It depends on the product. Every motorized pergola needs two things: power for the motor and a way to tell the motor what to do. How that control works varies between products. Some use a handheld remote, some use a wall switch, and some use a phone app that connects over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Louvano pergolas are operated with a remote control. This article explains what a motorized pergola needs to run, how the different control types compare, and what to ask before you buy.
What does a motorized pergola need to work?
Two things, whatever brand you choose:
- Power. The motor that turns the louvers needs a permanent electrical connection from your home, planned by a licensed electrician.
- A control. Something has to tell the motor to open, close, or angle the louvers.
On a Louvano pergola, the motor is hidden in the frame. The louvers rotate from 0 to 120 degrees when you press the remote. For the power side, see motorized pergola electrical requirements.
How is a Louvano pergola controlled?
With a remote control. You press a button, and the louvers open, close, or move to the angle you want. That is how you adjust for sun, shade, and rain throughout the day.
If phone control, smart-home control, or scheduling matters to you, email [email protected] before you order and ask about your specific needs.
What control types do motorized pergolas use?
Across the market, you will see a few common setups:
| Control type | How it works | Things to think about |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld remote | Press buttons within range of the pergola | Keep spare batteries; know where the remote is |
| Wall switch | A fixed switch wired near the patio | Needs wiring planned with the electrician |
| Phone app | Connects to the pergola's control unit over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth | Depends on your phone, the app, and often your home network |
| Smart-home or voice | Links an app-based system to a smart speaker or hub | Adds another device and account to set up |
Louvano: remote control.
None of these change the need for power. Every motorized roof still needs an electrical connection.
What should you ask before buying any motorized pergola?
Whatever product you are comparing, these questions help you understand how you will actually use it:
- How do I open and close the roof day to day?
- What do I need to keep it working, such as batteries, an app, or a home network?
- What happens if the power goes out?
- What do I do if the control stops responding?
- Who do I contact for help after I order?
For Louvano, the answers start here: the roof is operated by remote control. If the remote stops working, our article on why a motorized pergola remote stops working walks through the checks. After you order, [email protected] is the place to ask.
What happens if the power goes out?
The louvers are motor-driven, so they need power to move. If outages are common where you live, email [email protected] before you order and ask how your configuration behaves.
Can a motorized pergola close by itself when it rains?
Some products offer automatic features. A Louvano pergola is closed with the remote. If you want it to close without you, ask [email protected] before you order.
When rain is on the way, close the louvers fully so rain runs from the louvers into the beam channels and down through the posts. For what to expect in a storm, read can a louvered pergola keep you dry in the rain.
Is a remote harder to live with than an app?
For many homeowners, a remote is simple. It is one device that does one job. A few tips make it easier:
- Keep the remote in the same spot, indoors or in a dry place near the patio door.
- Keep spare batteries in the house.
- Show everyone in the household how it works.
If you are not sure which type of control fits how your family lives, think about who will use the pergola most and how they like to adjust things.
Does the type of control affect what else I need to plan?
The control type matters less than the overall project plan. You will still need:
- A solid foundation for the posts (see what foundation a louvered pergola needs)
- A planned power connection
- A place for water from the posts to drain
- Your size, 10×13 or 10×20 (see the size guide)
- Permit and HOA questions answered (see the pergola permit guide)
FAQ
Can I control a Louvano pergola from my phone? Louvano pergolas are operated with a remote control. If phone control matters to you, email [email protected] before you order.
Do I still need an electrician if I use a remote? Yes. Every motorized pergola needs power for the motor. A licensed electrician should plan the connection, confirmed against the product drawings and local codes.
What if I lose the remote? Contact [email protected].
How far away can I be and still use the remote? Remote signals have a limited range, and walls or glass reduce it. Stand near the pergola for the most reliable response.
Who is Louvano? Louvano is a China-based DTC brand selling to US homes through louvano.com. Read buying a louvered pergola from China for how ordering and support work. Short answers to other questions are on our FAQ page.