News

Leviton, Insolroll Partner to Deliver Complete Solar Shading Solutions

November 15, 2010 by Jeff Shepard

Leviton Manufacturing has partnered with Insolroll Window Shading Systems to develop completely wireless, "battery free" solution sets for Solar Shading. This Leviton Solar Shading Solutions product family delivers a new value in Commercial Solar Shading solutions with hybrid protocol capabilities and energy saving technologies.

Featuring a range of comprehensive energy management options that incorporate a wireless self-powered, independent room control architecture, advanced thermal energy solar shade fabrication and Somfy wireless motorization technologies, the solutions produced by these three technology providers can enable energy savings in virtually any room environment. The Solar Shading system’s unified architecture is completely modular and uniquely incorporates Insolroll’s advanced fabrication of solar shading products, using intelligent Radio Technology Somfy (RTS) radio frequency (RF) motorization technology and Leviton’s extended suite of self-powered, EnOcean-enabled LevNet controls. The systems are also now available for specification from Leviton and its partners for retrofit, remodel or new construction environments.

The standalone, single-room shading systems, which will provide buildings with added convenience, comfort and energy savings, will present a truly unique offering to the building industry – the only hybrid solutions that combine the benefits of EnOcean and RTS wireless operating platforms and building control systems. The companies will focus initial development on meeting the needs of the commercial building market.

"Leviton, Insolroll and Somfy will provide solutions that the industry simply can’t find anywhere else – hybrid solutions that offer the best of both EnOcean and RTS technology and require no maintenance, no batteries and no hassle. The partnership gives building and commercial developers the choice of reliable and sustainable maintenance-free solutions," said Ian Hendler, Director of Business Development for Leviton. "The alliance of technologies is a new evolution in sustainable control and solar energy management, making it simple and cost effective to employ convenient hybrid solutions."

From simple installations to virtually maintenance-free operations, the innovative solutions created by the alliance will present customized energy harvesting solutions that will help building operators and owners efficiently manage natural and artificial lighting for maximum energy savings, workforce comfort and convenience. Use of automated shading systems can decrease a building’s energy consumption and carbon footprint by lessening its dependence on HVAC and artificial lighting systems. The solutions will also minimize glare and heat for building occupants, creating a comfortable environment.

"Somfy is pleased to have its proven motor technologies used in conjunction with the advanced innovations of Leviton and Insolroll. With these technologies merging, choosing sustainable solutions becomes easier with customizable, energy conserving solutions," said Marty Ackerman, Chief Technology Officer for Somfy North America.

"Aligning our advanced shading technologies to those of Leviton and Somfy, Insolroll is proud to provide affordable, revolutionary shading options to a wide variety of commercial facilities," said Earl Cornelius, National Sales Manager for Insolroll. "We are excited for our role in blending natural and interior lighting and advanced materials with the technologies provided by the alliance to create self-sustaining products."