HelioHeggie   

Information Center

How to Use HelioHeggie

Welcome to HelioHeggie! Here’s a guide to getting the most out of the app:

  1. Configure System Settings (Gear Icon ⚙):
    • Location: Use the postcode lookup (UK) or manually enter your address/coordinates. Accurate latitude and longitude are crucial, especially for the "Open-Meteo" forecast source.
    • Panel Direction: Select the direction your solar panels primarily face. This impacts generation estimates.
    • Solar System Power: Input your panel count and wattage to estimate total power, then click "Apply to Total System Power", or directly enter your system's "Total System Power (kWp)". This kWp value is vital for forecasts.
    • Battery: If you have one, enter its "Capacity (kWh)", "Max Charge Rate (kW)", and your "Preferred Overnight Battery Target (%)".
    • Consumption: Optionally, provide your typical daily/hourly energy usage and fine-tune the hourly profile using sliders. This helps the Advisory page.
    • Tariffs: Define your electricity tariff periods (name, times, rate, cheap status). This is essential for smart charging advice.
    • Save settings after making changes.
  2. Select Weather Source (Header ⛅ Source):
    • Open-Meteo (Default): Provides API-driven forecasts for today, tomorrow, and a 7-day week ahead view. Requires accurate location in Settings.
    • Manual Input: Allows you to enter your own sunrise/sunset times and weather conditions for today and tomorrow. Useful if API is unavailable or for custom scenarios.
  3. View Dashboard (Home Icon 🏠):
    • Shows estimated solar generation for today and tomorrow based on your settings and selected weather source.
    • Charts visualize expected hourly generation. Hover for details.
    • The "Week Ahead" view (for Open-Meteo source on larger screens) gives a 7-day outlook.
    • Use the "Refresh Forecast" (for API) or "Edit Manual Forecast" button as needed.
  4. Get Smart Charging Advice (Lightning Bolt Icon ⚡):
    • Input your current battery level and expected energy usage (daily/hourly).
    • Set EV charging needs if applicable (kWh, charge-by time, max rate).
    • The app provides "Today's Recommendation" and "Overnight Charging (for Tomorrow)" advice.
    • This advice considers your forecast, tariffs, battery state, consumption, and EV needs to suggest optimal grid charging times or reliance on solar/battery.
  5. Explore Info (This Page - Info Icon ℹ):
    • Browse the tabs for more on solar panels, common myths, and general solar energy advice.
  6. Switch Themes (Header Sun/Moon/Contrast Icon): Toggle between Light, Dark, and High Contrast display modes for your preference.

Key to Success: Accurate and up-to-date information in Settings (location, system power, tariffs) and on the Advisory page (current battery, consumption) will yield the most useful forecasts and recommendations. Remember to select your desired weather source in the header.