How Much Does a Helios Shademaker Retractable Awning Cost? 2026 Price Guide by Size (12–29 ft, 10'-6" vs. 12' Projection)
How Much Does a Helios™ Retractable Awning Cost?
A Shademaker Helios™ retractable awning with adjustable front bar costs $4,655 to $9,757 in 2026, depending on width (12 to 29 feet) and projection (10'-6" or 12'-0"). The smallest size, 12 ft wide with a 10'-6" projection, is $4,655. The largest, 29 ft wide with a 12' projection, is $9,757. Motorized operation, Sunbrella® fabric and free shipping to the lower 48 states are included in those prices. This guide breaks down the Helios™ price at every size so Tampa and Florida homeowners can budget before they order from 1800Awnings.com.
The Helios™ is a motorized retractable patio awning whose front bar pitch can be adjusted after the awning extends, which helps block low afternoon sun and sends light rain off the sides.
Helios™ Key Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Widths | 12 ft to 29 ft |
| Projections | 10'-6" (all widths) or 12'-0" (from 14 ft wide) |
| Price range | $4,655 to $9,757 |
| Front bar | Adjustable pitch |
| Fabric | 150+ Sunbrella® solution-dyed acrylic fabrics |
| Operation | Motorized (Somfy Altus RTS or 4-wire motor, with or without manual override) |
| Frame | White architectural finish standard; other colors available with mounting options |
| Shipping | Free to the lower 48 states, typically 2–3 weeks, built to order in Tampa, FL |
Helios™ Price by Size: 10'-6" Projection
| Width | Price (10'-6" projection) |
|---|---|
| 12 ft | $4,655 |
| 14 ft | $4,785 |
| 16 ft | $5,050 |
| 18 ft | $5,334 |
| 20 ft | $5,671 |
| 22 ft | $6,627 |
| 24 ft | $7,248 |
| 26 ft | $7,824 |
| 28 ft | $9,026 |
| 29 ft | $9,156 |
Helios™ Price by Size: 12'-0" Projection
| Width | Price (12'-0" projection) |
|---|---|
| 14 ft | $5,453 |
| 16 ft | $5,867 |
| 18 ft | $6,143 |
| 20 ft | $6,573 |
| 22 ft | $7,654 |
| 24 ft | $8,245 |
| 26 ft | $8,773 |
| 28 ft | $9,482 |
| 29 ft | $9,757 |
Every width from 12 to 29 feet is available; the tables show selected sizes. Open the Helios™ product page to choose any exact width.
What Drives the Price of a Helios™ Awning?
Width Is the Biggest Factor
Width sets most of the price. At a 10'-6" projection, going from 12 ft ($4,655) to 20 ft ($5,671) adds about $1,016 across eight feet. Wider awnings cost less per foot: the 12 ft model works out to roughly $388 per foot of width, while the 20 ft model is about $284 per foot.
Watch the Price Steps at 21 and 27 Feet
Prices climb more steeply at two points. A 20 ft awning is $5,671, but a 21 ft awning is $6,515 (a $844 jump). Likewise, 26 ft is $7,824 and 27 ft is $8,883 (a $1,059 jump). If your patio measures near one of these widths, check whether a slightly narrower awning still covers your seating area.
12'-0" Projection Adds Roughly $600 to $900
Choosing the 12-foot projection over 10'-6" costs $668 more at 14 ft wide ($5,453 vs. $4,785), $902 more at 20 ft ($6,573 vs. $5,671) and $601 more at 29 ft ($9,757 vs. $9,156). The deeper projection covers more of a Florida pool deck or dining area.
Helios™ Add-On Costs
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| LED lighting kit, warm or cool white (includes outdoor receiver and Somfy Situo 5 Soliris remote) | $682 |
| Somfy Eolis 3D wirefree wind sensor | $308 |
| Somfy Ondeis wirefree rain & sun sensor | $407 |
| Somfy Sunis outdoor wirefree sun sensor | $263 |
| Hood & hood end covers | From $536 (12 ft), $587 (13 ft), $618 (14 ft), $647 (15 ft), $678 (16 ft); priced by width |
| Roof mount kit, up to 16 ft (mill finish) | From $615.60 (white, camel, bronze and onyx finishes $739.80) |
The motor choice (Altus RTS, 4-wire, or 4-wire with manual override) carries no added charge. For Florida, a wind sensor is a smart add-on; read our hurricane season awning prep guide for storm-season care.
Sample Helios™ Budgets
| Scenario | Configuration | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Small patio | 12 ft × 10'-6" awning | $4,655 |
| Typical lanai or deck | 16 ft × 12' awning + LED kit ($682) + wind sensor ($308) | $6,857 |
| Large restaurant patio | 24 ft × 12' awning + LED kit ($682) + wind sensor ($308) | $9,235 |
Totals are the awning price plus the listed add-ons, before any hood or mounting options.
Who Is the Helios™ Best For?
- Tampa and Florida homeowners with west-facing patios who fight low late-afternoon sun and glare.
- Pool deck and lanai owners who want a deeper 12-foot projection at a mid-range price.
- Restaurants, bars and hospitality venues that need up to 29 ft of continuous shade.
- Buyers who want sensor-controlled, motorized shade with optional LED lighting.
- Homes with no usable wall, since a roof mount kit is available.
How to Order a Helios™ Awning
- Measure the width and projection you need (see our retractable awning measuring guide).
- Open the Helios™ product page and select your width and projection.
- Choose your Sunbrella® fabric, motor, mounting location and any LED, sensor or hood options.
- Check out online or call 1-800-AWNINGS (296-4647) for sizing help.
- Your awning is built to order in Tampa and ships free, typically in 2–3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Helios™ retractable awning cost?
A Helios™ retractable awning costs $4,655 to $9,757. The 12 ft × 10'-6" size is $4,655, and the 29 ft × 12' size is $9,757. Free shipping to the lower 48 states is included.
What is the cheapest Helios™ awning size?
The least expensive Helios™ is 12 ft wide with a 10'-6" projection at $4,655. The 13 ft model is $4,718 and the 14 ft model is $4,785.
How much more does the 12-foot projection cost?
The 12'-0" projection costs about $600 to $900 more than the 10'-6" projection at the same width. For example, a 20 ft awning is $5,671 at 10'-6" and $6,573 at 12'-0". The 12-foot projection starts at 14 ft wide.
Can I add LED lights to a Helios™ awning?
Yes. The Helios™ LED lighting kit is $682 in warm or cool white and includes an outdoor receiver and a Somfy Situo 5 Soliris remote.
Does the Helios™ price include the motor?
Yes. The Helios™ is a motorized awning, and the motor options (Altus RTS, 4-wire, or 4-wire with override) are listed at no added charge. A 4-wire motor should be wired by a licensed electrician.
How does the adjustable front bar work?
The front bar pitch can be changed after the awning extends. Lowering the leading edge blocks low morning or late-afternoon sun and glare, and tilting it sends light rain off the sides.
Can the Helios™ retract automatically in wind?
Yes, with the optional Somfy Eolis 3D wirefree wind sensor at $308. Ondeis rain and sun ($407) and Sunis sun ($263) sensors are also available.
How long does it take to get a Helios™ awning?
Each Helios™ is built to order in Tampa, Florida, and typically ships in 2–3 weeks. Shipping is free to the lower 48 states.
Bottom Line
The Helios™ is one of the most affordable ways to get a motorized retractable awning with an adjustable front bar, starting at $4,655 and topping out at $9,757 for a 29 ft × 12' system. Width drives the price, the 12-foot projection adds roughly $600 to $900, and common add-ons like LED lighting ($682) and a wind sensor ($308) keep a typical lanai build under $7,000.
If low western sun and glare are your main problem, the Helios™ gives you the most control per dollar. If you want the fabric fully enclosed when retracted, compare it with the Apollo cassette models in our Helios vs. Apollo comparison.
Ready to price your patio? Configure your Helios™ awning at 1800Awnings.com or call 1-800-AWNINGS (296-4647).
Written by Corey Courtright | 1800Awnings.com | Tampa, FL
Written by Corey Courtright
Second-Generation Awning Manufacturer & Industry Expert
Corey Courtright is a second-generation awning manufacturer and a recognized innovator in aluminum TIG-welded structures within the awning industry. With over 38 years of hands-on experience, he has worked across every facet of the business—from fabrication and sewing to welding, installation, sales, and service—giving him a rare, comprehensive understanding of the craft. Starting his career as a pipe threader, Corey went on to build and lead multiple successful awning companies. Now based in Florida since 2016, he brings deep technical expertise, proven leadership, and a legacy of innovation to every project and insight he shares.