Skip to main content

Solar (PV) Panel Inspections

Quick, Simple and Efficient Solar Panel Inspection by DroneWith the Summer now on the way, it’s now time to check your solar panels for errors. With energy prices at an all time high, there has never been a more pertinent time to ensure your solar panel installation is working to its maximum capacity and efficiency. If you don’t conduct regular inspections, you will not know if you have panel cell errors or even whole string arrays failing which are reducing your installation’s ability to create electricity.We recommend that both domestic and commercial roof installations are checked at least every two years – this involves a short, simple drone flight using a thermal imaging camera to inspect you photovoltaic solar panels from the air. As long as the flights are undertaken while the panels are under load from the solar irradiation, problems from cells through to string arrays will show up clearly when seen with a thermal camera. The data from the inspection is reviewed by a qualified thermographer to determine the possible issues and faults to address.  Solutions can be as simple as clearing debris and bird droppings or even cutting back shading trees and foliage.Serious faults can become a fire risk from panels that overheat and transfer their thermal energy to surrounding dry substructures. However, the main problem is that if panels are not working correctly you are not benefitting from the electricity generated and therefore your investment is going to waste.What Is Involved With A Solar Panel Inspection?Solar panel inspections are much simpler and cheaper than you might think. Using a drone, or a 15m mast if a drone flight is not permitted or difficult, you can place a thermal camera above the solar PV panels and collect thermogram images which show and record the errors. The process may only take a few minutes for smaller installations like the arrays in the pictures on this page. However, it is very important that the inspection is completed by a qualified thermographer as the inspection climate and environment needs to be clearly understood and the data both professionally collected and interpreted.At Drone Media Imaging, as certified drone pilots and category 2 thermographers, we take care of all the flight planning requirements, data collection and fault reporting in line with solar panel inspection standards IEC 62446-3:2017 and BS EN ISO 62446-1:2016. This way you can be assured of an efficient cost effective inspection, which is conducted safely, legally and to the required standards.We offer a fixed price solar panel inspection service that covers the majority of installations domestically and commercially in the UK.  The only variable is the travel fee to your location which we calculate when quoting. Once you get in touch, we conduct desk research to determine if there are any drone flights issues, risks or considerations before confirming a fully quoted price, which may be as low as £95 (plus travel and vat). Once booked, it is a case of ensuring that the correct weather window is observed – a sunny day, with no rain or precipitation and low winds below 5 mph.  It is also important the the solar irradiation levels are in the region of 600 wm2 to ensure faults can be easily detected.#photovoltaicpanelinspections #SolarPanelInspection #thermalsolarinspection
https://www.dronemediaimaging.co.uk/solar-pv-panel-inspections/

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Product Photography Opus Genie Wipes

​ https://www.visualchaosstudios.co.uk/product-photography-opus-genie-wipes/

Forest Canopy Survey Using Photogrammetry Techniques

Caterham School Photogrammetry of Forest Trees - Surveying for Chalara Fraxinea – Ash Dieback Last year, we were asked by Caterham School to survey and map their school forest known as Old Parks Wood. Ash trees within the wood were suffering from Chalara Fraxinea (Ash Dieback) a disease which has the potential to kill off 80% of the ash trees in the 45-acre wood and once dead, would quickly become dangerous to wildlife and other users of the woods, including the school pupils. The mission was to map the forest canopy by drone using photogrammetry survey techniques so that the school could get a full understanding of the degree of diseased trees that were present, and then subsequently put in place a management plan in conjunction with the Forestry Commission, Natural England and the local council. Project Background In 2014 the school had bought approximately 140 acres of Old Park Wood – partly to protect it from the threat of development but also to secure its long-term future as a bi...

Hidden Issues with Thermal Imaging During Building Surveys

Beyond the Surface: Discovering Hidden Issues with Thermal Imaging during Building Surveys Building surveys have evolved significantly, thanks to advancements in thermal imaging technology and the transformative impact of thermal imaging during building surveys, uncovering concealed issues that traditional methods might overlook. The Power of Thermal Imaging Thermal imaging enables a deeper understanding of a building’s thermal performance. By capturing infrared radiation, these cameras reveal temperature variations that are invisible to the naked eye. This non-destructive technique is particularly valuable for identifying hidden issues affecting a building’s efficiency and structural integrity. Harnessing thermal imaging technology during surveys provides a comprehensive overview of a building’s insulation, HVAC systems, and potential air leaks. This proactive approach goes beyond the surface, allowing for precise problem detection before they escalate. Unearthing Insulation Deficie...