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HACS (Home Assistant Community Store) is a vital resource for installing third-party integrations in Home Assistant. It's super-quick and easy to install and I'll show you how to do that from start to finish in this video. Updated for 2025 with the latest 'add-on installation process'. Manual repository for the Get HACS add-on: https://github.com/hacs/addons HACS web site: https://hacs.xyz Buy me a coffee: 💚 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speaktothegeek 💚 https://paypal.me/speaktothegeek Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC25zb7Sojh4KUv5CsFYH-6Q/join Or join as a patron: https://patreon.com/SpeaktotheGeek As an Amazon Associate and member of the eBay Partner Network I earn from qualifying purchases. Most links above are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from any purchases you make if you use them.
How to install HACS in Home Assistant (2025)
Remember my solar forecast comparison video a few weeks ago? (https://youtu.be/SAwSA6C4-Qw) Well @GaryDoesSolar asked me if it was possible to make comparing solar forecasts easier for anyone who wanted to do so. I had a good think and came up with a Blueprint for Home Assistant and in this video I’ll go over everything you need to know and do in order to configure it yourself. There’s an article to go along with this video: https://www.speaktothegeek.co.uk/2025/08/tutorial-compare-your-solar-forecasts/ Blueprint URL: https://github.com/sOckhamSter/homeassistant-blueprints/blob/main/solar_forecast_comparison.yaml Allowlist Configuration for CSV File: homeassistant: allowlist_external_dirs: - /config/solarforecasts/ File Name for CSV File: /config/solarforecasts/solarforecasts.csv Forecast.Solar integration : https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/forecast_solar/ Solcast PV Forecast integration: https://github.com/BJReplay/ha-solcast-solar Open-Meteo Solar Forecast integration: https://github.com/rany2/ha-open-meteo-solar-forecast HACS (the ‘App Store’ for Home Assistant) Https://hacs.xyz Tutorial: Install Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi 5: https://youtu.be/wLgP4mu00MM Gary's Solarazma Suite: https://www.solarazma.com/suite/ SolarEdge Tutorial: https://youtu.be/z6JdEw9aT8s GivEnergy GivTCP Tutorial: https://youtu.be/d06Mqeplvns Buy me a coffee: 💚 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speaktothegeek 💚 https://paypal.me/speaktothegeek Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC25zb7Sojh4KUv5CsFYH-6Q/join Or join as a patron: https://patreon.com/SpeaktotheGeek As an Amazon Associate and member of the eBay Partner Network I earn from qualifying purchases. Most links above are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from any purchases you make if you use them. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:51 Why not make this available on the web? 04:04 Pre-requisites 05:59 Home Assistant Demo 07:15 Create Text Helpers 09:02 Install File editor add-on 09:31 Create folder for CSV output file 11:25 Create CSV file entity 12:13 Import the blueprint 12:44 Create the automation 14:57 Demo the automation (do not try at home!) 17:55 Summary
Tutorial: Compare Your Solar Forecasts! (Easy Home Assistant Blueprint)
I go over my reasons for choosing a Tesla Model 3 over other brands of used EVs, and also explain why I purchased direct from Tesla as a Certified Pre-Owned car rather than use an independent dealer. Thinking of buying a Tesla? Please use my referral link and you could get 650 free supercharging miles or £500 off: 🚙 https://speaktothegeek.co.uk/tesla Sign up to Octopus Energy here using my referral link (we both get £50 credit if you do): 🐙 https://speaktothegeek.co.uk/energy After a new EV charger? Why not get a quote from Octopus! We'll both get a £25 VISA card once your installation is completed: 🐙 http://speaktothegeek.co.uk/evcharger If you're interested in a solar, battery or heat pump installation from Octopus Energy then please use my referral link below and we'll both get a £100 VISA card once your installation is complete: 🐙 https://speaktothegeek.co.uk/heatpump Buy me a coffee: 💚 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speaktothegeek 💚 https://paypal.me/speaktothegeek Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC25zb7Sojh4KUv5CsFYH-6Q/join Or join as a patron: https://patreon.com/SpeaktotheGeek As an Amazon Associate and member of the eBay Partner Network I earn from qualifying purchases. Most links above are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from any purchases you make if you use them.
