Commercial Solar Inspections
Ensure maximum efficiency, reduce down time, and optimize solar system performance with expert drone inspections.
Faulty cells generating hot spots on faulty roof top solar system.
According to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Solar Irradiance should ideally be 1000 watts per meter squared, with a minimum of 600w /m² when performing solar panel inspections. Having a lack of solar irradiance can conceal solar panel deficiencies, making them appear to be functioning properly.
Factors affecting solar irradiance are:
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-Atmospheric conditions such as clouds, haze, smoke etc.
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-Time of Day, determines the angle of the sun in relation to the panels. Noon with the sun at its highest in the sky would be better than lower sun angles where the lights path is longer through the scattering atmosphere.
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-Panel Orientation and tilt angle.
-Seasonal changes. Winter has shorter days vs the summer in addition to the earths axial tilt in relation to the sun.
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-Panel Condition, dirt, grime, and bird droppings can obscure solar irradiance reducing panel efficiency.
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Call or text to schedule your solar panel inspection today.
Solar Panel Drone Inspections And Thermal Imaging
What's involved in a solar panel inspection?
Solar panel inspections involve high definition thermal cameras mounted to drones (UAV's) to perform non-invasive surveys. Creating detailed thermographs of Photovoltaic systems. The drone's thermal camera must be radiometric in order to capture accurate temperature variances. These temperature variations and anomalies across solar systems identify hot spots, microcracks, soiling, and faulty components that can cause long term damage and degradation. ​Thermal drone inspections provide efficient assessments of large scale systems without requiring access to the panel themselves. Minimizing down time, and increasing efficiency for large scale solar farm utilities, roof top and residential photovoltaic solar systems.
Phases Of A Solar Panel Inspection
Our solar Inspections have three phases. Mission planning, data acquisition and post processing. All performed by a certified thermographer. This allows utilities to maximize solar asset performance, longevity and return on investment while preventing system outages.
Mission Planning: Assess the site and flight conditions. Determine best flight routes. Record ambient temperatures, humidity, wind speed and direction. Measure solar irradiance to determine adequate solar energy is available to perform a proper inspection. Survey the area for any obstacles or any safety concerns.
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Data Acquisition with Thermal Drone: Image solar system with the drones high definition thermal camera. Flying a proper flight path to maintain proper angles to the solar panels- collecting data correctly for proper analysis.
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Post Processing Analysis: Certified thermographer analyzes and compiles detailed deliverables. Thermal images and detailed report for each solar panel.
Why Choose Elite Droids Drone Services?
Certified and qualified. FAA Licensed for commercial operations since 2018 with over a decade of experience in sUAS flight operations. We can safely and legally operate anywhere in the United States. Qualifications include holding certifications in the Analysis Of Photovoltaic Devices and a Level 1 Electrical Thermographer Certification from the Infrared Training Center. Specializing in the thermal analysis of elec
