When does it make sense to analyze my solar system with a drone?
In most cases, it makes sense to analyze your PV system in order to detect and rectify damage and power losses as quickly as possible. Suitable analysis times and important criteria for the analysis are explained below.
After the construction of the plant
Your system has recently been installed and you are pleased with the first yields. You are satisfied with the daily energy production, but is this really the maximum that your system can deliver?
There is often a lack of reference values to compare the production of your system with the actual amount of energy that can be generated at your location. In addition, each of your panels generates a different output due to manufacturing differences.
You should consider a drone overflight in order to replace poor panels as soon as your system is commissioned and to detect shading at an early stage.
For regular checks
Regular routine inspections of your system by trained specialists are mandatory. Photovoltaic drones can greatly speed up these routine checks and detect faults in individual panels much faster and more accurately than specialist personnel who are only on the ground. This not only saves you time, but also money.
Drones are also a quick way to inspect the system for damage in the event of weather events such as heavy hail. This allows you to act quickly and replace damaged cells to ensure maximum feed-in to your system.
What needs to be considered?
Suitable environmental conditions are important for photovoltaic analysis with drones so that the data from the thermal imaging camera is reliable.
Ideally, the following conditions are present:
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Clear sky
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Low wind speed
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- Late morning or early afternoon
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Radiation intensity of more than 600 W/m2
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A clear sky is necessary to avoid reflections from clouds. In addition, uniform irradiation of the solar panels is only guaranteed when the sky is clear.
Excessively high wind speeds distort the measured values of the infrared cameras.
Late morning to early afternoon is the optimum time for a drone-based thermal inspection. Condensation that has accumulated overnight has evaporated and the site has not yet become isothermal. Isothermal scenarios are caused by longer periods of constant temperatures, e.g. at night or by prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Radiant intensity is the density of radiation incident on a given area, usually expressed in watts per square centimeter or square meter. PV cells must reach a certain value to enable a true temperature measurement. The ideal value for carrying out an inspection is 600 W/m2. Thermal measurements from the air can also be carried out at other radiation intensities, but may provide data of lower quality.
Is a photovoltaic drone flight worthwhile?
Get in touch with us here. We will be happy to advise you.