There is always one cheaper, but is it better?

Energy savings and security through smart shutters and zipscreens

The sun protection market has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, with a strong focus on solar solutions and sustainable, smart technologies. BC Sunprotection, exclusive distributor of Bubendorff and Solaise in the Benelux, has been at the forefront of this for years. Owner Jo Blommé: "Solar shutters and screens combine comfort and security with significant energy savings. The demand for these is growing strongly, which offers plenty of opportunities for dealers."

"The numbers don't lie," states Blommé. "Sales of sun protection devices have skyrocketed in recent years. In the Netherlands alone, consumers spent about 1.2 billion euros on smart blinds and shutters in 2022." (Source: Multiscope/press release). It is therefore unwise to stunt prices. "When manufacturers and dealers give hefty discounts, margins plummet, and these are crucial for building financial buffers for the future. Companies can get into trouble as a result, and we are already seeing that happen."

BC Sunprotection focuses entirely on solar-powered roller shutters and screens. "Spring was obviously not good for the trade, because as long as consumers are not warm, they postpone investments. You can then try to be the cheapest, but we prefer to put other assets first. Our solar products meet exactly the demand for quality and reliability, which helps us grow our sales strongly every year in this particular market."

Roller shutters with automatic response to sun and heat

Blommé continues: "Our two top brands - Bubendorff and Solaise - offer, thanks to the patented solar system with integrated battery, short- and long-term advantages. High efficiency and longer retention of that efficiency, the compact and screwless design, years of experience and very easy assembly." 

All Bubendorff shutters have an Auto Pilot on board as standard, allowing them to react automatically to sunlight and heat. The shutter can additionally be integrated into Smart Home solutions. "As icing on the cake, we also have solar roller shutters with tilting slats, which combine the advantages of roller shutters and sun protection. For the consumer who cannot choose between roller shutter or screen, this is the ultimate choice. The solar roller shutters naturally have a sun protection function, but also offer the user security and privacy. Stainless steel brackets in the guides make them extra resistant to wind. Moreover, burglars usually skip a house with roller shutters."

Energy saving is an important selling point for roller shutters and screens, according to Blommé. "I think dealers can gain a lot in this by communicating this even more to consumers. You don't have to turn on an air conditioner as often in the summer, and in the winter, roller shutters can help keep the heat right inside." He concludes, "We are in a time of energy transition, but the power grid is overcrowded. If solar shading is then self-sufficient thanks to solar technology, it's a win-win. There are huge benefits and these can be played off even better by salespeople."