Show HN: Helios – what plug-in solar could generate for any address in Britain
Helios is a new web tool that helps UK residents determine the potential electricity generation and financial benefits of plug-in solar panels at their specific address. Leveraging government LIDAR data, it provides surprisingly accurate estimations by accounting for surrounding structures and terrain. This launch is particularly timely as plug-in solar has recently become legal in the UK without requiring an electrician or planning permission, making clean energy more accessible.
The Lowdown
Helios is a new online tool designed to help UK residents evaluate the feasibility and benefits of installing plug-in solar panels. With the recent legalization of these panels in the UK, which don't require an electrician or planning permission, Helios offers a crucial resource for potential adopters.
- Users can enter their postcode and address to receive an estimate of how much electricity a typical plug-in solar installation could generate annually.
- The tool calculates the financial worth of this generation against the user's current electricity tariff.
- It utilizes advanced UK government LIDAR data to accurately model the surrounding skyline, accounting for shading from buildings, hills, and other obstructions.
- For areas outside LIDAR coverage (primarily parts of Scotland and Wales), the tool reverts to a less accurate synthetic horizon model.
- Important caveats include potential inaccuracies due to unmapped trees, very recent developments (post-2022), and occasional geocoding discrepancies via OpenStreetMap.
- Helios prioritizes user privacy by not storing any address data provided.
By providing detailed, location-specific insights, Helios aims to demystify the potential returns of plug-in solar, empowering more individuals to embrace this new, simplified approach to renewable energy.