Electric Retractable Awning

Retractable awning models can be manual or electric (motorized). Electric retractable awnings use invisible tubular motors controlled via a remote control, a wall switch, wind, motion, sun and rain sensors or even a smartphone app to retract, stop, or extend an awning’s roof or fabric automatically. You can also use an app as a timer to have your retractable awning or retractable pergola open and close at specific times of day or night.

How Much Do Motorized Awnings Cost?

The best electric awnings are shading solutions with plenty of benefits. You can control these awnings with the touch of a button. However, this bed of roses usually comes with a bigger price tag.

Electric retractable awnings are available in different price ranges. You can find a model as low as $1,200 but also as high as $10,000 or more. As a rule of thumb, motorized versions can add between $750 and $2,000 to a standard manual retracting mechanism. But this depends on the electric motor and accessories such as manual override, wind, motion, sun, and rain sensors.

The cost of an electric awning does not end with the purchase of the awning itself. Since the motor needs 110v or 220v electricity to operate, it will add a very minimal increase to your monthly energy bill. However, don’t forget that the motor is only a tiny part of what forms the price of a retractable awning.

Additional state-of-the-art accessories can add comfort and security, providing you with the best electric awning. Accessories can also beautify your outdoor living or business area, but most don’t come for free. 

Here are some ideas on how you can upgrade your electric retractable awnings:

• Add motion or wind sensors that automatically retract the awning when the wind reaches a certain speed.
• Add dimming LED lights to enable nighttime usage and create the perfect ambiance.
• Automate the awning’s function by integrating it with your home’s smart system.
• Add other sensors to improve functionality and safety (rain, sun, wind, motion, or a combination).
• Install MP3 speakers to listen to anything you want at any time.
• Automatically retract and extend your electric awning during specific times of the day or night by adding a timer.
• Add heaters to the shelter so your friends and family or clients can enjoy the outdoors, even on chilly days.

Are Electric Retractable Awnings Worth It?

Electric retractable awnings are worth it especially if you need a larger-sized canopy to cover a big outdoor area in the rear or front of your house or business. These awnings are frequently used for outdoor seating areas at restaurants, hotels, golf course dining areas, cafés, and sports avenues where the width and projection are large and can help protect many people. 

Depending on the awning fabric used, a motorized model can protect from the sun and light rain conditions. The best electric awnings also automatically extend or retract quickly and efficiently. This type of awning can be beneficial for businesses with outdoor areas, large residential outdoor living spaces, and especially people with disabilities.

How Much Does a Remote Control for a Motorized Awning Cost?

If you decide to purchase a motorized retractable awning, the vendor will send you a remote control or other operational device inside the package that’s included in the price. I say operational device because you can control many electric awnings and other retractable products via other methods and not solely using a remote control. 

Ways to control electric retractable awnings:

• Wall-mounted wireless single or multi-channel wall switches 
• Single or multi-channel wireless remote control transmitters
• Group controls
• Keypad controls/key box
• iPhone or Android apps via a smartphone or tablet 
• Sensors including wind, motion, sun, and rain
• Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit

Some devices have 5-year warranty periods. However, that’s only the case if you purchase a control device from one of the best electric awning motor manufacturers that specialize in tubular retractable awning motors (Somfy/Simu). After this period expires, like other electronic devices, your remote motor, or accessory can stop functioning correctly. You may then need a replacement, but this is highly unlikely for at least 10-15 years. Make sure when purchasing a retractable awning in the USA that the motor is either UL listed or UL Recognized by Underwriters Laboratories and if it is not, don’t buy it. 

When that moment comes, I highly recommend contacting the vendor that sold you the retractable awning or the motor’s manufacturer. Ask this vendor the price for the specific device or accessory you need. Prices vary depending on the manufacturing brand, retailer, or e-commerce platform you use for your purchase.