Why did I buy a used Tesla Model 3?
I take a trip on the train to Southampton to collect a Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD. It’s four years old and being purchased direct from Tesla as a certified pre-owned car. Join me on my day out to find out why I’m getting this car and what kind of condition it’s in when I pick it up. Oh, and I’ll show you why it’s important to have regular inspections of the electrical wiring in your home! Thinking of buying a Tesla? Please use my referral link and you could get 650 free supercharging miles or £500 off: 🚙 https://speaktothegeek.co.uk/tesla Sign up to Octopus Energy here using my referral link (we both get £50 credit if you do): 🐙 https://speaktothegeek.co.uk/energy After a new EV charger? Why not get a quote from Octopus! We'll both get a £25 VISA card once your installation is completed: 🐙 http://speaktothegeek.co.uk/evcharger If you're interested in a solar, battery or heat pump installation from Octopus Energy then please use my referral link below and we'll both get a £100 VISA card once your installation is complete: 🐙 https://speaktothegeek.co.uk/heatpump Buy me a coffee: 💚 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speaktothegeek 💚 https://paypal.me/speaktothegeek Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC25zb7Sojh4KUv5CsFYH-6Q/join Or join as a patron: https://patreon.com/SpeaktotheGeek As an Amazon Associate and member of the eBay Partner Network I earn from qualifying purchases. Most links above are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from any purchases you make if you use them.
Did my new Tesla break my EV Charger? Home Wiring Safety Warning!
Join me as I challenge myself to get a negative monthly energy bill. This is a compilation of my weekly update videos (previously member only) where I document my progress during the challenge. Sign up to Octopus Energy here using my referral link (we both get £50 credit if you do): 🐙 https://speaktothegeek.co.uk/energy If you're interested in a solar, battery or heat pump installation from Octopus Energy then please use my referral link below and we'll both get a £100 digital VISA card once your installation is complete: 🐙 https://speaktothegeek.co.uk/heatpump Buy me a coffee: 💚 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speaktothegeek 💚 https://paypal.me/speaktothegeek Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC25zb7Sojh4KUv5CsFYH-6Q/join Or join as a patron: https://patreon.com/SpeaktotheGeek As an Amazon Associate and member of the eBay Partner Network I earn from qualifying purchases. Most links above are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from any purchases you make if you use them.
Can I get a negative energy bill using solar and batteries? Do Octopus Energy owe me money?
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HACS (Home Assistant Community Store) is a vital resource for installing third-party integrations in Home Assistant. It's super-quick and easy to install and I'll show you how to do that from start to finish in this video. Updated for 2025 with the latest 'add-on installation process'. Manual repository for the Get HACS add-on: https://github.com/hacs/addons HACS web site: https://hacs.xyz Buy me a coffee: 💚 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speaktothegeek 💚 https://paypal.me/speaktothegeek Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC25zb7Sojh4KUv5CsFYH-6Q/join Or join as a patron: https://patreon.com/SpeaktotheGeek As an Amazon Associate and member of the eBay Partner Network I earn from qualifying purchases. Most links above are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from any purchases you make if you use them.
