Tag: solar panel inspection

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The DJI Zenmuse XT2: Thermal and Visual Power for Drone Inspections

At Droneview.be, we combine advanced technology with real-world experience. For thermal drone inspections, we use the DJI Zenmuse XT2—a unique camera that captures thermal and visual images simultaneously. Ideal for situations where temperature differences provide critical information, such as with solar panels, roofs, or industrial installations.

What makes the Zenmuse XT2 so special?

The XT2 is more than a regular thermal camera. This dual-sensor camera combines a FLIR thermal sensor with a 4K RGB camera, allowing immediate correlation of heat data with sharp visuals. For our professional drone service, this means significant time savings and unmatched accuracy.

Key benefits of the DJI XT2

  • Quick problem detection: Heat loss, defective solar panels, electrical overloads, or moisture issues become visible in a single flight.

  • Safe and efficient inspections: No need for physical access to buildings, roofs, or equipment—everything is done remotely.

  • Time-saving: We combine thermal and visual data in one flight, making analysis faster and more effective.

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Why new solar panel installations should also be tested

At Droneview.be, we regularly inspect older solar panel installations to detect defects and efficiency losses. However, we recently encountered an unexpected issue at a client’s site: a brand-new installation from November 2024 had three panels with faulty cells. This proves that testing is not only essential for older systems but also for new installations.

Defects in new panels: how is this possible?

Although you’d expect new solar panels to work flawlessly, defects can occur during manufacturing, transport, or installation. The three defective panels in this installation had damaged cells, which can lead to:

  • Reduced energy output: A single defective panel can negatively impact the entire string’s performance.
  • Higher internal resistance and heat buildup: This can shorten the panel’s lifespan and pose safety risks.
  • Potential warranty issues: If defects are not detected in time, claiming warranty replacements can become more complicated.

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Green Certificates for Solar Panels: The Importance of Regular Inspections for Older Installations

Solar panels have a long lifespan, but after around 15 years, defects may start to occur that reduce the efficiency of your installation. Especially if your solar panels are receiving green certificates, it is essential to monitor the output and detect defects in a timely manner. This is particularly important for systems that will still be eligible for certificates in the next five years, as the output of defective panels affects the number of certificates you can claim.

The Impact of Defects on Output

Solar panels that are 15 years old often show defects such as damaged cells or faulty diodes. These defects can cause one or more panels to no longer function optimally, which lowers the output of the entire string. This loss can be significant, especially in older installations, which means that fewer green certificates will be received, resulting in lower income from these certificates.

Why an Inspection is Essential

A regular inspection can detect these defects and help maximize the output of the installation. By identifying the losses, necessary repairs or replacements can be made. This prevents further reduction in output and ensures that you can still benefit from the full value of your green certificates.

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Solar Panel Testing: Uncovering Defective Cells with Droneview.be

On the Droneview.be blog, we’re excited to share our experience with a recent thermal inspection of solar panels for a client.

Solar panels are exposed daily to various weather conditions and factors that can affect performance. Regular inspections are essential to ensure optimal energy production and to quickly detect any defects.

For this inspection, we used our DJI M210 drone, equipped with the XT2 thermal camera. This setup allowed us to capture precise images that revealed any temperature variations on the panels. Thanks to thermal imaging, we can easily detect hotspots, which often indicate malfunctions in one or more solar cells.

During this test, we identified a noticeable hotspot on one panel, caused by a malfunctioning cell. This defective cell could have led to a loss in energy output if it had gone undetected. By pinpointing the issue through photos and reports, the client was able to take specific corrective action, preventing further energy losses.

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