Inspection of your photovoltaic system - we can help!

With photovoltaics, you have chosen a contemporary and sustainable form of energy generation. Especially when using panels on a large scale, regular inspections are indispensable to detect small defects at an early stage and to ensure optimal energy generation.

With our aerial photos by drone with a thermal imaging camera, we help you to uncover problems such as power losses or voltage drops in an uncomplicated way. Benefit from a high accuracy in the measured temperature and enjoy the security of using your photovoltaic system optimally with our certified drone pilots.

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Table of contents

Professional inspection by thermography

In order to use photovoltaics with maximum efficiency, as little thermal energy as possible should be lost during the generation of electrical energy. The thermal radiation of objects such as individual panels of your photovoltaic system cannot be perceived by the human eye. By using thermography with special thermal imaging cameras, you gain insight into how efficiently your system is really working and where unnoticed thermal energy is being wasted.

Thermographic inspection is especially recommended for larger PV systems, as the inspection is possible without interrupting the operation of the system. With a drone controlled by our experts, you will receive meaningful and precise images of your entire site, which will allow an expert evaluation of your PV technology and the elimination of minor defects effortlessly.

State of the art technology for your aerial photos

For a thermal image of your PV plants, we rely on aerial photography by drone with a special, high-resolution camera. With a resolution of 640 x 512 px for the thermal camera of our DJI M30T drone, a precise capture of plants of any dimension is possible. With an integrated 16x optical zoom of the high-resolution RGB camera, individual areas can be highlighted and detailed aerial images can be created.

The temperature measurement of our drone with thermal imaging camera is performed with an accuracy of plus/minus 2 degrees Celsius. With this variance, a precise evaluation of heat losses in your PV systems is possible in order to make improvements and avoid the undesired energy loss in the future.

Top service in recording and documentation

For a quick and professional analysis of your photovoltaics, simply contact us and choose one of our service packages. At the desired date, one of our experienced and certified drone pilots will visit you and create the desired thermal images.

After taking the images, we will promptly prepare an evaluation for you, to which we will attach the created aerial images in high resolution. Here we explain to you how to interpret the recordings and where potential weak points of your PV system are located. Typical faults and defects of your photovoltaic system that can be detected by means of thermal imaging are:

  • overheated PV cells

  • defective solder joints

  • defects of plug connections

  • missing connections

  • wrongly connected modules

Use the image data from our inspection afterwards to eliminate the detected defects yourself or with a specialist company in the field of photovoltaics.

Also interesting for other applications

For a quick and professional analysis of your photovoltaics, simply contact us and choose one of our service packages. At the desired date, one of our experienced and certified drone pilots will visit you and create the desired thermal images.

After taking the images, we will promptly prepare an evaluation for you, to which we will attach the created aerial images in high resolution. Here we explain to you how to interpret the recordings and where potential weak points of your PV system are located. Typical faults and defects of your photovoltaic system that can be detected by means of thermal imaging are:

  • Search of fawns and other animals before mowing

  • Search of missing persons or animals

  • Checking your power lines

  • Support of emergency services in case of fires

A thermal image makes many things visible that would otherwise escape our human eye. Take advantage of this and work with us to find the right service package to suit your purposes. Whether reducing ongoing costs or protecting the lives of people and animals, we will be happy to help you achieve your goals.

Inspection of a photovoltaic plant in Salzburg

About the project

Contact us now for a photovoltaic inspection

Would you like to learn more about thermal imaging and its benefits in photovoltaics and other areas? Approach us and familiarize yourself with our technical possibilities. Save money with us when using your PV system and enjoy the good feeling of operating the sustainable technology with maximum efficiency. Experience the advantages of thermography - uncomplicated, prompt and at an attractive package price!

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Questions and answers about photovoltaic inspection with thermal imaging drones

How to determine if a photovoltaic module is defective?

The fastest and most cost-effective way is an inspection by thermography with a drone. The photovoltaic system is flown over and documented with the thermal imaging camera. It takes advantage of the simple fact that defective or shaded cells become hot and can damage the modules to the point of total failure. Even large solar parks can be checked quickly and inexpensively with a drone.

Which drone should be used for a photovoltaic inspection?

We use the DJI M30T for the inspection of photovoltaic systems. With this drone, it is possible to take high-resolution RGB images and thermographic images at the same time. Thus, a visual inspection and a thermal image inspection are performed at the same time. Another advantage is that these images can be processed with our software to a so-called radiometric evaluation.

What is a radiometric evaluation?

In our software, thermal images and RGB images are processed into a high-resolution thermal map. Especially for large solar parks this is a great advantage, because you quickly get a clear thermographic map (orthophoto), on which you can read the temperature and identify defective spots quickly and clearly. Of course, we can also evaluate the individual images with temperature data for smaller systems and display hotspots with accurate temperature data.

Can a photovoltaic module break?

Photovoltaic modules are supposed to produce electricity for 20 years and more. However, defects of whole modules or single cells occur again and again. This can be favored by many circumstances, e.g. storms, hail or snow load. Even though the damage is usually not visible to the naked eye, it can be seen by a drone with a thermal imaging camera. Damage may already be present during installation due to inconsistent handling during transport or assembly. A regular inspection of the photovoltaic system is therefore essential to avoid expensive consequential damage.

Why do photovoltaic modules lose power?

Due to dirt, aging of the solar cells, shading or yellowing of the glass surfaces, photovoltaic modules can lose power over time. Other factors can cause unnoticed small defects in the modules during installation. Improper handling can cause unnoticed damage to individual cells during transport or installation. Photovoltaic modules are generally very sensitive to vibrations, so a defect can occur unnoticed after only a few months. By using a drone with a thermal imaging camera, we can detect and document such damage quickly and cost-effectively.