Implementation flaw discovered: gradient_stop calculated as
`(avg - min) / (max - min)` for combined data produces one value
applied to ALL series. Each series (VERY_CHEAP, NORMAL, VERY_EXPENSIVE)
has different min/max ranges, so the same gradient stop position
represents a different absolute price in each series.
Example failure case:
- VERY_CHEAP: 10-20 ct → 50% at 15 ct (below overall avg!)
- VERY_EXPENSIVE: 40-50 ct → 50% at 45 ct (above overall avg!)
Conclusion: Gradient shows middle of each series range, not average
price position.
Solution: Fixed 50% gradient purely for visual appeal. Semantic
information provided by:
- Series colors (CHEAP/NORMAL/EXPENSIVE)
- Grid lines (implicitly show average)
- Dynamic Y-axis bounds (optimal scaling via chart_metadata sensor)
Changes:
- sensor/chart_metadata.py: Remove gradient_stop extraction
- services/get_apexcharts_yaml.py: Fixed gradient at [50, 100]
- custom_translations/*.json: Remove gradient_stop references
Impact: Honest visualization with no false semantic signals. Feature
was never released, clean removal without migration.
Implemented new chart_metadata diagnostic sensor that provides essential
chart configuration values (yaxis_min, yaxis_max, gradient_stop) as
attributes, enabling dynamic chart configuration without requiring
async service calls in templates.
Sensor implementation:
- New chart_metadata.py module with metadata-only service calls
- Automatically calls get_chartdata with metadata="only" parameter
- Refreshes on coordinator updates (new price data or user data)
- State values: "pending", "ready", "error"
- Enabled by default (critical for chart features)
ApexCharts YAML generator integration:
- Checks for chart_metadata sensor availability before generation
- Uses template variables to read sensor attributes dynamically
- Fallback to fixed values (gradient_stop=50%) if sensor unavailable
- Creates separate notifications for two independent issues:
1. Chart metadata sensor disabled (reduced functionality warning)
2. Required custom cards missing (YAML won't work warning)
- Both notifications explain YAML generation context and provide
complete fix instructions with regeneration requirement
Configuration:
- Supports configuration.yaml: tibber_prices.chart_metadata_config
- Optional parameters: day, minor_currency, resolution
- Defaults to minor_currency=True for ApexCharts compatibility
Translation additions:
- Entity name and state translations (all 5 languages)
- Notification messages for sensor unavailable and missing cards
- best_price_period_name for tooltip formatter
Binary sensor improvements:
- tomorrow_data_available now enabled by default (critical for automations)
- data_lifecycle_status now enabled by default (critical for debugging)
Impact: Users get dynamic chart configuration with optimized Y-axis scaling
and gradient positioning without manual calculations. ApexCharts YAML
generation now provides clear, actionable notifications when issues occur,
ensuring users understand why functionality is limited and how to fix it.
