Drone flight - solar system

With the help of thermography, faults in photovoltaic systems and solar modules become visible. The drone flies over the solar modules at a certain height. Local defects on the solar modules increase the resistance and thus inevitably lead to heat generation. The examinations take place during operation. Damaged or defective solar cells (hotspots) or solar modules show above or below average temperatures. The non-contact measurement with the thermal imaging camera identifies damaged solar modules and clearly shows other conspicuous features of the photovoltaic systems.

Thermal imaging cameras on drones are the perfect measuring tools. Thermal imaging cameras on drones can be individually adjusted in the angle to the surface. This is an advantage, as the ideal angle to the PV modules is recommended to be 90° when measuring. In practice, drones with thermal imaging cameras have proven their worth in troubleshooting PV systems for many years.

Fast and pinpoint diagnosis of all types of faults is possible in just one drone flight. Using the thermal image of your photovoltaic panels, we can identify the type and extent of the faults. Single defective panels have a negative impact on the efficiency of the complete solar system. By means of professional drone thermography, every defective panel becomes visible.

Based on our sound recommendations for action, the defective photovoltaic element can be repaired, replaced or shut down - for the most efficient energy generation possible. Many of the types of faults in a solar system entail significant consequences if they are not repaired in time. Solar panels that show initial hotspots are susceptible to further failures. These failures of their photovoltaic panels can cause decreased productivity of the plant segment.

Early identification of potential problem sources expands their scope for remediation before further repair costs and productivity losses reduce the profitability of their solar farm.

Drone flight - thermal camera

Thermography has become an important topic in the industrial and construction sectors over the past decades. A new development in this field consists of aerial thermographic inspections, because in combination with drones, thermal imaging cameras are particularly useful for various inspections. Thermal camera drones can perform thermographic inspections of inaccessible areas, buildings or power lines, and can be used for firefighting. The technology could also be used for other industrial applications, research and development, innovative aerial archaeology or nature and wildlife observation.

Multispectral technology uses a broader range of wavelengths than the human eye can absorb. This makes it possible, for example, to identify the condition of plants on the basis of reflected daylight. In combination with the measurement of light quantities, it is possible to analyze the vitality of entire crops.

The distinction between diseased and healthy plants is barely perceptible to the naked eye. Near-infrared technology is used to take advantage of a difference in reflectance due to different chlorophyll contents. From the information obtained, plant condition and growth can be monitored. This makes it possible to count and evaluate stands in forestry and to survey fields for pest infestation and plant growth.

A cross-sector application can be found in fawn rescue. In many places, grass harvesting begins not with the mower, but with the use of a drone with a thermal imaging camera. Flying systems are becoming increasingly important in the search for wildlife, including fawns in tall grass.  Drones with thermal imaging cameras detect heat signatures in the field, create a thermal image, and make it possible to detect fawns before they are harvested and take countermeasures to keep them alive and harvest them quickly. Every year, more than 100,000 fawns die the so-called mowing death in Germany alone. The best way to avoid this cruel spectacle is to fly over the fields using a drone and thermal imaging camera.