Solar panels are built to last, but that doesn’t mean they keep performing at their best. Especially older installations (10+ years) are more likely to suffer from hidden defects, reduced output, or even safety issues. A thermal drone inspection offers a fast and safe way to detect these problems.
Older panels: weak or missing bypass diodes
Modern solar panels come with bypass diodes that help redirect current around faulty cells or zones. But older panels — often pre-2010 — don’t always have them, or they no longer function properly.
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Some panels have no bypass diodes at all.
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Others have cheap or damaged diodes after years of use.
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Some were poorly designed, so the diode doesn’t activate as it should.
🔥 Hotspots and power loss
We often see:
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Overheating cells causing hotspots
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Delamination or microcracks
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Inconsistent temperature patterns
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Bypass diodes that have failed, affecting the full string output
One underperforming panel can reduce the entire string’s output by 20–30%, especially in older systems.
🕵️ How thermal imaging makes the difference
With a drone and thermal camera, we can:
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Inspect rooftops without stepping on them
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Identify issues in minutes, even across large arrays
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Provide clear visuals and actionable reports
Especially in Belgium, many systems with fixed tariff contracts or certificates still rely on older panels. Detecting problems early means protecting your investment.
✅ Conclusion
If your solar system is over 10–15 years old, a drone thermal inspection might reveal issues you’ve never noticed — until now.
Curious about your system’s health?
We’re happy to provide a fast, safe and accurate check via drone.
👉 Contact us