In an Amazon review dated November 17, 2023, William J Brown described installing Graywind motorized solar roller shades in a Colorado home with large, south-facing windows. The customer selected 5% openness black fabric with a hardwired smart motor to reduce intense sunlight without losing the outdoor view. The review covers fabric selection, price, delivery, installation, remote programming, the Graywind app, and Alexa integration. Based on this order, the customer preferred Graywind to previous window treatment purchases.
The details below reflect one customer's 2023 order. Prices, promotions, delivery times, motor options, apps, and smart-home compatibility may have changed and should be confirmed before purchase.
Original Review and Purchase Details
This article is based on William J Brown's original Amazon review. The review has been edited for grammar and readability without changing the reported experience.
- Rating: 5 stars
- Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2023
- Product: Graywind Motorized Solar Shades
- Fabric: 5% Black
- Motor selected: Hardwired Smart Motor
- Installation: Three shades installed by the customer
Context
"We moved into a new home that needed many window treatments. Colorado receives strong sunlight throughout the year. I had previously ordered roller shades for four bedrooms from another company, including hardwired and solar-powered configurations. I saw the Graywind shades on Amazon and decided to try them."
The customer reported spending approximately $17,000 on the earlier bedroom order. This figure applies only to that project.
Roller Shades Using Case
The south-facing living room received substantial direct sunlight, but the customer wanted to preserve the view. The selected 5% openness black solar fabric reduced incoming light while retaining daytime outward visibility.
The customer also wanted the shades to remain unobtrusive when fully raised. Review photographs showed them raised, partly lowered, and fully lowered.
Solar shade privacy changes with lighting conditions. View-through is usually greater from the darker side toward the brighter side, so this fabric should not be treated as a complete nighttime privacy solution.
Buying Experience
The customer found entering measurements and configurations through Amazon more straightforward than their previous online ordering experience.
Current customers should use Graywind's Measuring Guide and verify the motor, fabric, mount, and power access before ordering.
Selecting 5% Openness Black Fabric
The reviewer preferred a smaller selection of relevant colors to a much larger catalog. They chose 5% openness black because it suited the home's modern interior and large windows.
The dark fabric preserved the view better than expected while reducing glare and strong sunlight. Actual visibility depends on openness, indoor and outdoor brightness, window direction, and installation.
Current Graywind Motorized Solar Roller Shades include several openness levels and colors. Compare samples in the intended room because screen appearance changes with lighting.
Price and Value
The customer compared Graywind with quotes received from another company in 2023. During a competitor promotion, the two quotes were reportedly within approximately 10% of each other. Without that promotion, the reviewer estimated that the competing quote would have been 30% to 40% higher.
These figures reflect one customer's quotes, sizes, fabrics, motors, and timing, not a general price guarantee. Current shoppers should compare equivalent configurations and services.
Smart Home Features
The reviewer valued the smart controls included in the selected configuration and considered the setup less expensive than adding comparable components to the previous system.
Smart-home functions depend on the selected motor and accessories. Review Graywind's Smart Control Guide before choosing an app, voice assistant, hub, or direct connection.
Production and Delivery Timeline
The customer reported the following timeline:
- Order placed: November 4, 2023
- Details confirmed by Graywind: November 6
- Order manufactured and shipped: November 11
- FedEx delivery: November 16
The process took 12 calendar days, approximately one week less than the customer's earlier order. This was an individual experience, not a guaranteed delivery time.
Physical Installation
The reviewer installed three units alone in approximately two hours. They used the supplied hardware but chose different screws and fasteners for the window framing. Installation time may differ for other users.
Fasteners must suit the mounting surface, and measurements should account for handles, trim, and molding.
Remote Programming
The shades initially traveled too low because the customer had not included the bottom window molding in the setup. Adjusting the lower limit required following the remote's button sequence precisely, which the reviewer found frustrating. They clarified that the problem came from their original measurement or programming decision rather than a manufacturing error.
Graywind App and Alexa Integration
The customer found the Graywind app setup straightforward and reported that Alexa integration was easy after the app was working. This experience applied to the 2023 hardwired motor configuration. Buyers should confirm current compatibility and setup requirements for the specific motor selected.
William concluded that the order provided the light control, modern appearance, smart features, price, and delivery experience needed for the living room. The comparison reflects one customer's purchases, not a universal ranking. Review current options in Graywind's roller shades before ordering.
