Can you convert a manual VELUX window to electric or solar?
Electric and solar VELUX windows can make high or frequently used roof windows much easier to operate, but whether an existing manual window can be upgraded depends on its model, age and condition.
If you have a manual VELUX roof window, particularly one positioned high above a staircase, landing or piece of furniture, electric or solar operation can be very appealing. Instead of reaching for an operating pole or struggling with access, the window can be controlled much more conveniently.
This naturally raises a common question: can you simply convert the VELUX window you already have to electric or solar operation? Sometimes there may be compatible upgrade options, but it depends heavily on the particular window. In other cases, replacing the existing roof window with a modern electric or solar model may be the more sensible solution.
What is an electric VELUX window?
An electric roof window uses a powered operating mechanism rather than requiring you to open and close the sash manually.
Depending on the system, operation may be controlled through a wall switch, remote control or compatible smart-home controls.
Electric operation can be especially useful for:
- high-level roof windows
- windows positioned above stairwells
- hard-to-reach loft windows
- rooms where regular ventilation is important
- homeowners who want easier everyday operation
- properties where several roof windows are used regularly
What is a solar VELUX window?
A solar-powered VELUX window uses energy collected by its solar system to power the opening mechanism. This can make it particularly attractive when there is no convenient electrical supply near the roof window.
Because a suitable solar installation does not necessarily require the same mains electrical connection as a wired model, it can sometimes simplify the installation.
Electric operation
May suit properties where suitable electrical provision is available and powered operation is being planned as part of the installation.
Solar operation
Can be particularly useful where convenient powered operation is wanted without introducing new mains wiring at the roof window.
Can every manual VELUX window be converted?
No. It is important not to assume that every manual VELUX window can simply have a motor attached to it.
VELUX windows have been produced in many different models, sizes and generations. Compatibility can therefore depend on exactly which window is installed.
Factors that may affect compatibility include:
- the VELUX model
- the age and generation of the window
- the product size
- the type of opening mechanism
- the condition of the sash and frame
- whether suitable upgrade components are available
- the position and accessibility of the window
Find the VELUX product code first
The product code is one of the most useful pieces of information when checking upgrade compatibility. Send AR Windows a clear photograph of the identification plate if you can access it safely.
Our guide Where Is My VELUX Window Code? explains where to look.
Is converting an old VELUX window worthwhile?
Even when some form of upgrade is technically possible, it does not automatically mean it is the best investment.
Adding modern controls to an ageing roof window may make little sense if the existing glazing, seals, timber or mechanisms are already nearing the end of their useful life.
Before upgrading an older window, consider whether it also:
- feels draughty
- has misted glazing
- is difficult to open or close
- has deteriorating timber
- has worn or damaged seals
- has experienced repeated leaks
- needs regular repairs
If several of these problems are present, a modern replacement VELUX window may provide better long-term value than upgrading the operating mechanism alone.
Why choose solar instead of electric?
Solar operation can be particularly attractive where routing new electrical cabling would be awkward, disruptive or unnecessary.
It can also be useful when replacing an existing manual window and the homeowner wants powered operation without turning the project into a larger electrical installation.
The appropriate option still depends on the property, product and proposed installation, so the decision should be made as part of the overall roof window specification.
Can electric and solar VELUX windows close automatically?
Modern powered roof window systems may offer additional control features depending on the particular product and setup. This can include more convenient ventilation and, with suitable systems, automated responses to changing conditions.
This is one reason electric and solar roof windows can be especially useful in rooms where the windows are difficult to reach.
Are powered VELUX windows useful for ventilation?
Yes. A roof window is an effective place to release warm air because heat naturally rises. Convenient powered operation can make homeowners more likely to use their roof windows regularly rather than leaving hard-to-reach windows permanently closed.
This can be particularly useful in:
- loft conversions
- bedrooms
- bathrooms
- open-plan upper floors
- high stairwells and landings
- rooms prone to excess heat
Better ventilation can also form part of managing indoor moisture and reducing condensation on VELUX windows.
