Thermal and Drone Inspection of Solar Panels & Solar Parks
At Droneview.be, we offer specialized drone inspections for solar panels, including thermal mapping and detailed reporting for industrial installations and solar parks.
A drone inspection of solar panels is an innovative method using drones to capture both thermal and visual imagery. This technique helps in detecting defects such as overheated cells and malfunctioning bypass diodes, optimizing energy production. Drone inspections utilize advanced infrared technology, providing a fast, safe, and accurate way to detect problems without physical contact with the panels.
Large-Scale Inspections & Thermal Mapping
For industrial installations and large solar parks, we offer more than just individual photos. With our thermal mapping workflow, we create a complete radiometric 2D or 3D overview (orthomosaic) of the entire site.
- Exact Localization: Every hotspot is geographically logged, allowing technicians to find defects instantly.
- Asset Management: A complete digital overview of the status of thousands of panels at a glance.
- Efficiency: Rapid documentation of large areas for asset managers and investors.
Reporting According to Insurance Standards
Professional partners rely on our data for official reports. Our inspections are processed using professional DJI Thermal Analysis software.
You will receive a detailed inspection report including:
- Radiometric Data: Exact temperature measurements per pixel.
- Classification: Categorization of hotspots based on severity and risk.
- String Analysis: Measurement data of the current output per circuit.
- Technical Advice: Analysis of findings and targeted recommendations.
Our reports meet the strictest requirements of insurers and safety advisors for PV installations.
When is a drone inspection necessary?
Periodic Maintenance Inspections
Regular checks help detect defects early and extend the lifespan of the installation.
Low Energy Production
If the yield of the solar panels decreases, a drone inspection can reveal hidden issues such as defective cells.
Inspection of New Installations & Warranty Periods
Panels can be damaged during transport or installation. A timely inspection supports warranty claims and prevents yield loss from day one.
How does a drone inspection with thermal imaging work?
During the inspection, our advanced DJI M30T drone flies over the solar installation. This drone is equipped with a high-end radiometric thermal camera that captures accurate infrared images.
In addition to thermal data, the DJI M30T simultaneously captures visual images with a powerful zoom camera (up to 200x). This allows us to zoom in on minute physical damage, such as micro-cracks or debris, without touching the panels.
Expertise in Case of Doubt: In-depth Ground Diagnosis
When our drone inspection shows irregularities or when there is unexplained yield loss, DroneView.be goes a step further. To provide a 100% conclusive diagnosis, we perform targeted checks at the inverter level:
- Inductive String Measurement: We measure the actual current flow (Amperes) per circuit to rule out wiring interruptions.
- Thermal Hand Scan: Inverter connection points and fuses are checked for hotspots (poor contacts), which is crucial for fire safety.
Providing certainty when visual inspection alone is not enough.
Case Study: Defective solar panel found in minutes
The thermal image below demonstrates the efficiency of a drone inspection. A defective panel heats up faster than the rest, immediately recognizable as a bright color on the infrared image.
Do you see it too? Drone inspections help limit energy losses and safeguard the lifespan of your PV installation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Drone Inspection
- How much does a drone inspection cost? The price depends on the size (kWp) and location. Request your quote here.
- When to inspect? Thermal inspections take place on sunny days (min. 600W/m² irradiation) for reliable results.
- Available for residential owners? Absolutely, our drones are used for both residential roofs and large-scale industrial sites.