Do you have motorized shades in your home—or are you considering them? One of the most important decisions with automated window treatments is how they will be powered. The Hunter Douglas rechargeable battery wand offers a convenient alternative to replacing disposable batteries, making it easier to keep compatible PowerView® automated shades operating throughout your home.
The rechargeable battery wand can be used with many Hunter Douglas motorized window treatments, and retrofit options may also be available for existing compatible PowerView shades. Let’s take a closer look at how the rechargeable battery wand works, how often it needs to be charged, and the charging options available.
What Is the Hunter Douglas Rechargeable Battery Wand?
The Hunter Douglas rechargeable battery wand is a rechargeable power source designed for compatible PowerView® automated window treatments. Instead of removing and replacing individual disposable batteries when the power runs low, the wand itself is recharged and returned to the shade.
For homeowners with multiple motorized window treatments, this can simplify ongoing maintenance while reducing the number of disposable batteries used over the life of the shades.
How Long Does a Rechargeable Battery Wand Last?
One of the biggest benefits is how infrequently most homeowners need to think about charging. Under typical conditions, a fully charged Hunter Douglas rechargeable battery wand can power a shade for about a year before it needs to be recharged.
Actual battery life depends on factors such as the size of the window treatment and how frequently you operate it. A large shade that moves several times each day may need to be charged more often than a smaller shade that operates once or twice daily.
When battery power gets low, the PowerView® App can alert you so you know which shade needs attention before the battery is completely depleted.
Where Is the Rechargeable Battery Wand Installed?
The rechargeable battery wand is designed to remain discreet so it doesn’t interfere with the appearance of your custom window treatments. Depending on the shade and installation, the battery can be positioned at the headrail or installed using a satellite mounting configuration.
Headrail Mount
With this option, the rechargeable battery wand is mounted discreetly behind or near the headrail of the window covering. When it is time to recharge, the wand can be removed from its mount and connected to the appropriate Hunter Douglas charger.
Satellite Mount
A satellite configuration positions the rechargeable battery wand away from the shade and connects it with a cable. This can be useful when the design of the window, shade, or surrounding space makes another battery location more practical or accessible.
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 typically takes about two hours to charge with the single charger. The Dual Charging Station can charge two battery wands simultaneously in about three hours.
The right setup depends on how many motorized shades you have and how you prefer to manage charging. For a home with several rechargeable shades, keeping an additional charged wand available can make it easy to swap one out while another charges.
Can You Use a Solar Charger with the Rechargeable Battery Wand?
Yes. The Hunter Douglas PowerView® Solar Charger is compatible with the rechargeable battery wand, offering another way to keep compatible motorized shades powered with less hands-on charging.
The slim solar charger is positioned at the window where it collects available light and helps maintain the rechargeable battery. It can be especially useful for hard-to-reach windows, homes with multiple motorized shades, and windows where removing a battery wand for charging would be inconvenient.
And don’t assume you need a window with intense direct sunlight. The PowerView Solar Charger is designed to capture available solar energy efficiently and can work well even on windows with lower light exposure, including many north-facing windows.
Depending on your existing system, a solar charger may be available with new compatible shades or as a retrofit for existing compatible PowerView® or SoftTouch® window treatments. Our team can help determine whether your shades and power configuration are compatible.
Can a Rechargeable Battery Wand Be Added to Existing Motorized Shades?
In many cases, compatible existing Hunter Douglas PowerView® automated shades can be retrofitted with a rechargeable battery wand. Compatibility depends on the window treatment, motorization system, age, and existing power configuration, so it’s important to identify the system you already have before ordering new power accessories.
If you already have Hunter Douglas motorized shades and are tired of replacing disposable batteries, our team can help determine whether a rechargeable battery wand—or another current power option—is appropriate for your existing shades.
What Are the Benefits of Rechargeable Batteries for Motorized Shades?
- Less battery replacement: Recharge the wand instead of routinely replacing sets of disposable batteries.
- Long battery life: Many shades can operate for about a year between charges under typical use.
- Discreet installation: The battery wand can be positioned to minimize its visibility.
- Low-battery alerts: PowerView can notify you when compatible shades need to be recharged.
- Multiple charging options: Choose a single charger or a Dual Charging Station based on the number of shades in your home.
- Solar compatibility: Compatible rechargeable systems can be paired with the PowerView Solar Charger to further reduce manual charging.
- Retrofit possibilities: Some existing PowerView shades can be upgraded to rechargeable power without replacing the window treatment.
Rechargeable, Solar or Hardwired: Which Power Option Is Best?
The rechargeable battery wand isn’t the only way to power automated shades. The right choice depends on your windows, how often the shades will move, accessibility, and whether you’re choosing window treatments for an existing home, remodel, or new construction.
Rechargeable power can be especially convenient when wiring isn’t available. Adding the PowerView Solar Charger can reduce the need for manual charging even further. Hardwired power may make sense when electrical planning can be completed during construction or a major renovation.
If you’re still deciding how you want your shades to operate, explore our complete guide to motorized shades and PowerView® Automation to learn more about control and power options.
Ready to Simplify Your Motorized Shades?
The Hunter Douglas rechargeable battery wand can make owning motorized window treatments even more convenient. Whether you’re planning new automated shades, considering solar charging, or wondering whether existing PowerView shades can be upgraded, Rocky Mountain Shutters, Shades & Closets can help you determine which power solution makes the most sense for your windows.
Contact our team to schedule a free consultation and explore motorized window treatments and rechargeable power options for your Denver-area home.
