EDIT: I’ve found a solution that works great for me and my setup and has been solid for about 4 months now. I wrote about my experience in this post. Thanks for all the input here.
Hi, I’m looking to update our old window shades and would like replace them with powered shades, preferably in Zwave as 98% of my devices are Zwave-based (I also have ZHA/Zigbee installed for a couple of lights).
A search showed multiple options that list Zwave from various manufacturers. My old shades were from Graber, which also lists Zwave options, their own app and gateway, but also indicates that one can use their own hub. They don’t really indicate what capabilities are supported in such a configuration though (that I have found).
I’m wondering if anyone has any direct experience with Zwave motorized shades, and how they integrate with HA (alternatively with Zigbee). Graber in particular would be great, but if not, what brands did you find worked and how do you like them.
I have Bali z-wave shades (purchased from Costco). Both Bali and Graber have the same parent co — Springs Window Fashions, and use motors from Somfy. I have them paired with a Zooz 500 stick and they work great with zwavejs. I don’t use the remote that came with them, but you can also add it to your mesh as a scene controller. I use ZEN76 wall paddles to send direct associations for up / down (bypasses the controller) but HA automations, triggered by “central scene” events, are also available. I have four shades plugged into 12v power supplies, and one using the battery pack, and percentage is reported to HA like other zwave devices.
The only quirk with these shades is that, at least with the firmware I got, they don’t report “opening” and “closing” state while moving. My only complaint about Springs Window Fashions is they seem to be incredibly stingy about providing firmware upgrades.
Hi Peter! Thanks for the response! This is good news indeed! FYI, I also got a response from Spring Windows Fashion, and I’ve included it here for posterity:
Blockquote
So long as you have z-wave controller, our z-wave shades will pair into Home Assistant. With that being said, if any limits on the shades (where it stops it’s upper travel and lower travel) need to be adjusted at all, Home Assistant can not be used to do that. That would need to be done with one of our remotes or with our app previous to pairing them in to Home Assistant. I would also not recommend using our bottom up, top down cellular shades with Home Assistant either, as you will not be able to have the top down function of the shades.
I asked him about FW update availability as well as an update to report MOTION, and will let you know what he says. I also requested any information he could provide related to zwave command classes supported and anything that would specify what automation capabilities were possible along with what configuration updates were possible via zwave. You may know.
Thanks again for your response. If there’s anything else you can think of, please let me know.
Hey,@GrizzlyAK
If you’re looking for Z-Wave motorized shades, Graber (also under the Bali brand) is a solid choice. They use Somfy motors, which are reliable and can report shade position for partial or full opening.
Keep in mind that some settings, like upper and lower travel limits, usually need to be set first using the manufacturer’s remote or app before connecting to any smart system.
For personalized solutions and professional installation, businesses such as Colorado Shutters (Colorado-based) can offer motorized shades and assist with setup and adjustments.
Thanks for the prompt. I did finally go with Bali and haven’t been disappointed, and they worked as advertised. I’ve waited a while to post my experience to determine battery performance. I just posted my experience along with some data for anyone interested here.
I highly recommend Bali/Costco for anyone looking for a solid ZWave powered window shade solution.
Hey, @GrizzlyAK
Hi Shane — I have experience with motorized shades in configurations like yours, and here’s what I learned the hard way:
If you’re primarily going to be using Z-Wave, so go with shades that are heavily Z-Wave-supported. Companies like Graber are fine, but see if their model of shade supports things like position feedback (not merely open/close), and whether they get along with generic Z-Wave hubs. Occasionally you’ll only be able to use limited functionality if the maker of the shade wants you to use their gateway/app.
I’ve also discovered that Zigbee shades can be an excellent substitute, particularly if you already have some Zigbee infrastructure installed. They tend to be more highly customizable and occasionally superior firmware support.
What matters most:
Fabric quality & weight — heavy blackout fabrics require stronger motors and solid mounting.
Battery/supply method — battery-powered shades are convenient but make sure the power installation is robust.
How the hub processes commands and feedback — test a small shade first before replacing all.
In my own residence, I replaced west-facing windows with Z-Wave motorized shades installed by Home Direct Blinds in Homestead, FL. They took me through the compatibility tests and chose models that play well with my system.