Abstract: A solar powered window shade is provided which consists of a venetian blind mounted within an interior of a frame of a window in a wall of a building. An apparatus is carried by the venetian blind, for converting solar radiation of sunlight into electrical energy. A mechanism is carried by the venetian blind for utilizing the electrical energy to open and close the venetian blind. At sunrise and all through the day, the venetian blind will remain opened to allow sunlight to enter through the window, to help heat up the building. At sunset and all through the night, the venetian blind will remain closed to produce a thermal barrier, to help retain the heat within the building.