Show HN: Helios – what plug-in solar could generate for any address in Britain
4 hours ago
- #energy savings
- #solar energy
- #home renewable energy
- Plug-in solar panels allow UK homes to generate electricity from balconies without high installation costs or planning permission.
- The service estimates energy generation by analyzing postcode data, building shading from LIDAR, and using PVGIS for yield calculations, without storing personal address information.
- Estimated savings depend on self-consumption of electricity (default 60%), as exported energy earns nothing due to lack of Smart Export Guarantee eligibility.
- Plug-in solar kits are not yet legally available for sale in the UK, with the service tracking market changes and offering email updates.
- Calculations consider panel orientation, tilt, building height, and time-of-use tariffs, with refresh recommendations every quarter.