October 2022

Energy Saving
Next generation solar powered gadgets
are reportedly helping us benefit from
home-tech without having to think about
electricity use or professional installation by an
electrician. From garden lights and automated
gate openers to mobile phone chargers and
Bluetooth speakers, the number of low powered
devices that take their energy from the sun is
increasing all the time.
A W SMART SOLUTION
Ian Short, Managing Director of integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass, explains why
choosing solar powered automation for window and door shading with its W Smart system
helps minimise home energy use....
One of the latest solar powered innovations that is
reportedly gaining widespread appeal is the Uni-
Blinds W Smart integral blind from Morley Glass.
The ScreenLine system is a motorised ‘betweenthe-glass’
Venetian or pleated blind that is powered
by a rechargeable battery.
The battery is charged by a small photovoltaic
panel mounted on the external window or door
frame, which is said to provide more than enough
charge for routine use of the blinds. Should
the availability of natural light not be sufficient
however, the W Smart’s battery power can be
boosted at any time using a micro-USB lead
plugged in to the mains.
Morley Glass says this is why the W Smart is
ideal for anyone wanting to equip their home with
smart technology without adding to the amount
of electricity they use during times of high energy
costs. But that is just the start.
A glass act
There is also the option – as with all types of
Uni-Blinds integral blinds – to upgrade the type
of glass used in the sealed unit’s construction to
add energy-saving potential.
When ordering Uni-Blinds, the standard glass
used for the sealed unit is Saint-Gobain
Planitherm Total+, which is said to balance
thermal insulation with solar gain extremely well.
However, you may be looking to provide
homeowners with a better level of insulation
so they can reduce their heating bills. In these
circumstances, Planitherm One could be an
Above: The W Smart integral blinds can help homeowners reduce electric bills. Inset: Ian Short, Managing Director of Morley Glass.
attractive option, with a very low U-value of 1.0
W/m2K. Morley Glass says Planitherm One is
a great proposition now energy bills are higher,
especially in conjunction with W Smart, which
needs virtually zero electricity to run!
Easy to operate
W Smart is controlled via a remote control, or
a slim module mounted on the window or door,
which also contains the rechargeable battery.
This features two LED arrows that intuitively show
the commands given to the blind or the need for
recharging – and at only 18mm deep, this device
said to be ideal for placing on sliding windows, in
vertical or horizontal positions.
The blind system will soon be controllable via a
new app that is currently being rolled out. This
smart home enhancement is a new plug and play
smart hub called ScreenHub was developed by
ScreenLine manufacturer Pellini.
This enables the blind to be controlled using a
smart phone app – a further benefit in addition to
the remote control device already provided.
The Venetian blind is available in 10 colours
and for pleated blinds there are 12 colours to
choose from, with a choice of colours for the
battery module and headrail providing the perfect
finishing touch.
Beating summertime overheating
W Smart, like all the Uni-Blinds integral blinds,
can also reportedly help homeowners protect their
home from summertime overheating so they can
avoid the expense of installing an air conditioning
unit.
Whilst less than 5% of our homes are equipped
with these systems, the 2022 heatwave and
predictions of warmer summers in future due to
climate change will inevitably see more air-con
installations, leading to greater electricity use.
Advances in glass technology over recent
decades mean Uni-Blinds integral blind units
can be made using two of the best performing
products of their kind – Saint-Gobain COOL-LITE
SKN 176 II and 183.
These are available as a glass upgrade, providing
advanced solar control to cut excessive heat
from strong sunlight while at the same time
maximising heat insulation in winter.
Contact Morley Glass:
0113 277 8722
www.morleyglass.co.uk
@MorleyGlassGlaz
28 T I OCTOBER 2022
PRACTICAL CONTENT FOR THE GLAZING INSTALLER & HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST