A solar-powered automated system for the operation of drapery, roller blinds, and similar window coverings. The solar panel (102), or photovoltaic source provides the sole power to drive common types of window drapery and blinds in a compact system having a solar panel (photovoltaic source), actuator (104) and head rail (120). The solar panel (102) is to be mounted onto the frame of a window or elsewhere to collect sufficient light. A connecting cable links the solar panel (102) to the actuator (104) to draw electrical power from the solar panel. The actuator is attached to the head-rail (120) to provide the required driving force. The actuator (104) includes the control circuit boards, a single rechargeable battery (110), an electric motor (106) and output mechanism. An RF remote control receiver (116) is built inside the actuator (104). A low voltage control port (114) allows the actuator (104) to be accessible by a control interface. The control circuit comprises a standby circuit (111) and a boosting circuit (108). The standby circuit (111) operates at the battery voltage level and consumes minimum power to save energy when the system is not in use. The boosting circuit (108) is only activated when the actuator (104) drives the window covering, and works only during the time span of such activity. The head rail (120) houses the necessary members for transmitting the driving force to the drapery for open/close operation. It can also be a rotary type for a roller blind.