Module 1 of 5
Two solar families
Why Somfy makes two solar panels and how to tell which one a motor needs. After this module you can order the right panel.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
Shade Motors School · Fix It · 101
How to Add a Solar Panel to a Somfy WireFree Motor
A Somfy solar panel on the window glass keeps a WireFree motor or battery pack topped up. Learn the two solar families, which motors take them, what comes in the kit, how to reach the motor, and the plug-in option.
You will be able to: Match a Somfy solar panel to a WireFree motor or pack and plan the mounting and cable.
Inside this course
5 modules, one idea at a time
- Two solar familiesWhy Somfy makes two solar panels and how to tell which one a motor needs. After this module you can order the right panel.2 lessons · scenario check
- Which motors take itWhere Somfy lists solar on the motor records. After this module you can confirm solar before you quote it.2 lessons · scenario check
- What comes in the boxThe kit contents and how the panel mounts on the glass. After this module you can plan the install visit and bring everything the first time.2 lessons · scenario check
- Reach the motorThe cables that get the panel lead to the motor. After this module you can close the gap on a deep cassette or headrail.2 lessons · scenario check
- The plug-in optionWhen a power supply beats solar. After this module you can offer the right choice for a dark window.2 lessons · scenario check
- Final quiz10 real job scenarios, one per screen, each with a hint if you need it. Score 80% to pass and get your certificate.
Two solar families
V2 kit or USB-C panel
Somfy lists the Li-ion Solar Panel Kit 9027294 for V2 Li-ion motors and the 9021217 pack, and the USB-C Li-ion Solar Panel 9029114 for Zigbee USB-C motors and the USB-C packs.
Watch forMatch the panel to the charging family, the same way you match the charger.
Two solar families
The V2 solar kit
The WireFree Li-ion Solar Panel Kit 9027294 is the panel Somfy lists on V2 motor records such as the Sonesse 28 WireFree RTS.
ExampleA Sonesse 28 WireFree RTS behind a sunny window takes the 9027294 kit.
Check yourself
A Sonesse 40 WireFree Zigbee USB-C shade needs solar. Which panel?
Hint: USB-C motor, USB-C panel.
The USB-C Li-ion Solar Panel 9029114. The 9027294 kit is for V2 motors and the 9021217 pack.
Module 2 of 5
Which motors take it
Where Somfy lists solar on the motor records. After this module you can confirm solar before you quote it.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
Which motors take it
Embedded battery motors
Somfy lists a solar charging option and the 9027294 kit for the Sonesse 28 WireFree RTS (1003297) and the Roll Up 28 WireFree RTS V2 Li-ion.
On the jobCheck the motor record for the solar line before you promise it.
Which motors take it
External battery motors
The Roll Up 28 WireFree RTS V2 External Battery lists both the 9027294 kit and the 9029114 USB-C panel, matched to the pack it runs on.
ExampleOn a 9021217 pack the kit is 9027294. On a USB-C pack 9028930 it is 9029114.
Check yourself
A Roll Up 28 External Battery motor runs on a 9021217 pack. Which solar part?
Hint: The pack sets the family.
The 9027294 kit, which Somfy lists for the 9021217 pack.
Module 3 of 5
What comes in the box
The kit contents and how the panel mounts on the glass. After this module you can plan the install visit and bring everything the first time.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
What comes in the box
Panel, brackets, adhesive
Somfy lists the 9027294 kit with the solar panel, four panel mounting brackets and glass mount adhesive.
On the jobClean and dry the glass before the adhesive goes on, and dry-fit the panel position first.
What comes in the box
A pack with a panel
External battery motors can run the Li-ion pack 9021217 with the 9027294 kit feeding it.
Watch forSomfy does not publish a solar charge rate. Put the panel on the sunniest pane you have.
Check yourself
What does Somfy include in the 9027294 kit?
Hint: Three items.
The solar panel, four panel mounting brackets and glass mount adhesive.
