Shutters, blinds, BSO: how automation boosts the thermal performance of buildings

Behind this technological trend, there are real needs: automating tasks, securing homes, improving comfort and, above all, better managing energy consumption.

And in this context, motorized and automated solar protections play an increasingly strategic role.

Capable of acting at the right time, without human intervention, they optimize thermal comfort and reduce heating or air conditioning needs. A simple, discreet, and effective solution that deserves attention.

Why automate your sun protection?

We've all experienced this scene: in the middle of a heatwave, we push open the door of a home or building in the hope of finding a bit of coolness... but it's almost as hot inside as outside because the building has been storing heat for hours, without a filter.

This phenomenon is not marginal: according to a study conducted in July 2022 by the Actibaie Group with IFOP, 69% of French people reported suffering from excessively high temperatures in their homes during periods of extreme heat, and 30% said they were suffering from it more and more often.

And be careful, this problem does not only affect poorly insulated homes: even buildings that perform very well in winter can become veritable ovens in summer.

Faced with this inconvenience, reflexes are well established: 82% of those surveyed first close their shutters or blinds to try to cool their interior. Proof that solar protection is perceived as a simple, immediate and effective gesture – but it still needs to be used at the right time, in the right configuration, and ideally… without having to think about it = This is precisely the whole point of automation!

A trend confirmed among professionals: motorization is essential

Earlier this year, TBC Innovations published a survey of 200 industry professionals, conducted between September and October 2024. The objective was to assess the evolution of motorized solar protection systems.

For individual house builders, the observation is clear: motorization is almost systematic, offered in 100% of projects for the majority of them.

Among real estate developers, the practice was not yet widespread, but things are changing. Driven by the RE2020 and the demands related to summer comfort, motorization is making significant progress. It is now offered almost systematically, at least in living areas, such as lounges.

This dynamic is explained by two key factors:

• The development of connected solutions, which make solar protection more intelligent and responsive.
• A tense energy context, where reducing the use of air conditioning becomes an economic and ecological necessity.

It is clear that motorization is not a luxury, but a concrete response to the challenges of thermal comfort, energy performance and consumption optimization.

What is automation used for in practice?

A home automation system allows you to automatically control shutters, canvas blinds, awnings or adjustable sunshades (BSO), with several key benefits:

• protection against heat and light,
• glare reduction,
• indoor temperature regulation,
• control of energy consumption,
• increased occupant comfort.

In the tertiary sector or office buildings, we even talk about dynamic management of facades: solar protection adapts in real time according to the orientation of the building, the intensity of solar radiation and even the weather forecast.

Sensors, boxes, motors: the intelligent mechanics of solar protection

Today, installing motorized and automated solar protection systems has never been easier. Manufacturers specializing in motorization, home automation, and connected home solutions offer a wide range of products, along with services tailored to all levels of need. And for the more experienced, it's even possible to install these systems yourself.

In concrete terms, automated solar protection relies on home automation to intelligently control shutters, blinds, or adjustable sunshades (BSO). The principle? An intelligent building management system, composed of several elements:

1. Sensors (sunshine, temperature, wind, presence) which detect external conditions or parameters defined in advance (time, weather, etc.).
2. A home automation box that centralizes and analyzes the data received, then triggers actions based on thresholds set by the user.
3. A motorization system — wired or radio — which executes the commands (opening, closing, tilting, etc.).

Once this chain is in place, you can go further by creating personalized scenarios. For example, automatically close the shutters as soon as the facade is exposed to the sun, then reopen them at dusk. Or, tilt the slats of a BSO according to the sunlight and the interior temperature, to avoid overheating without plunging the room into darkness.

Of course, manual control is still possible, to allow for occasional adjustments and to meet the occupants' preferences.

Solar energy in renovations

Fortunately, the automation of solar protection is not reserved for new buildings and it is entirely possible to equip yourself properly during renovations, particularly with solar motors.

One of the main advantages of these solutions is the absence of electrical wiring. Solar-powered solar protection systems can be installed without major work: no need to run wires or connect to the electrical network.

Thanks to an integrated solar panel, the motor is powered directly by the sun's energy. Result:

• a stand-alone installation,
• a reduction in electricity consumption,
• and continuity of operation even in the event of a power outage.

We don't think about it spontaneously, but this type of motorization is particularly suitable for hinged shutters, including those with several leaves.

And, beyond the motorization, these solar shutters integrate all the functionalities of modern home automation:

• remote control via remote control, smartphone or tablet;
• programming scenarios according to time, weather or lifestyle habits;
• and above all, real-time feedback: the user knows whether the order has been executed correctly, or whether there has been a blockage or an anomaly.

Ultimately, a smart, economical and easy-to-install solution, perfectly suited to renovation projects that aim for greater comfort, without complexity.

In conclusion: one button (or not) to change everything!

The figures speak for themselves: according to a simulation by the manufacturer Somfy, validated by Carbone 4 (an independent consultancy firm specializing in low-carbon strategy and adaptation to climate change), a home equipped with automated roller shutters can gain between -4°C and -7°C inside during summer heat peaks, compared to a manual system.

And in winter, savings of up to 30% on heating can be achieved, depending on the building's level of insulation.

The older or more poorly insulated the home, the more significant the effect of automation. But even in a new building, intelligent control of solar protection can optimize comfort while reducing energy consumption.

In short, it is an accessible and efficient solution that clearly changes the way the building reacts to its environment.

What if summer comfort could be achieved… with the push of a button (or even without doing anything at all)?