Benefits of Thermal Drone Inspections for Solar Parks

For solar park owners, administrators, and maintenance specialists, thermal drone inspections provide an efficient way to ensure maximum plant performance. This technology allows for quick and accurate identification of damaged or underperforming modules, minimizing electricity production losses. Drones can inspect large areas in a short amount of time, saving technician labor hours, reducing maintenance costs, and preventing unexpected failures. Additionally, thermal imaging helps installers and contractors confirm that newly installed systems are functioning properly, which is crucial for warranty services and maintaining customer trust.

Thermal Imaging for Residential Solar Panels

For private solar panel owners, thermal inspections offer the opportunity to detect faults before they cause more significant issues. If solar modules are underperforming unevenly, their efficiency decreases, leading to lost potential energy production and, ultimately, wasted money. Drone inspections allow for precise identification of inefficient modules or faulty connections without the need to climb onto the roof, avoiding additional costs and potential risks. It’s a fast, safe, and cost-effective way to ensure that your solar power system generates its maximum energy output.

TECHNOLOGY

AeroDetect utilizes advanced technologies to efficiently conduct solar panel inspections. Our innovative solution – a drone equipped with a thermal camera – ensures precise and rapid problem detection.

By leveraging thermal drone technology, AeroDetect offers non-invasive, fast, and accurate solar panel inspections. Our goal is to ensure that your solar power system operates at its full potential, maximizing your return on investment.

How Thermal Imaging by Drone Works

Drone

We use specialized drones equipped with advanced thermal cameras, which accurately capture temperature changes in solar panel modules. The drones are lightweight, maneuverable, and can reach difficult-to-access areas, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the solar power system’s condition without physical contact.

Thermal Imaging

The drone’s thermal camera detects the infrared radiation emitted by the solar panels, creating a detailed temperature map. This helps identify "hot spots" and other defects that are invisible to the naked eye but could indicate performance issues with the modules.

Data Analysis

The collected thermal images are analyzed using artificial intelligence software, which accurately identifies potential areas of damage. After the analysis, a detailed report is generated, highlighting the identified defects and helping to assess the condition of the solar power system and make informed decisions.

Did you know...?

Solar panel "hot spots" can trigger a bypass diode, causing the module's efficiency to drop by up to 33%.

Thermal drones for solar panel inspections eliminate the need for physical contact, reducing the risk of injury by up to 60%.

Drones equipped with thermal cameras can accelerate solar power plant inspections by up to 80%, especially in challenging locations.

Most Common Solar Panel Defects

1. Hot Spots – These form due to shading, damaged cells, or other defects that cause localized overheating. This can lead to reduced module performance, component failures, or even fire hazards.

2. Faulty or Malfunctioning Bypass Diodes – These diodes help reroute electrical current around damaged or shaded cells, preventing power loss. Thermal imaging can detect faulty diodes by identifying temperature differences in affected areas.

3. Cracks in Solar Modules – When a cell cracks, it can no longer generate electricity effectively and begins to overheat. This excess heat is easily detected by a thermal camera.

4. Dirt and Debris – Dust, leaves, or other debris reduce the efficiency of solar modules. Drone inspections with thermal imaging can pinpoint contaminated areas for timely cleaning.

5. Shading Issues – Nearby trees, buildings, or other obstacles can partially cover solar panels, reducing their efficiency. Thermal drones help detect these issues and evaluate their impact on energy production.

6. Uneven Module Performance – By comparing the temperatures of solar panel modules, inefficient elements can be identified, which may result in energy losses.

7. Circuit Failures – If multiple interconnected solar modules stop working, the entire circuit may lose part or all of its generated power. Thermal inspections help detect unusual temperature changes, which may indicate faulty components or poor connections.

8. Delamination of Module Layers – Extreme weather conditions or manufacturing defects can cause the layers of the solar module to separate, reducing efficiency. Thermal imaging allows early detection of these defects, enabling preventative action.

When is it worth performing a thermal inspection with a drone?

• When a decrease in the system's performance is noticed;

• After extreme weather conditions (hail, storms);

• Before the warranty period ends;

• After the installation of the solar power system to ensure proper functioning;

• Proactively, to avoid long-term losses.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does a thermal drone help detect solar power plant issues?

A thermal drone captures the infrared radiation emitted by solar panels and visualizes temperature differences. This allows the detection of hotspots, cracks, malfunctioning bypass diodes, and other issues that reduce the efficiency of the system.

Is thermal inspection only useful for large solar parks?

No, thermal inspection is beneficial for both large solar parks and residential solar systems. Even a small system with just a few panels can experience faults that reduce its energy production efficiency.

Is thermal inspection with a drone safe for the solar power system?

Yes, drone flights are conducted without physical contact with the panels, eliminating the risk of mechanical damage. Additionally, advanced technologies ensure accurate and safe data collection.

Can thermal inspections be performed in any weather conditions?

Thermal inspections require a sunny day with a minimum light level of 600 W/m². The fewer clouds, the more accurate the results. It is also important that the wind is minimal for optimal results.

What is the cost of a thermal inspection?

Prices start from 80 EUR. The cost depends on the size of the solar power system, location, and complexity of the inspection. For an accurate quote, please contact us, and we will provide a customized offer.

Do you provide thermal inspections throughout Lithuania?

Yes, our services are available throughout Lithuania. We come to your location and perform the thermal inspection of solar power systems efficiently and promptly.

How often should a thermal inspection be performed?

It is recommended to perform the inspection at least once every 1–2 years. However, more frequent inspections may be necessary for large systems or if a sudden drop in performance is noticed.

How long does it take to prepare a thermal inspection report?

The report is typically prepared within 1–3 business days, depending on the size of the solar power system and the volume of data collected. After gathering the thermal data, we analyze it and provide a clear and detailed report with identified issues or performance problems.

1. Contact Us

2. Get a Quote

3. We Conduct the Flight

4. Receive a Detailed Report

Ensure your solar power plant's efficiency today

Don't let potential issues hinder your solar power plant's performance. Stay proactive with AeroDetect! Order a drone thermal inspection now and let us optimize your solar system’s efficiency. Harness the benefits of renewable energy—effectively and sustainably.

(Price from €80. The cost depends on the size and location of the object.)