Plug-in solar panels—requiring no electrician—are now legal in the UK and launching soon. Helios estimates potential electricity generation and savings for any property using government LIDAR data.
The tool maps actual skylines to account for buildings and hills blocking sunlight, providing accurate estimates of what a typical installation could produce at a given address.
Helios cross-references generation data against your electricity tariff to calculate financial returns. The service leverages UK government LIDAR mapping, which captures terrain and obstructions with precision.
Limitations exist in coverage areas outside LIDAR data—primarily Scotland and Wales—where the tool falls back to synthetic horizon modeling, reducing accuracy. Trees and other vegetation are also not fully accounted for in current estimates.
Plug-in solar systems represent a shift toward accessible renewable energy, removing installation barriers by eliminating the need for certified electricians. The technology appeals to renters and homeowners unable to commit to permanent roof installations. With regulatory approval now granted, the market is poised for growth, and tools like Helios help consumers make informed decisions about adoption.
A developer installed a used V100 datacenter GPU in their gaming PC for £200, leveraging secondhand enterprise hardware to run large language models locally.
Apple is preparing updated versions of its Apple TV and HomePod mini speakers for release this fall, pending the rollout of a revamped Siri voice assistant.
User-replaceable batteries are making a comeback in consumer devices after years of sealed designs. The shift follows EU legislation mandating that portable tech products be designed for longevity, repairability, and recyclability.
MSI's next-generation monitor can dynamically shift between three different resolution and refresh rate configurations. Users can toggle between 4K for demanding visuals and up to 680Hz for competitive gaming.