I’ve been experimenting with automating my home’s roller shades to adjust based on the sun’s position, and I’m thrilled to share a solution I’ve developed using the SunCalc.js library. This driver calculates the sun’s altitude and azimuth, allowing me to automatically close my west-facing shades when the sun starts to set, preventing unwanted glare and heat during the day.
The driver leverages your hub’s latitude and longitude to determine the sun’s position in real-time. I’ve configured it to update every five minutes, as the altitude doesn’t change significantly within that timeframe. This setup ensures energy efficiency while maintaining comfort.
Here’s how it works: the driver calculates the sun’s position and sends commands to the roller shades via a rule. When the sun’s altitude drops below a certain threshold, the shades automatically close. This integration seamlessly combines solar tracking with smart home automation, offering a sustainable and convenient solution.
I’ve made the driver publicly available on GitHub, complete with detailed documentation. If you’re interested in implementing this, you can find the driver here. The setup involves creating the driver, configuring it with your hub’s location, and setting up the corresponding rules to control your shades.
This project has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to see how others might adapt it for their homes. Whether you’re looking to optimize energy usage or enhance comfort, the SunCalc Driver offers a versatile solution. I’d love to hear about your experiences or any improvements you’ve made to the system!