Just to let you all know. Sunsetter customer service is pretty darn good, I'll tell you that. After installing the awning, DH noticed a small hole slightly larger than a pinhole in the fabric. It wasn't a huge deal, but concerned that it may run or become a weak spot as time went on and the sun continues to beat down on it, we called Sunsetter to see if there was an easy fix for this. They offered us #1 a clear patch to go on the outside of the awning, making it less noticeable from underneath or #2 an entirely new awning fabric. We didn't want a patch for a couple reasons...First, the people behind us are elevated slightly and have perfect view of the top of our awning. Also, over time, we were concerned the patch would loose adhesive, curl up on the sides and just look bad. Plus, we just got this awning and can't see spending the money we did to just patch it, not matter how small the hole, and then it wouldn't even match the color. The hole is obviously a defect in this particular roll of material since there was not damage to the package and the thing was packed up unbelievably well. Maybe if there was some type of tube of acrylic that hardened to the same color and you couldn't notice it, we would've chosen something like that, but not a clear plastic patch. Another surprising fact about this whole thing...Sunsetter asked me if I wanted the same color fabric! They were ready to allow me to order whatever color fabric I wanted from their selection. We stuck with the taupe because that is our favorite color fabric anyway and aren't fans of the striped awning fabrics. But I thought that was pretty impressive on the part of Sunsetter customer service. They really seem to want to make the customer happy.

Motorized shades can either be direct wired to electricity or battery operated, depending on which you choose. As far as I know, they cannot be opened or closed manually. The battery-operated ones will still work if the power goes out, but the direct wired ones will not. When I had motorized shades in a previous home, I loved them. No regrets.

The problem is not that they would block the heat, the problem is they would be a fire hazard. Curtains or any fabric need to be at least 10" away from electric heaters. Short curtains aren't very nice looking. You're better off with some shades or blinds, both safety wise and looks.

@chispa thanks for your input on the battery issue! to be honest, I'm not a huge fan of the bottom-up/top-down shade look. @User yes, I can reach it. I just have to stand on the bathtub to do so, but it wouldn't be a huge deal if I only have to do it every several months. @T eresa definitely worth considering the film route. I'd prefer to just do it on the bottom portions of the windows, but I don't really like the look of a half-filmed window... I definitely need to think about this