Connected Solutions: Allies in Building Energy Performance

SOMFY Group promotes the automation of solar protections and connected equipment, guided by market needs and the work of
associations like ES-SO.

The goal: to enhance building energy efficiency while ensuring user comfort, in both summer and winter.

Motorizing your rolling shutters is already effective for insulating your windows. Adding automation turns rolling shutters into true solar protections, with the possibility of incorporating pre-configured scenarios. In summer, during heat peaks, this automation helps maintain an interior that's 4 to 7 degrees cooler*, significantly reducing the need for energy-intensive air conditioning. In winter, windows let in solar heat, helping to cut heating consumption by up to 30%**. This gradual improvement in thermal comfort as home equipment progresses is delivered by Somfy's new range of automation solutions. Paired with a motorized rolling shutter, the Amy® sun protect io control point already provides access to summer comfort by making solar protections intelligent, automatically lowering them before it gets too hot. Clients equipped with the connected TaHoma® switch solution can go further by using the pre-programmed Thermal Comfort scenario in the app to optimize comfort and energy savings, in both summer and winter, and gradually add devices (thermostats, external solar sensors, etc.) to maximize benefits and personalize automation.

*Maximum temperature compared to a house not equipped with solar protection. TBC Study for the French Building Federation: analysis of the energy contribution of rolling shutters - 2010.

**Compared to manual solutions. Somfy Simulations implemented with the support of Carbone 4. Results vary depending on the size of the house, its geolocation, the year of construction, and window equipment (rolling shutters, adjustable sunshades), 2021.

As part of its heatwave plan, the city of Poissy (France) adapted 13 school buildings to heatwaves by equipping them with 616 motorized external blinds. The goal was twofold: to maintain an acceptable temperature in summer (below 27°C) and to avoid installing air conditioners. With a 5-degree drop in classroom temperatures between May and September, without sacrificing natural light, the trial was a success. “We've received very positive feedback on both the improvement in comfort and the practicality” explains Lydie Grimaud, Deputy Mayor of Poissy. “Previously, schools had slat blinds that had to be manually raised individually. The new ones are electric, equipped with a remote control, and teachers can quickly lower or raise them independently.” According to Dominique Bulle, the city's energy manager, “there are no technical barriers to using this type of solution in other municipalities. Given the benefits, in terms of comfort, CO2 emissions, and cost, the city of Poissy is considering installing this system in other buildings, such as nurseries or retirement homes.”

• 13 school buildings equipped
• 616 blinds installed
• €812,000  total investment
• €200 000 per year in savings for the municipality
• 5°C drop in observed temperature
• 301,000 kW per year in energy not consumed