Solar Panel Inspections | IEC62446-3:2017 Drone Surveys & Thermal Imaging UK

Ensure Maximum Efficiency & Compliance with IEC62446-3:2017 Standard Inspections

Detect Faults, Reduce Downtime & Optimise Solar Panel Performance with Expert Drone Surveys

Solar panel performance can degrade over time due to faults, soiling, or defective components—reducing energy efficiency and profitability. Our IEC62446-3:2017 compliant drone inspections use high-resolution thermal imaging to detect hotspots, micro-cracks, faulty bypass diodes, and degradation before they impact your system’s performance. Whether you operate a utility-scale solar farm or a commercial PV system, our drone surveys provide accurate, fast, and cost-effective diagnostics, ensuring optimal efficiency and compliance.

Solar Panel Inspection with thermal

Ensure optimal performance and fault detection with our IEC62446-3:2017 compliant solar panel inspections. Using high-resolution thermal imaging, we detect hotspots, micro-cracks, faulty bypass diodes, and performance inefficiencies across solar farms and rooftop PV systems. Our drone-based inspections are faster, safer, and more cost-effective than manual assessments, providing accurate data and detailed reports for maintenance, insurance, and compliance.

Using non-contact infrared imaging, we identify, analyse, and report on panel performance, helping you comply with IEC62446-3:2017 regulations and prevent costly energy losses.

Solar panels are subject to degradation, faulty wiring, and temperature inconsistencies, leading to reduced power output and efficiency losses. Our drone-based thermal imaging inspections provide high-resolution, data-driven analysis, detecting problems before they become critical.

  • Solar panel inspections – IEC62446-3:2017 drone surveys

  • Large-scale solar farms – Detecting system-wide inefficiencies quickly and efficiently.

  • Commercial rooftop solar systems – Identifying faulty diodes, micro-cracks, and string failures.

  • Residential solar PV panels – Helping homeowners optimise their energy performance.

  • Drone inspections for solar PV systems – High-accuracy solar farm thermal imaging UK

  • Thermal imaging for solar farms – Fault detection & performance analysis for solar panels

Solar PV Infrared thermal inspection

How Our Solar Drone Inspections Work

What Are Solar Panel Inspections?

Solar panel inspections involve the use of high-resolution thermal imaging cameras mounted on drones (UAVs) to perform non-invasive, detailed analysis of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. These radiometric thermal sensors capture precise temperature variations across solar modules, helping identify hotspots, micro-cracks, delamination, and faulty bypass diodes that can reduce energy efficiency and cause long-term system degradation. Unlike manual inspections, drone-based thermal imaging provides rapid, large-scale assessments without requiring physical access to panels, minimising operational disruptions and improving inspection efficiency for utility-scale solar farms, commercial rooftops, and residential PV systems.

Our inspections detect temperature anomalies that signal potential electrical failures, shading issues, or manufacturing defects, which can impact overall system performance. By integrating GPS-based fault mapping and AI-driven image analysis, we provide detailed, actionable reports that classify defects by severity and location, ensuring maintenance teams can quickly address critical issues. We follow a systematic approach, including pre-flight planning, data acquisition, post-processing analysis, and compliance checks to align with IEC62446-3:2017 standards. This enables solar farm operators, asset managers, and maintenance providers to optimise energy production, extend panel lifespan, and prevent costly system failures.

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Discover how drone technology can enhance your operations with a free quotation from our experts. Ensure your solar panels are operating at peak efficiency with our IEC62446-3:2017 compliant drone inspections.

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Why Are Solar Panel Inspections Necessary?

Without regular inspections, faulty solar panels can significantly reduce system output and increase energy costs. Drones provide a faster, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to manual inspections, offering:

  • Rapid fault detection across entire solar farms.
  • High-resolution, thermal imaging diagnostics for pinpoint accuracy.
  • No need for manual, high-risk inspections or system shutdowns.
  • Compliance with IEC62446-3:2017 for insurance and warranty validation.

Our Process for Solar Panel Inspections

We follow a structured, fully compliant inspection process:

  1. Pre-Flight Planning – Identify site conditions, flight paths, and safety compliance.
  2. Data Capture with Thermal Imaging Drones – Scan solar panels using high-resolution infrared sensors.
  3. Image Processing & Analysis – Convert thermal imagery into detailed performance reports.
  4. Actionable Insights – Provide diagnostics and recommendations for system maintenance.

Why Choose Drone Media Imaging?

Qualified & Certified

At Drone Media Imaging, we are fully CAA-certified drone pilots, trained to operate UAVs safely and legally across the UK. Our qualifications include Level 3 Master Thermographer certification for thermal imaging inspections and IEC62446-3:2017 compliance for professional solar panel assessments, ensuring the highest industry standards in aerial data collection.

Experienced

With years of expertise in aerial thermography, surveying, and drone-based inspections, we have worked on projects ranging from large-scale solar farms and commercial infrastructure assessments to detailed property inspections and 3D mapping. Our in-depth industry knowledge allows us to deliver accurate, insightful, and data-driven reports, helping clients make informed decisions.

Fully Compliant

We operate under strict compliance with UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations, ensuring safe, legal, and fully insured drone operations. Our inspections adhere to IEC62446-3:2017 solar standards, thermography best practices, and construction industry safety protocols, making our services trusted by energy providers, engineering firms, and asset managers across the UK.

Fully Certified & Compliant Drone Surveys

We comply with IEC62446-3:2017 standards, providing professional and compliant solar inspections. Learn More About Compliance

Certified Master Thermographer Level 3 Report Writing Service

What Goes into an IEC62446-3:2017 Solar Inspection Report?

Comprehensive Thermal Imaging Analysis

Our reports include high-resolution thermal imagery captured using radiometric infrared cameras mounted on drones. Each image undergoes detailed analysis to detect:

  • Hotspots & Overheating

  • Micro-Cracks & Panel Damage

  • String & Module-Level Anomalies

Each IEC62446-3:2017 compliant report is delivered in a structured format, making it easy for solar operators, engineers, and insurers to review and act upon. By providing precise, data-driven insights, our drone inspections help maximise solar panel efficiency and investment returns.

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