Roller shutters: Somfy upgrades its RS100 Solar io solar motor with a 15-year battery life

Launched in 2023, the RS100 Solar io solar motor is evolving with the integration of a Long Life battery. According to Somfy, this new generation is among the solutions nominated for the 2026 Innovation Awards at the Paris Builders Show, which includes the Batimat, Interclima, Idéobain, and Renodays trade shows.

A battery designed to last for 15 years

The main change concerns the NiMH battery, whose advertised lifespan has been increased from 8 to 15 years. This improvement should allow a single battery to cover the 15-year reference period used for the product's life cycle analysis. According to Somfy, the previous generation required battery replacement within this same timeframe.

The manufacturer is announcing a 35% reduction in the carbon footprint of the complete solution, including the motor, solar panel, and battery. This improvement is documented in a new Ecopassport® PEP, a Type III environmental declaration established in accordance with ISO 14025 and verified by a third-party organization.

The absolute carbon impact varies, however, depending on the power and configuration of the motor. The datasheets published by Somfy indicate, in particular, 28,9 kg CO₂e for some models and 41,7 kg CO₂e for the 15 Nm version.

The new battery retains the dimensions and integration methods of the previous generation. Roller shutter manufacturers can therefore integrate it without modifying the design of their products.

Somfy also indicates that the RS100 Solar io reaches the highest level of NF 202 prequalification, after 100 days of exposure to extreme climatic conditions.

A solar-powered motor designed for various shutter configurations.

The RS100 Solar io is designed to motorize roller shutters without requiring a connection to the electrical grid. The range offers motors with up to 20 Nm of torque and can be installed on various types of housings, from small windows to large bay windows, provided the manufacturer's sizing charts are followed.

The device includes a 6mm thick monocrystalline resin solar panel. This incorporates a sensor that measures the brightness and sunlight at the level of each shutter.

Combined with the TaHoma® app, this feature allows users to program opening and closing scenarios based on sunlight and indoor temperature. These automated systems can help limit solar gain during periods of intense heat or promote its use in winter. However, the savings achieved depend on the building's configuration, its orientation, and the settings applied.

A claimed battery life of 45 days

The 2.200 mAh battery offers, according to Somfy, a minimum autonomy of 45 days without solar charging, based on two openings and two closings per day. A patented function adjusts the shutter's speed when the battery level becomes low to limit the risk of operational interruptions.

The motor also incorporates frost and obstacle detection. The gradual start and stop functions reduce mechanical stress on the curtain and help to preserve the roller shutter.

Tools for installers

Somfy supports the motorization of a range of professional applications covering the different stages of the construction site:

• SolarApp allows us to study the feasibility of the installation based on the installation environment, the orientation and exposure of the solar panel;
• TaHoma® Pro accompanies the commissioning and verification of the installation's operation;
• Serv-e-Go® allows professionals to perform a remote diagnosis before a possible intervention.

The complete solution benefits from a 7-year warranty covering parts, labor and travel, according to the conditions defined by Somfy.