Brustor: Solar Shading Expands from Screens to a Full Range of Awnings

Solar-powered sun protection is not new to the Brustor lineup. Solar screens have been part of it for several years now. For folding-arm awnings, development began in late 2025 with the B27 Solar. Starting this year, other folding-arm awnings with solar-powered drives are also available. This makes solar-powered solutions a more versatile option for both vertical window shades and providing shade over patios.

In a solar system, a compact solar panel captures sunlight and converts it into electrical energy. That energy is stored in a battery that powers the awning’s motor. This eliminates the need to run a power cable from inside the building to the awning. Thanks to the stored energy, the awning can also be operated when there is temporarily little direct sunlight available.

Particularly useful for renovations

The absence of wiring makes this solution particularly suitable for existing homes, but also for new construction projects where no electrical connection for sun protection has been provided. Generally, no trenching in interior walls, cable ducts, or drilling through the facade is required to supply power to the motor. This minimizes disruptions to the existing home and can simplify installation.

An autonomous solution can also be a good option for upper floors or windows that are difficult to reach. The installer does not need to connect the system to the power grid and is therefore less dependent on the existing electrical infrastructure.

For the end customer, this means, first and foremost, less work inside and around the home. The existing interior finishes can be preserved, and the sunshades can also be added later. Operation remains similar to that of a traditional motorized awning: a single press of the switch opens or closes the awning.

Solar screens for indoor climate control

Screens are installed on the outside of the window and block direct sunlight before it reaches the glass. This helps reduce the heating of the interior, while—depending on the type of fabric chosen—the view outside is partially preserved. When the switch is pressed, the fabric moves in front of the window via the vertical ZIP guides. The edges of the fabric are held in place by the side guides. This ensures the fabric is taut and contributes to the system’s wind resistance.

Solar-powered systems are expanding from screens to folding-arm awnings

Folding-arm awnings use the same solar technology to roll the fabric out over the patio and back in. The B27 was the first Brustor awning to feature this drive system. With the expansion of the product line, the technology is now available for various sizes and types of awnings.

For residents, the combination of comfort and installation flexibility is particularly important. They get motorized window shades without needing a pre-installed electrical connection. This makes the solution suitable for existing homes, as well as for new construction projects where the goal is to minimize the number of cables and connection points.

Solar-powered awnings do not necessarily replace every wired system. When an electrical connection is already in place, a traditional motorized system may still be a logical choice. The solar-powered version is primarily an additional option for situations where a quick, self-contained, and minimally invasive installation is desired.“

”Solar screens have become a trusted solution. Expanding to include virtually the entire range of awnings is a logical next step. For professionals, this simplifies installation, while end customers enjoy the convenience of motorized operation without the need for major electrical work," said Nico Roose, Sales Director for the Netherlands & DACH.