The Zigbee alliance was designed for connecting devices in networks over very short distances with very low power consumption. Hundreds of brands are currently members of this alliance. A main benefit of Zigbee is its mesh network topology, which enables bi-directional communication for real-time shade and battery feedback.
Both Somfy RTS and Somfy Zigbee can be used in the same location along with a TaHoma RTS/Zigbee Bridge. Somfy RTS remote controls cannot be used to control Somfy Zigbee motors.

RTS (Radio Technology Somfy) is a radio technology that can communicate with motorized products reliably up to 20 feet and from up to 65 feet in optimal conditions. There is no need to point or aim the remote or control device at the window covering because RTS is omni-directional so the radio waves travel through walls. RTS technology works with a variety of Somfy controls including hand-held remotes, wall switches, the TaHoma app, voice control, and sensors.
Both Somfy RTS and Somfy Zigbee can be used in the same location along with a TaHoma RTS/Zigbee Gateway. Somfy RTS remote controls cannot be used to control Somfy Zigbee motors.

There are five main power options for Somfy automated window coverings:

Reloadable Battery Wand - In this option, the motor is powered by lithium batteries. A 12V battery tube containing 8 AA lithium batteries is mounted either horizontally or vertically inside the window frame behind your motorized window covering. There is no need for an electrician to wire your motorized shades. Dual wands are also available.

WireFree™ Rechargeable Battery Power - In this option, the motor is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (external pack or built in motor). There’s no need for an electrician to wire your automated shades, which minimizes installation time and cost.

Plug-In Power (DC) - With this power option, the motor plugs directly into a standard outlet. This is a good option for windows located close to an outlet or power source. The benefit of plug-in power is that it allows for maintenance-free operation. No need to worry about changing batteries!

Wired Power (AC) - In this option, the motor is typically hardwired into the home or building’s electrical system. This system of power could work for any home but does typically require the use of an electrician. The major benefit, however, is the maintenance-free operation of your automated product.

Solar Pack Power - The WireFree Solar Pack offers an energy-efficient alternative for powering automated products by harnessing renewable solar energy to power automated window coverings. It is easy to install and does not require an electrician.

Yes, the TaHoma Bridge can be used for connecting to home automation in many applications as well via Wi-Fi.
Available on the App Store
Available on the Google Play

The battery life will vary depending on the size of your window covering and the frequency of use. In general, users can expect approximately one year of operation for their WireFree Somfy motors. This estimate is based on one cycle per day use, with a cycle being the shade moving up once and down once.

The TaHoma Switch is the central hub that connects and controls the smart home ecosystem – powering the TaHoma app and giving end users complete control, no matter their preferred smart home ecosystem. Add Smart Plugs to extend the network even more!

The Somfy TaHoma Switch and Smart Plug have a range of up to 23ft.

A channel is either associated with a single motorized window covering or a group of motorized window coverings. Depending on the type of control and technology being used, controls are available in single channel and/or multichannel versions.
Channels are used to organize motorized window coverings with their control counterpart(s). This could mean a hand-held remote or a wall switch with multiple channels to control Somfy powered products in whatever configuration needed.

Whether you want to use a wall switch, an app, voice control or a hand-held remote, Somfy has a control option for you. You can use any combination of Somfy RTS controls. Mix and match remotes, wall switches, timers and sensors for up to 12 devices or channels per window covering.

With Radio Technology Somfy (RTS) motors or Zigbee, you can integrate with many popular smart home systems like: Savant, Crestron, Control4, Leviton, RTA, AMX, ELAN, URC, Wink, Vantage, Nexia, SmartThings, Amazon Alexa and more.

Yes, visit our Enlightened style YouTube channel, here, for Somfy Automation How-To videos.