Module 4 of 5
Reach the motor
The cables that get the panel lead to the motor. After this module you can close the gap on a deep cassette or headrail.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
Reach the motor
8 in extension for V2 heads
Somfy lists the 8 in Extension Charging Cable 9021131 for cassette applications on V2 head motors.
ExampleA Sonesse 28 deep in a cassette takes the 9021131 to bring the port within reach.
Reach the motor
Power extensions for external packs
For external battery motors Somfy lists power extension cables of 10 in (9018623), 48 in (9016736) and 96 in (9018624).
On the jobMeasure the run from pack to motor before ordering. Pick the next size up.
Check yourself
A V2 motor sits deep in a cassette and the panel lead cannot reach. Which part?
Hint: Somfy makes a short extension for cassettes.
The 8 in Extension Charging Cable 9021131 for V2 heads.
Module 5 of 5
The plug-in option
When a power supply beats solar. After this module you can offer the right choice for a dark window.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
The plug-in option
12V DC plug-in supply
Somfy lists the 12V DC Plug-in Power Supply 1870940 for external battery motors. It removes the need for batteries.
ExampleA north window next to an outlet suits the plug-in supply better than solar.
The plug-in option
Solar or plug-in
Solar suits a sunny window with no outlet. The plug-in supply suits a window near an outlet on an external battery motor.
Watch forThe plug-in supply is listed for external battery motors, not embedded battery motors.
Check yourself
An external battery shade sits by a dark window with an outlet below. What do you suggest?
Hint: Use the outlet.
The 12V DC Plug-in Power Supply 1870940, which Somfy lists for external battery motors.
Final quiz
10 questions. Score 80% to pass.
Each question is a real job scenario, one per screen. Stuck? Tap the hint. You see the right answer and why right after you choose. Pass and you get a printable certificate, plus a 10% code for your first ShadeMotorsDirect order.
Question 1 of 10
On the job: A Sonesse 28 WireFree RTS needs solar.
Which part?
Hint: V2 motor.
Somfy lists 9027294 for V2 Li-ion motors.
Question 2 of 10
On the job: A Zigbee USB-C motor needs solar.
Which part?
Hint: Match USB-C.
Somfy lists 9029114 for Zigbee USB-C motors.
Question 3 of 10
On the job: You check whether a motor supports solar.
Where do you look?
Hint: Somfy lists it per motor.
Motor records list the solar option and kit.
Question 4 of 10
On the job: An external battery motor runs on a USB-C pack 9028930.
Which solar part?
Hint: The pack sets the family.
USB-C packs take the 9029114 panel.
Question 5 of 10
On the job: You unpack kit 9027294.
What should be inside?
Hint: Three items.
Somfy lists panel, brackets and glass mount adhesive.
Question 6 of 10
On the job: A client asks how fast the panel charges.
What is accurate?
Hint: Check what Somfy prints.
The databook gives no solar charge figure.
Question 7 of 10
On the job: A V2 motor sits deep in a cassette.
Which cable helps?
Hint: Short, for V2 heads.
Somfy lists 9021131 for cassette applications.
Question 8 of 10
On the job: An external pack sits 40 in from the motor.
Which extension?
Hint: Next size up.
The 48 in power extension covers it.
Question 9 of 10
On the job: A dark window has an outlet and an external battery motor.
What fits?
Hint: Use the outlet.
Somfy lists 1870940 for external battery motors.
Question 10 of 10
On the job: A client wants the plug-in supply on an embedded battery motor.
What do you check?
Hint: Read the listing.
The supply is listed for external battery motors.
Almost done
Where should we send your certificate?
Your score shows on the next screen. The certificate goes to your inbox so you can download it again later.
Parts used in this course
Genuine Somfy parts, 5-year warranty
Somfy 12V DC WireFree V2 Solar Pack (9027294)
Somfy Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery Pack (9021217)
Somfy Sonesse Ultra R28 12V Rechargeable Li-ion Motor (1003297)
Somfy Roll Up 28 WireFree RTS V2 (External Battery) (1241162)
Somfy 8" Extension Ultra Charging Cable (9021131)
Somfy 12V DC Plug-in Power Supply (1870940)Parts used in this course