Should I convert or replace?
This is usually the most important decision. If your existing roof window is relatively modern and in excellent condition, checking whether a compatible upgrade exists may be worthwhile.
If the window is much older, replacement may allow you to improve several things at once rather than investing further in an ageing unit.
Conversion may suit
A compatible, relatively modern manual window that is otherwise in very good condition and simply needs easier operation.
Replacement may suit
An older window where powered operation is wanted alongside better glazing, seals, comfort, reliability and overall performance.
What are the benefits of replacing with a powered window?
If you are replacing the whole roof window, electric or solar operation can be considered as part of the new specification rather than added afterwards.
A replacement may allow you to improve:
- ease of operation
- thermal performance
- glazing specification
- weather seals
- ventilation
- appearance
- reliability
- blind and accessory options
This can make replacement particularly attractive when a manual roof window is already showing several signs of age.
What if the existing VELUX window is difficult to reach?
Difficulty reaching the window is one of the strongest reasons to consider powered operation.
A window that technically opens but rarely gets used because it requires a ladder or awkward operating pole is not delivering the ventilation benefit it could provide.
If access is genuinely difficult, tell AR Windows when making your enquiry. The position of the window can affect both the recommended product and installation requirements.
Can VELUX blinds be electric or solar too?
Powered operation is not limited to the roof window itself. Depending on the window and accessory compatibility, there are also powered options within the wider VELUX range.
This can make sense for hard-to-reach windows where manually operating a blind would be just as inconvenient as opening the window itself.
Visit our VELUX blinds page for more information.
What information should you send AR Windows?
To advise whether upgrading or replacing is likely to be appropriate, AR Windows needs to identify the existing roof window first.
Send us:
- a clear photograph of the complete window
- a photograph of the VELUX product code
- the approximate age if known
- details of how high or difficult the window is to reach
- whether the existing window has any faults
- whether you prefer electric or solar operation
- photographs showing the room and window position
- details of any other roof windows you may also want to upgrade
Do not lean out of the window or climb onto the roof to obtain photographs. Only provide information that can be gathered safely.
Want easier control of a hard-to-reach VELUX window?
Send AR Windows the product code and photographs of your existing window. We can help you understand whether an upgrade may be possible or whether a new electric or solar roof window would make more sense.
What about maintaining electric and solar windows?
Powered roof windows still need looking after. The window itself remains exposed to weather and everyday use, so seals, glazing, moving components and the wider installation should still be kept under review.
AR Windows provides VELUX maintenance and planned care through the Annual Service Contract for suitable installations.
Final thoughts
It may be possible to upgrade some manual VELUX windows to powered operation, but compatibility should never be assumed. The model, age and condition of the existing window all matter.
If the window is relatively modern and otherwise in excellent condition, investigating a compatible upgrade can make sense. If it is older, draughty, misted, stiff or already requiring repairs, replacing it with a purpose-designed electric or solar VELUX window may be the smarter long-term solution.
Electric and solar VELUX upgrade FAQs
Can I convert a manual VELUX window to electric?
Some VELUX windows may have compatible upgrade options, but not every manual roof window can simply be converted. The model, age, size and condition need to be identified first.
Can I convert a manual VELUX window to solar?
Solar upgrade options may be available for suitable installations, but compatibility depends on the particular window. For older windows, full replacement may be the more practical option.
Is solar VELUX better than electric?
Neither is automatically better. Solar can be attractive where mains wiring would be inconvenient, while electric operation may suit properties where suitable electrical provision already exists.
Is it worth converting an old VELUX window?
It depends on the condition of the window. If the glazing, seals, mechanisms or frame are already ageing, replacing the whole roof window may provide better long-term value.
How do I know which VELUX window I have?
Find the product identification plate and send AR Windows a clear photograph of the code. This helps identify the model, size and possible compatibility with upgrade or replacement options.
Find out whether your manual roof window can be upgraded or should be replaced.
Send AR Windows your VELUX product code, photographs and details of what you want to achieve. We can advise on electric, solar and replacement options.