Think motorized shades are too expensive? Not any more. Lutron today announced its Sivoia QS cellular shades, which will be available in October starting a $299.

This is the first time Lutron has offered cellular shades, which are more energy efficient by trapping air between a two layers in a honeycomb pattern, and can as much as double the R-value (insulating value) or a triple-pane window.

The battery-powered Sivoia QS cellular shades use a new, patent-pending Triathlon Battery Life technology that utilizes hybrid drive design plus ultra-efficient standby power to extend battery life to three years. The small motors that fit into the headrail use six standard D batteries. Lutron says the standby power is 1/1000 of a watt, much smaller than the 1-watt standby power (the power used by electronics when they are not is use) touted by many energy-efficient electronics.

Several options are being introduced, including those that work with Lutron’s wireless RadioRA 2 and hard-wired HomeWorks QS total home control systems and Lutron’s Grafik Eye QS. A non-system option (not operated by a Lutron control system) will also be offered.

The three options are:

• Non-system version, controlled by an infrared remote, base price is $299.
• Non-system version, controlled by Lutron’s Pico wireless remote control base price is $324.
• Sivoia QS system version that is compatible with HomeWorks QS, RadioRA 2 and GRAFIK Eye QS, base price is $424.

Prices will vary, depending on size (up to 82” x 82”, maximum) and fabric selection.

The new, battery-powered, wire-free, cellular shade provides a crisp, clean look that enhances any decor and is available in three styles:

1. Single Cell Light Filtering Shades that allow daylight to filter into a space, even when shades are down.
2. Double Cell Light Filtering Shades that allows some light filtering into the space.
3. Single Cell Blackout Shades that blocks light entering into a space.

The cellular shades will be offered in more than 100   style combinations and almost 50 colors. The shades are built-to-order and are specified in Lutron’s Shade Configuration Tool (SCT).

Steven Castle - Contributing Writer

Steven Castle is Electronic House's managing editor. he has been writing about consumer electronics, homes and energy efficiency topics for two decades. He is also the co-founder of GreenTech Advocates.