Infrared Solar Panel Inspections
Your decision to install solar panels was a smart move for energy independence and environmental sustainability. To keep this investment worthwhile, regular inspections are crucial. We provide infrared solar panel inspections to clients in Dallas/Fort Worth and beyond.
Solar panels are exposed to the elements, so they degrade over time as a result of UV exposure, inclement weather, and other general system faults. Industry experts recommend inspecting solar panels regularly, and one of the best ways to do so is with infrared imaging.
Infrared solar panel inspections can benefit:
- Homeowners looking to maximize the operational efficiency of their solar panel investment.
- Solar panel installation and maintenance companies looking for efficient and accurate preliminary data on areas of concern.
- Solar farm owners/operators looking to identify and address problem areas to maximize system efficiency.
Our certifications, experience, and operating standards include:
- FAA Part 107 — allows us to operate drones in a commercial capacity.
- Level 1 UAS Thermography — formal training to capture accurate aerial thermal images and provide preliminary data analysis.
- IEC 62446-1 — the industry standard for photovoltaic systems inspection.
Our experience and operating standards ensure our clients receive reliable, accurate, and actionable data.
How Thermal Solar Panel Inspections Work
Thermal imaging is the preferred method of solar inspection because it can identify subtle differences in temperature across the system, revealing micro-cracks, defective cells, or soiling that reduce your panels’ efficiency. Without infrared imaging capability, many of these issues can go undetected.
To conduct a thermal solar panel inspection, we wait for the proper environmental conditions to be present, and we use a drone with an infrared sensor to capture thermal images of the solar panels. We also capture RGB (standard visual) images of the solar panels for comparison later on.
When we process the data collected on site, we can identify cells or entire panels that are giving off excess heat energy — a sign that the cells or panels are damaged or otherwise defective.
The Benefits of Thermal Photovoltaic Panel Inspections
Maximize Energy Production
By identifying and rectifying faults early, we ensure that your solar panels produce the maximum amount of energy possible. Even small operational imperfections drastically reduce the efficiency of the unit. Some of the defects that aerial infrared imaging can reveal include:
- Hot spots/cell defects
- Cracking
- Delamination
- Reverse polarity
- Soiling
- String faults/outages
- Vegetation encroachment
- Tracker faults
Cost Savings
One reason why people look to solar energy is for the cost savings. Infrared solar panel inspections identify issues early will allow you to fix them, ensuring your solar unit performs properly and saves you money on energy.
Prolong System Life
Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can significantly extend the life of your solar panel system. Catch small operational issues within your system to prolong its life.
The End Product
With our services, you will receive a report highlighting any thermal anomalies that indicate operational deficiencies in your unit. If requested or if a particular job warrants it (such as larger projects) we can produce a map of the solar panels. This facilitates broader situational awareness regarding areas of concern.
We strictly adhere to the standards set forth in IEC 62446-1, so you can rest assured that our data is as accurate as possible.