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.
Oura has released its fifth-generation smart ring, making it 40% smaller while adding capabilities to detect high blood pressure and sleep apnea. The new model approaches the size of a traditional wedding band.
Nokia's second-quarter earnings exceeded analyst expectations, driven by strong demand for networking equipment from data center operators. The Finnish manufacturer is capitalizing on infrastructure growth to offset traditional mobile network equipment competition.
STMicroelectronics stock fell the most in a year after the chipmaker issued third-quarter sales guidance that missed analyst expectations, signaling a slower AI-driven recovery than anticipated.