Solar Panel Inspection

What We Do

At Drones at Work, we’ve developed a specialized approach to solar panel inspection that combines thermal imaging technology with expert analysis to deliver actionable insights about your solar energy system. Our drone-based inspection methodology allows for rapid, non-disruptive assessment of entire solar installations without interrupting power generation or requiring technicians to physically access each panel.

Whether you operate a large-scale solar farm, manage a commercial building with rooftop solar, or own a residential system, our comprehensive inspection process identifies issues that conventional visual checks miss. By detecting hotspots, connection problems, and panel defects in their early stages, we help you address maintenance needs proactively, optimize system performance, and protect your renewable energy investment.

Our Solar Panel Inspection Services

• Thermal Performance Analysis: Identify underperforming panels and electrical issues with our advanced thermal imaging technology. Using the H30T thermal payload—the most sophisticated thermal sensor available in commercial drone applications—we detect temperature variations across your entire solar array that indicate potential problems such as:

  • Cell fractures and internal panel damage
  • Bypass diode failures
  • Junction box overheating
  • Connection and wiring issues
  • String performance inconsistencies
  • Potential-induced degradation (PID)

  Each thermal anomaly is documented with precise location data and temperature measurements, allowing for targeted maintenance rather than time-consuming manual checks of the entire system. This approach significantly reduces diagnostic time and focuses repair efforts exactly where they’re needed.

• Visual Defect Documentation: Complement thermal analysis with high-resolution visual imagery that documents physical panel conditions and installation issues. Our detailed visual inspection identifies:

  • Physical damage to panels (cracks, delamination, discoloration)
  • Soiling and debris accumulation affecting performance
  • Shading issues from nearby structures or vegetation
  • Mounting system problems and structural concerns
  • Water pooling and drainage issues
  • Bird nesting and pest-related damage

  The combination of thermal and visual data provides a comprehensive understanding of your system’s condition, supporting both immediate maintenance decisions and long-term performance optimization strategies.

• Comprehensive Reporting: Receive detailed, actionable reports that transform complex data into clear insights and recommendations. Our solar inspection reports include:

  • Thermal imagery of the entire solar array with anomalies highlighted
  • Temperature analysis of identified issues with severity classifications
  • High-resolution visual documentation of physical conditions
  • Panel-by-panel performance assessment for large installations
  • Prioritized maintenance recommendations based on impact and urgency
  • Historical comparison data for repeat customers
  • Performance optimization suggestions

  These comprehensive reports provide everything needed for informed maintenance planning, warranty claims, and performance optimization, delivered in a format accessible to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

1. Consultation and Planning

We begin by understanding your specific solar installation, including system size, panel type, mounting configuration, and any known issues or concerns. This information helps us develop an inspection plan tailored to your particular system and objectives.

2. On-Site Inspection

Our certified drone operators conduct a comprehensive aerial inspection of your solar installation, capturing thermal and visual data under optimal conditions for accurate assessment. For maximum thermal contrast, inspections are typically performed during peak sunlight hours when the system is under load.

4. Detailed Reporting

You receive a comprehensive report documenting all findings, with clear identification of issues requiring attention and recommendations for maintenance or optimization. For large installations, we provide panel-level mapping that pinpoints exact locations of problems within the array.

5. Results Review

We offer an optional consultation to review findings, answer questions, and discuss recommended actions. This discussion helps ensure you fully understand the implications of the inspection results and can develop an effective maintenance strategy.

Applications Across Industries