Thermal Imaging Drone for Solar Panel Inspection.
- Australian Aerial Imagery
- Jun 6, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 18, 2023
Introduction to Solar and Thermal Imaging
As the demand for sustainable energy solutions continues to rise, solar power has emerged as a prominent source of clean and renewable energy. With solar panels becoming an integral part of our energy infrastructure, ensuring their efficiency and longevity is crucial. To maintain optimal performance, regular inspections are vital. In this article, we'll explore why it's considered essential to have solar panels inspected for hotspots and other defects using high-resolution, infrared thermal imaging drones, and how Australian Aerial Imagery can assist in these types of inspections.
1. Detecting Hotspots and Other Defects:
Solar panels are exposed to various environmental factors such as heat, dust, and mechanical stress, which can lead to the development of defects over time. One common issue is the formation of hotspots, which occur when certain areas of a panel become significantly hotter than the rest. Hotspots can indicate a variety of problems, including faulty cells, deteriorating connections, or shading issues.
Traditional visual inspections often fail to identify such hidden defects, making them inefficient and time-consuming. By employing high-resolution, infrared thermal imaging drones, Australian Aerial Imagery can provide an in-depth analysis of solar panel performance. These drones capture thermal images that reveal temperature variations across the entire panel, allowing for early detection of hotspots and other defects.
2. Preventing System Downtime and Efficiency Loss:
Hotspots and other defects can lead to a decline in solar panel efficiency and, if left unchecked, cause system downtime. By conducting regular inspections with thermal imaging drones, potential issues can be identified early on, preventing significant energy losses and minimizing the need for costly repairs or replacements.
Australian Aerial Imagery's high-resolution thermal imaging drones excel in pinpointing even the slightest temperature anomalies within solar panels. By capturing detailed thermal images, these drones enable solar installers and maintenance teams to promptly address any detected issues, thereby ensuring optimal system performance and maximizing energy output.
3. Enhancing Safety and Cost-effectiveness:
Solar panel inspections conducted using thermal imaging drones not only offer accurate and efficient defect detection but also contribute to enhanced safety and cost-effectiveness. Traditional inspections often involve manual examination, which requires physical access to panels and can pose safety risks for technicians.
Australian Aerial Imagery's thermal imaging drones eliminate the need for physical contact with solar panels, allowing inspections to be carried out remotely and without putting personnel in harm's way. The speed and accuracy of drone inspections reduce labor costs and minimize operational disruptions, making them a cost-effective solution for solar panel maintenance.
4. Scaling Up Inspections with Australian Aerial Imagery:
With solar energy systems proliferating across Australia, the demand for efficient inspection services is increasing. Australian Aerial Imagery, equipped with state-of-the-art thermal imaging drones, offers a scalable solution to meet this growing demand. Their skilled team of professionals can quickly and accurately inspect large-scale solar installations, making them an ideal partner for solar project developers, EPC companies, and maintenance service providers.
Thermal Imaging Drone for Solar Panel Inspection.
What defects can be detected.
Thermal imaging drones equipped with high-resolution, infrared cameras can detect various types of solar panel defects. Here are some common defects that can be identified through thermal imaging inspections:
Hotspots: Hotspots occur when specific areas of a solar panel exhibit higher temperatures than the rest of the panel. Hotspots can indicate malfunctioning or deteriorating cells, poor electrical connections, shading issues, or damaged bypass diodes.
Cell Cracks or Breaks: Thermal imaging can reveal cracks or breaks in individual solar cells. These defects can occur due to manufacturing flaws, extreme temperature variations, or mechanical stress. Cracked or broken cells can lead to reduced panel efficiency and overall system performance.
Delamination: Delamination refers to the separation of layers within a solar panel. It can occur due to moisture ingress, thermal cycling, or inadequate adhesion during manufacturing. Delamination reduces the panel's structural integrity and can lead to decreased power output.
Diode Failures: Bypass diodes are essential components in solar panels that prevent power loss when certain cells are shaded or malfunctioning. Thermal imaging can identify diode failures by detecting temperature variations or abnormal heat distribution across the panel.
Module-level Mismatch: Module-level mismatch occurs when one or more solar panels within a system perform differently from the others. This mismatch can result from manufacturing variations, shading issues, or module damage. Thermal imaging helps identify modules with different temperatures, indicating a potential mismatch.
Electrical Connection Issues: Thermal imaging can reveal faulty electrical connections, loose or corroded wiring, or poor soldering within the solar panel system. These issues can lead to increased resistance, power loss, and overheating.
PID (Potential-Induced Degradation): PID is a phenomenon that causes a significant drop in solar panel performance due to voltage potential between the cells and the frame. Thermal imaging can detect temperature variations and anomalies that indicate the presence of PID.
Soiling or Dirt Accumulation: Accumulated dirt, dust, or soiling on the surface of solar panels can reduce their efficiency. Thermal imaging can identify areas with higher temperatures caused by decreased heat dissipation due to dirt accumulation.
Above images shows numerous defects detected with our thermal imaging drone.
By using thermal imaging drones, these defects can be quickly identified, enabling timely maintenance and repairs to ensure optimal performance and maximize the energy generation of solar panel systems.
Conclusion:
Solar panel inspections using high-resolution, infrared thermal imaging drones have become an essential practice for ensuring the long-term efficiency and reliability of solar energy systems. With the ability to detect hotspots and other defects accurately, these inspections play a crucial role in optimizing energy output, minimizing downtime, enhancing safety, and reducing maintenance costs.
Australian Aerial Imagery's expertise in utilizing thermal imaging drones positions them as a reliable partner for the solar industry in Australia. By leveraging their advanced technology and skilled team, solar project developers and maintenance service providers can effectively monitor the health of their installations and contribute to a sustainable and efficient energy future.