How to install HACS in Home Assistant (2025)
Remember my solar forecast comparison video a few weeks ago? (https://youtu.be/SAwSA6C4-Qw) Well @GaryDoesSolar asked me if it was possible to make comparing solar forecasts easier for anyone who wanted to do so. I had a good think and came up with a Blueprint for Home Assistant and in this video I’ll go over everything you need to know and do in order to configure it yourself. There’s an article to go along with this video: https://www.speaktothegeek.co.uk/2025/08/tutorial-compare-your-solar-forecasts/ Blueprint URL: https://github.com/sOckhamSter/homeassistant-blueprints/blob/main/solar_forecast_comparison.yaml Allowlist Configuration for CSV File: homeassistant: allowlist_external_dirs: - /config/solarforecasts/ File Name for CSV File: /config/solarforecasts/solarforecasts.csv Forecast.Solar integration : https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/forecast_solar/ Solcast PV Forecast integration: https://github.com/BJReplay/ha-solcast-solar Open-Meteo Solar Forecast integration: https://github.com/rany2/ha-open-meteo-solar-forecast HACS (the ‘App Store’ for Home Assistant) Https://hacs.xyz Tutorial: Install Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi 5: https://youtu.be/wLgP4mu00MM Gary's Solarazma Suite: https://www.solarazma.com/suite/ SolarEdge Tutorial: https://youtu.be/z6JdEw9aT8s GivEnergy GivTCP Tutorial: https://youtu.be/d06Mqeplvns Buy me a coffee: 💚 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speaktothegeek 💚 https://paypal.me/speaktothegeek Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC25zb7Sojh4KUv5CsFYH-6Q/join Or join as a patron: https://patreon.com/SpeaktotheGeek As an Amazon Associate and member of the eBay Partner Network I earn from qualifying purchases. Most links above are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from any purchases you make if you use them. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:51 Why not make this available on the web? 04:04 Pre-requisites 05:59 Home Assistant Demo 07:15 Create Text Helpers 09:02 Install File editor add-on 09:31 Create folder for CSV output file 11:25 Create CSV file entity 12:13 Import the blueprint 12:44 Create the automation 14:57 Demo the automation (do not try at home!) 17:55 Summary
Tutorial: Compare Your Solar Forecasts! (Easy Home Assistant Blueprint)
I go over my reasons for choosing a Tesla Model 3 over other brands of used EVs, and also explain why I purchased direct from Tesla as a Certified Pre-Owned car rather than use an independent dealer. Thinking of buying a Tesla? Please use my referral link and you could get 650 free supercharging miles or £500 off: 🚙 https://speaktothegeek.co.uk/tesla Sign up to Octopus Energy here using my referral link (we both get £50 credit if you do): 🐙 https://speaktothegeek.co.uk/energy After a new EV charger? Why not get a quote from Octopus! We'll both get a £25 VISA card once your installation is completed: 🐙 http://speaktothegeek.co.uk/evcharger If you're interested in a solar, battery or heat pump installation from Octopus Energy then please use my referral link below and we'll both get a £100 VISA card once your installation is complete: 🐙 https://speaktothegeek.co.uk/heatpump Buy me a coffee: 💚 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speaktothegeek 💚 https://paypal.me/speaktothegeek Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC25zb7Sojh4KUv5CsFYH-6Q/join Or join as a patron: https://patreon.com/SpeaktotheGeek As an Amazon Associate and member of the eBay Partner Network I earn from qualifying purchases. Most links above are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from any purchases you make if you use them.
Why did I buy a used Tesla Model 3?
I take a trip on the train to Southampton to collect a Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD. It’s four years old and being purchased direct from Tesla as a certified pre-owned car. Join me on my day out to find out why I’m getting this car and what kind of condition it’s in when I pick it up. Oh, and I’ll show you why it’s important to have regular inspections of the electrical wiring in your home! Thinking of buying a Tesla? Please use my referral link and you could get 650 free supercharging miles or £500 off: 🚙 https://speaktothegeek.co.uk/tesla Sign up to Octopus Energy here using my referral link (we both get £50 credit if you do): 🐙 https://speaktothegeek.co.uk/energy After a new EV charger? Why not get a quote from Octopus! We'll both get a £25 VISA card once your installation is completed: 🐙 http://speaktothegeek.co.uk/evcharger If you're interested in a solar, battery or heat pump installation from Octopus Energy then please use my referral link below and we'll both get a £100 VISA card once your installation is complete: 🐙 https://speaktothegeek.co.uk/heatpump Buy me a coffee: 💚 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speaktothegeek 💚 https://paypal.me/speaktothegeek Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC25zb7Sojh4KUv5CsFYH-6Q/join Or join as a patron: https://patreon.com/SpeaktotheGeek As an Amazon Associate and member of the eBay Partner Network I earn from qualifying purchases. Most links above are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from any purchases you make if you use them.
