Lutron recommends using standard alkaline D batteries (either four or six, depending on the shade size).
And you’ll gain the ability to schedule the shades to move to preset heights at different times during the day, use occupancy/vacancy sensors to trigger shades to open and close, remotely control the shades with iOS or Android apps, and a ton more fun-but, ultimately, very useful-functions, not to mention adding control of light dimmers and switches. Integrating and programming the Sivoia Wireless QS shades into a control system, however, is definitely not a weekend DIY project but even including the costs of a custom integrator’s highly worthwhile design, programming, and installation labor, a houseful of Sivoia Wireless QS shades will still be a heck of a lot cheaper than the typical costs of other automated window treatments.
(Although on at least one shade, I had to remount each bracket half an inch more toward the center so the edges of the internal battery compartments wouldn’t interfere with the clips that hold the front of the shade housing to the brackets.) In other words, Serena shades are a do-it-yourselfer’s dream come true, or at least the labor charges ought to be minimal if you have a shade store install them for you. Even with my relative incompetence in manipulating hand tools, I was able to measure, mark, drill, screw, and finally snap the shade into its brackets in an average of 15 to 20 minutes per shade. The mounting brackets attach to the wall or window’s frame/trim using two screws each, and most shades require only two brackets (the larger sizes come with three or four). As a result, installation is extremely straightforward. Foremost among them is the fact that the shades are both remotely controlled and powered by internal batteries, a combination that qualifies the new Lutron shades as truly wireless. There are a number of fascinating things about the Sivoia Wireless QS and Serena cellular shades. As I’ve mentioned, the Serena cellular shades are virtually identical to the Sivoia Wireless QS cellular versions in all but control capability, so the majority of my experience with the system-based shades will apply to the others as well. Since I have a RadioRA 2 lighting control system, Lutron sent a number of Sivoia Wireless QS shades ($424 each) for me to program into the system and test out.