Detecting Issues Early with Thermal Inspections of Domestic Solar Panels
Detecting Issues Early: How Thermal Inspections Benefit Domestic Solar Panel Owners
Drone Media Imagin are Level 2 certified thermographers
and extensively experienced in Solar PV Panel Inspections
Solar energy is a rapidly growing industry in the United Kingdom, with over 1 million homes now equipped with solar panels. As a solar panel owner, it’s crucial to ensure your system is operating at peak efficiency. One of the most effective ways to do this is through thermal inspections. This article will explore the importance of early issue detection, the power of aerial thermal inspections, how thermal imaging technology identifies potential problems, and the benefits of regular thermal inspections for maximising efficiency and longevity.
The Importance of Early Issue Detection for Domestic Solar Panel Owners
Solar panels are a significant investment, and like any investment, they require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Early detection of issues can prevent minor problems from escalating into major ones, saving homeowners time, money, and stress. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a well-maintained solar panel system can last up to 25 years or more.
Thermal inspections are a key tool in early issue detection. They can identify hot spots, which are areas of the panel that are overheating due to defects or damage. These hot spots can reduce the overall efficiency of the system and, if left unchecked, can lead to permanent damage. By identifying and addressing these issues early, homeowners can ensure their solar panels continue to provide reliable, cost-effective energy.
Harnessing the Power of Aerial Thermal Inspections for Solar Panel Maintenance
Aerial thermal inspections, often conducted using drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras, is the gold standard technique in solar panel maintenance. They allow for quick, efficient inspections of large or hard-to-reach solar panel arrays. This technology can detect issues that may not be visible to the naked eye, such as bypass-diode failure, cell deterioration, PID, string faults and micro-cracks or other hidden defects.
In the UK, companies like Drone Media Imaging offer aerial thermal inspections for solar panels. These inspections can identify potential issues early, allowing for prompt repairs and minimising downtime. This not only ensures the longevity of the solar panels but also maximises their energy output, leading to greater savings on energy bills.
How Thermal Imaging Technology Helps Identify Potential Problems in Solar Panels
Thermal imaging technology works by detecting infrared radiation, which is emitted by all objects. In the context of solar panels, this technology can identify areas that are producing excessive heat, indicating a potential issue.
For example, a common problem with solar panels is ‘cell level failure or deterioration’. The result being that the cell producing less or no electricity than the others, will cause the cell to heat up, which will then be detected using thermography techniques. Similarly, thermal imaging can identify issues such as soiling, shading, or physical damage, all of which can impact the performance of the solar panels.
Maximising Efficiency and Longevity: The Benefits of Regular Thermal Inspections for Domestic Solar Panel Owners
Regular thermal inspections are a proactive approach to solar panel maintenance. They can help homeowners identify and address issues early, maximising the efficiency and longevity of their solar panels. According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, regular maintenance can increase the efficiency of solar panels by up to 30%. This translates to significant savings on energy bills over the lifetime of the system.
Furthermore, regular inspections can extend the lifespan of solar panels. By identifying and addressing issues early, homeowners can prevent permanent damage and prolong the life of their investment.
Thermal inspections are a vital tool for domestic solar panel owners. They allow for early issue detection, maximise efficiency, and ensure the longevity of the system. As the UK continues to embrace renewable energy, the importance of regular solar panel maintenance cannot be overstated.
Harness the power of thermal inspections for your solar panels. Contact us today for a comprehensive inspection and ensure your system’s longevity and efficiency.
We are certified thermographers, experienced in solar panel inspection to IEC standards. We can complete both the structured and compliant data capture through to the formal inspection report. As approved drone pilots we work throughout the UK to provide both aerial and ground based thermography services. Fully insured and certified by the CAA with enhanced permissions for day and night time flights
Drone Media Imaging are fully qualified and certified by the CAA to fly drone day or night up to 25kg. We hold Operational Authorities and Operating Safety Cases so that we can fly close to uninvolved people. We also hold A2 CofC certification. We are also trained and experienced in Photogrammetry, Mapping and hold a category 2 Thermography qualification
