Jo-Vin Window Treatment Specialists
Somfy Systems Roller Shade Motors
Somfy Systems is the industry standard for motorized roller shade motors. Here's what you need to know about each model — so you can specify the right one for your project.
Somfy Systems is the undisputed leader in motors for motorized roller shades — used by virtually every top roller shade manufacturer in the industry. Jo-Vin works with three core Somfy motor lines: the Sonesse 30, Sonesse 40, and Sonesse 50. Understanding the differences between them is the key to specifying the right motor for your project.
Hardwired
Plug & Play
Battery
Sonesse 30
The Sonesse 30 is a lightweight, low-voltage motor designed for smaller roller shade applications. With 2 Nm of torque, it handles shades up to 16 lbs. — well suited for standard guestroom windows where shade dimensions are moderate.
The standout feature of the Sonesse 30 is its Wire Free Li-ion option. This version houses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery directly inside the roller tube — meaning zero wiring is required. With a single 6-hour charge delivering up to one year of typical use (based on two cycles per day), it's the ideal solution for renovations where cutting sheetrock is not an option. No wiring, no patching — just install and go.
- Torque: 2 Nm
- Max shade weight: 16 lbs
- Power options: Hardwired, Plug & Play, Battery (Wire Free Li-ion)
- Control: Wireless remote or wall-mounted switch only
- Somfy Digital Network compatible
Sonesse 40
The Sonesse 40 steps up to 4 Nm of torque — enough to power shades up to 32 lbs. This motor sits in a separate performance tier from the Sonesse 30 and is a strong choice for mid-size to larger window applications where the 30 would be underpowered.
A key advantage of the Sonesse 40 is its ability to drive multiple shade bands off a single motor — something the Sonesse 30 cannot do. There is no battery option for this motor; it must be hardwired or connected via plug-and-play.
- Torque: 4 Nm
- Max shade weight: 32 lbs
- Power options: Hardwired, Plug & Play
- Control: Wireless remote, wall switch, or hardwired switch
- Supports multiple shade bands on a single motor
Sonesse 50
The Sonesse 50 is the most powerful motor in the lineup, with 6 Nm of torque and the capacity to handle shades up to 48 lbs. It's the right choice for large-format windows, heavy fabrics, or any application where maximum lifting power is required.
The premium Sonesse 50 ULTRA variant is the quietest roller shade motor on the market, operating at just 38 dBA — roughly equivalent to a whisper. For properties where near-silent operation is a priority, the ULTRA is the clear choice.
- Torque: 6 Nm
- Max shade weight: 48 lbs
- Power options: Hardwired, Plug & Play
- Control: Wireless remote, wall switch, or hardwired switch
- Sonesse 50 ULTRA: 38 dBA — quietest motor on the market
- Somfy Digital Network compatible
All three Sonesse motors operate on RTS wireless systems with a control range of up to 60 feet. The Sonesse 40 and 50 can also be hardwired directly into a wall switch, while the Sonesse 30 is limited to wireless remote or wall-mounted switch control only.
The Sonesse 30 and Sonesse 50 are both compatible with the Somfy Digital Network — a building management integration that allows all shades to be controlled from a centralized system such as an iPad or property management console. For hotel operators looking to manage window treatments across an entire property from one interface, this capability is a significant advantage worth specifying from the start.