You've had a solar installation for some time now and want to ensure that your panels are still functioning properly?
Your modules have been exposed to adverse weather conditions, and you're concerned if everything is alright with them?
Or perhaps you're dealing with an unfair seller who is questioning your warranty claim?
Unfortunately, with the naked eye, it's often impossible to detect a fault that could significantly impact not only the operation of the installation but also safety. Fortunately, thermal imaging inspections of photovoltaic installations come to the rescue.
What is a thermal imaging inspection?
A thermal imaging inspection involves evaluating the thermal integrity of buildings.
The result of the inspection is the identification of thermal bridges, through which heat escapes from the building (e.g., leaky windows, a leaky roof, etc.).
Thermal images are usually color-coded thermograms, where red areas indicate something is very hot, while blue areas indicate low temperatures.
What do thermal imaging inspections with drones look like?
Conducting a thermal imaging inspection is non-invasive in any way.
- Firstly – it doesn't require anyone to climb onto the roof.
- Secondly - no additional equipment is needed..
- Thirdly - the inspection is carried out by our specialized drone with an infrared (IR) camera, operated by our experienced technician.
- Fourthly - inspection itself takes from several to several dozen minutes and is more precise than standard ground-based inspection.
The drone is equipped with a specialized thermal imaging camera, which films and takes pictures of the entire roof and house from the air.
In this way, in addition to the inspection itself, we can also conduct a detailed examination of the entire photovoltaic installation and any applied protections.
What flaws in a photovoltaic installation can we identify using thermal imaging?
Thermal drone imaging of photovoltaic panels allows the detection of faults such as:
- Hot spots, i.e., areas on specific photovoltaic cells that excessively heat up. Hot spots reduce the efficiency of panels and in extreme cases can lead to self-ignition and the entire installation catching fire;
- Mechanical damage to photovoltaic panels;
- Any shading, meaning areas on photovoltaic panels where there is too much shadow, e.g., due to nearby trees, chimney on the roof, or other elements;
- Cracks in the panels;
- Accumulated dirt or debris on the panels - dirt, rain residue, or leaves, etc.
When is it worth commissioning a thermal imaging inspection of a photovoltaic installation?
The first thing is the vigilance of the photovoltaic installation owner.
For example, if after an intense hailstorm a visual inspection of the panel's condition doesn't provide an answer as to whether one is damaged, it's worth examining the results in the next month following the event.
If the yields have strangely dropped, perhaps one of the panels has been damaged, and the panel is no longer working as efficiently as at the beginning.
Thermal imaging inspection allows checking the condition of both the entire installation and individual photovoltaic modules.
When do we recommend thermal camera inspections of photovoltaic panels?
- When you suspect that one of the panels is damaged (e.g., due to mechanical damage),
- To check if due to lack of connection, one of the panels has not overheated,
- To check if accumulated dust, dirt, or bird droppings do not decrease yields and do not contribute to the module overheating.
Why is it worth conducting a thermal imaging inspection of a photovoltaic installation with a drone?
First and foremost - detecting irregularities shortens the time to report to the service and repair damaged panels, thereby reducing the risk of lower yields and higher electricity bills.
As Green Mark, we conduct comprehensive thermal imaging inspections, that will detect any irregularities, and the report presented by us will be a factual and objective confirmation for the guarantor or insurer.
Thanks to such an inspection, as the owner of a photovoltaic installation, you will have a basis for claiming compensation from the insurance.
Who are we?
Green Mark is an experienced company providing services in the field of renewable energy sources (RES) throughout Poland.
We offer solutions tailored to individual needs and substantive support at every stage of investing in photovoltaics.
We specialize in designing and implementing all types of photovoltaic installations for companies, farms, administrations, and homes.
English 
Polish 
Ukrainian