the batteries are dead.

[@jeff3941]

One last comment, if you are going to stick with batteries, why not use rechargeable AA batteries? These are available at big box stores and Amazon, eBay etc and average roughly a dollar per battery that can be recharged hundreds of times. Just purchase enough so you have a full set of charged ones ready to replace the dead ones when you bring them down and save your wallet and the environment!

[@jamzdotnet]

I bought those batteries that charge off a USB port. They were the cheaper ones and didn't last long. Maybe I need to try a better brand.

[@sicknails69]

Try changing the location of where you're 'storing' the stick-you're right that the sunlight might be an issue? I have some in my studio and the batteries they came with lasted over 2 years (just now replacing them thanks to your video!)

[@jamzdotnet]

Glad the video was helpful. The stick mounts at the top. Not sure where else I could store it. Maybe I can try above the blind not in the window ....