Maximise Solar Output and Avoid Equipment Failures with a Thermal Drone Roof Assessment

On a bright, sunny day — ideal conditions for thermal imaging — we headed out to a commercial site to carry out a full solar panel and roof assessment using drone-mounted infrared thermography.

Why Combine Thermal Imaging with Aerial Inspection?

Thermal drone inspections allow us to capture high-resolution infrared data across multiple roof surfaces, detecting subtle but critical issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye. In this case, the factory site had several roof sections with mounted solar panels — each one subject to environmental exposure, potential electrical degradation, and installation wear over time.

What We’re Looking For

During a thermal assessment of solar panels, we specifically scan for:

• Hot spots indicating potential cell damage or failure
• Bypass diode failures or partial shading patterns
• Loose or corroded electrical connections
• Temperature inconsistencies across module strings

We also pair this with a general roof condition assessment to identify issues such as:

• Poor insulation coverage
• Water ingress and thermal bridging
• Structural heat patterns indicating potential faults

Planning for Precision

Before the flight, we assess environmental factors like wind and elevation, particularly on complex roof layouts. Even a bit of breeze can turn your paperwork into a kite — part of the fun when you’re working at height!

Once we’ve mapped the obstacles, we create a precise flight path using intelligent waypoint planning. This ensures full thermal coverage, efficient battery usage, and zero missed data points — critical for actionable reporting.

Why It Matters

Even if your system appears to be functioning correctly, unseen faults can reduce output and create long-term reliability issues. Early detection allows for proactive maintenance, increased energy yield, and extended system lifespan — all without climbing a ladder.

Get Ahead of Issues with a Free Diagnostic

At CIRTA, we’re offering free thermal diagnostic scans to qualified commercial properties. If you’re operating a solar installation or managing a commercial roof asset, now’s the time to take a look — before small issues become major expenses.

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