Infrared Drone Solar Inspections
The conventional way of evaluating solar fields involves using handheld thermal imaging devices to examine individual panels in order to identify any damaged cells or cables. This method requires workers to manually document the locations of any issues so that they can be addressed later. Given the size of most solar farms, this approach to inspection is both ineffective and imprecise.
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However, the adoption of drone technology has significantly enhanced the efficiency and precision of the inspection process. Drones equipped with thermal cameras can survey extensive areas of a solar farm and capture high-quality infrared images in a single flight.
1
Visual & Thermal Images
By using aerial photography, maintenance teams can get a more comprehensive view of solar farms and obtain useful information in real-time. Analyzing thermal images makes it easier to spot potential irregularities across cells, strings, or panels. Combining both thermal and visual data assists in identifying whether heat anomalies are due to physical faults on the panel, such as cracks, dust, or delamination, or internal issues, such as failure to connect to a panel because of inverter or cable problems.
2
Output Efficiency
Detecting faulty components in a solar farm at an early stage is crucial in avoiding significant declines in output. The sooner maintenance teams can identify potential defects with greater accuracy, the more swiftly they can respond and avoid major system failures. Effective inspections and maintenance practices help safeguard the interests of investors and guarantee that the photovoltaic system is functioning at its maximum potential efficiency.
3
Detailed Reports
By utilizing both thermal and visual images, data is fed into our cutting-edge software to identify any anomalies. These problems are then marked, assigned a geographic reference, and evaluated for prompt remediation. Each defect, from cell to string level, is illustrated with thermal and visual images to serve as a reference. Our reports also contain an interactive map of your solar plant that can be easily shared with other team members.
4
Inspection Time
The primary driver for the adoption of drones in solar panel inspections is cost savings in maintenance. Traditionally, a ground team conducts inspections of vast solar farms by manually examining each panel. This approach can take days or even weeks, depending on the size of the farm, resulting in a significant number of labour hours that can considerably increase costs. In comparison, using drones has been shown to reduce inspection time by as much as 70%.
5
Historical Data
Maintaining records of past inspections is valuable for identifying the root causes of panel faults. While some problems with solar cells may not require the replacement of an entire panel, it is critical to document them to prevent significant malfunctions. Conducting an aerial inspection after installing new panels is also advantageous as the data can serve as a reference point for future inspections.
Our Inspections Detect
Steps to Achieving Maximum Energy Production
Step 1
Contact
We’ll answer any questions you may have about what to expect, from the equipment we use, types of data we collect, and deliverables we provide.
Step 2
Aerial Thermography Inspection
Our expert pilots will perform the aerial inspection utilizing our state-of-the-art drone technology to provide a detailed report.
Step 3
Detailed Report
Recieve an In-depth Report. Discover the located fault types, number of modules affected, estimated affected DC, estimated annual loss in revenue, and more.