[BPRICE1234]

I have been searching for a DIY solar powered lanai shades. I keep running into the issue that most stop at 110-113 inches width.

We have a small lanai and I see many that are much larger that look to be powered.

Any suggestions on a company that sells the shades that I can install myself.

[villagetinker]

If you are asking for something wider that 110 inches, I would suggest just installing 2 shades with a minimal gap between the two shades, we did this with our manual shade years ago and it worked very well.

[MarshBendLover]

i think the issue you have is that for DIY, a company can't have multiple different sizes to fit every situation. They provide what is commonly used. I'm sure you could have a company custom build one, but then it's not a cost saving DIY. I agree with Tinker. It's like window blinds on long windows. We have 12 feet of front windows, but we use 4 sets of 36" instead of one giant custom shade, probably would have required a rope to lower and raise it!

Plus, the shorter the distance, the smaller the motor. Smaller motor equals less noise. If one stops working, less cost to replace. Also......it's either all closed or all open. You can't adjust light to one side if it's to bright or darken where you are sitting, et cetera.

[BPRICE1234]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

If you are asking for something wider that 110 inches, I would suggest just installing 2 shades with a minimal gap between the two shades, we did this with our manual shade years ago and it worked very well.

We were thinking about splitting the difference with 2 shades. The problem is it has a zipper option that we really want.

[WiseSpender]

I am curious to know what would be the total square footage area being covered?

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by BPRICE1234

We were thinking about splitting the difference with 2 shades. The problem is it has a zipper option that we really want.

If you are going to try to raise and lower with the zipper closed I suspect that you will have significant problems with the motors not running at the exact same speed. If you are willing to open the zipper for the open and close operations then this may work.

At this point I would suggest calling the vendor and see if they have any other options.

If you get past the zipper concern, I would go with a solar charged battery system, This will allow operation any time of the day and with any luck the motors will be rated at 12 VDC which will give you many options for the battery.

[ltcdfancher]

Originally Posted by BPRICE1234

I have been searching for a DIY solar powered lanai shades. I keep running into the issue that most stop at 110-113 inches width.

Any suggestions on a company that sells the shades that I can install myself.

I can’t vouch for this company or its products. Because I’m looking for a retractable shade for my west-facing lanai, I found this company. They have screens up to 20’ wide.

Motorized Retractable Solar & Privacy Screens by Genius