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Frequently Asked Questions: Batteries
Batteries
Do batteries ship with the shades?
No – it's less expensive for you to buy batteries locally than to pay for Lutron to ship them to you due to their weight and shipping costs.
What type of batteries do the shades use?
All Serena roller shades use D batteries. Serena honeycomb shades and wood blinds use either D or AA. Note: For maximum battery life we recommend Alkaline D and Lithium AA batteries. More Information
How long do batteries last?
Our patented power technology yields industry leading battery performance with store bought batteries. Battery life depends on the type of shade, the shade size, the fabric selected and the number of times shades are opened and closed each day. That means the shade has the potential to move thousands of times on a single set of batteries. More Information
Why do the batteries last so long?
- Serena shades utilize standard (Alkaline) D-cell batteries, which are known for having a very long shelf-life (up to 7 years)
- Our shades have an efficient hybrid-drive design. We augment our motor with an energy storage system, like a hybrid car, that allows us to more efficiently raise and lower the shade
- The design uses ultra-low standby power that is like the electricity drawn from electronics even when they are turned off. Old electronics, like TVs, may draw 10 watts of electricity or more when in standby. Modern “green” devices draw up to 1 watt of power when in standby. Our shades draw 1/1,000th of a watt in standby!
How do you know when the batteries need to be replaced?
When your shade's batteries are getting low, they will begin moving at half speed. This provides you with a visual indication that you need to change the batteries. In addition, an alert will appear in the Lutron App indicating that the batteries will need to be changed soon. It will only appear if you open the app.
How many batteries does a Serena shade require?
Depending on the type of shade, the shade size and the fabric selected, Serena shades will use either AA Lithium or D Alkaline batteries. The number of batteries required is published during the design process, at the shopping cart and in your order confirmation email.
Can I use Lithium D batteries?
We haven’t seen any 1.5 volt Lithium D cells. If you find some, please let us know.
Can I use rechargeable batteries?
We do not recommend them. Rechargeable batteries tend to have a very high “self-discharge current” and don’t hold a charge for very long. In other words, most rechargeable batteries will be drained when used in a Serena shade after only a few months.
Where are the batteries installed?
Changing batteries in honeycomb and roller shades is simple and does not require taking down the shade. The batteries for Serena honeycomb shades and wood blinds are conveniently housed within the headrail or behind the headrail in a slim external battery pack. The batteries for our roller shades are housed inside the cassette. Both provide a clean look and a simple process for changing batteries.
Insulating honeycomb shades between 14.5” (368mm) and 22” (559mm) wide have an external battery pack behind the shade that can be accessed for battery changes without taking the shade down.
Are batteries visible on installed shades?
Roller Shades
- Batteries are visible when looking down from above at the top of an outside mount roller shade with or without fascia.
- Batteries may be visible when looking down from above at the top of an inside mount roller shade if the depth of the window frame is less than 3”.
- When looking straight on at a powered inside or outside mount roller shade with no fascia, a slim opening between the top of the battery cartridge that exposes batteries may be visible, depending on the height of the installed shade and the height of the observer.
Honeycomb Shades
- Batteries are visible when looking down from above at the top of an outside mount honeycomb shade.
- Batteries may be visible when looking down from above at the top of an inside mount honeycomb shade if the depth of the window frame is less than 2”.
Wood Blinds
- Batteries are visible from the front of an inside or outside mount blind without a valance.