Did my new Tesla break my EV Charger? Home Wiring Safety Warning!
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HACS (Home Assistant Community Store) is a vital resource for installing third-party integrations in Home Assistant. It's super-quick and easy to install and I'll show you how to do that from start to finish in this video. Updated for 2025 with the latest 'add-on installation process'. Manual repository for the Get HACS add-on: https://github.com/hacs/addons HACS web site: https://hacs.xyz Buy me a coffee: 💚 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speaktothegeek 💚 https://paypal.me/speaktothegeek Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC25zb7Sojh4KUv5CsFYH-6Q/join Or join as a patron: https://patreon.com/SpeaktotheGeek As an Amazon Associate and member of the eBay Partner Network I earn from qualifying purchases. Most links above are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from any purchases you make if you use them.
How to install HACS in Home Assistant (2025)
Remember my solar forecast comparison video a few weeks ago? (https://youtu.be/SAwSA6C4-Qw) Well @GaryDoesSolar asked me if it was possible to make comparing solar forecasts easier for anyone who wanted to do so. I had a good think and came up with a Blueprint for Home Assistant and in this video I’ll go over everything you need to know and do in order to configure it yourself. There’s an article to go along with this video: https://www.speaktothegeek.co.uk/2025/08/tutorial-compare-your-solar-forecasts/ Blueprint URL: https://github.com/sOckhamSter/homeassistant-blueprints/blob/main/solar_forecast_comparison.yaml Allowlist Configuration for CSV File: homeassistant: allowlist_external_dirs: - /config/solarforecasts/ File Name for CSV File: /config/solarforecasts/solarforecasts.csv Forecast.Solar integration : https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/forecast_solar/ Solcast PV Forecast integration: https://github.com/BJReplay/ha-solcast-solar Open-Meteo Solar Forecast integration: https://github.com/rany2/ha-open-meteo-solar-forecast HACS (the ‘App Store’ for Home Assistant) Https://hacs.xyz Tutorial: Install Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi 5: https://youtu.be/wLgP4mu00MM Gary's Solarazma Suite: https://www.solarazma.com/suite/ SolarEdge Tutorial: https://youtu.be/z6JdEw9aT8s GivEnergy GivTCP Tutorial: https://youtu.be/d06Mqeplvns Buy me a coffee: 💚 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/speaktothegeek 💚 https://paypal.me/speaktothegeek Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC25zb7Sojh4KUv5CsFYH-6Q/join Or join as a patron: https://patreon.com/SpeaktotheGeek As an Amazon Associate and member of the eBay Partner Network I earn from qualifying purchases. Most links above are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission from any purchases you make if you use them. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:51 Why not make this available on the web? 04:04 Pre-requisites 05:59 Home Assistant Demo 07:15 Create Text Helpers 09:02 Install File editor add-on 09:31 Create folder for CSV output file 11:25 Create CSV file entity 12:13 Import the blueprint 12:44 Create the automation 14:57 Demo the automation (do not try at home!) 17:55 Summary
Tutorial: Compare Your Solar Forecasts! (Easy Home Assistant Blueprint)
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Hedgehog Cam

Keep an eye on what’s happening in my Smart Hedgehog House. The image on this page will update once/hour. Any interesting images will be saved in an album below… if there’s no album below yet then nothing interesting has happened!

To find out more about this project and how it was put together, see the video here:

YouTube Video

The following items were used to build this project:

Reolink Argus 3E + Solar Panel
RSPB Hedgehog House

  • As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.