Solar Inspections & Assessments
Why Choose Northeast Aerial Solutions?
We specialize in drone-based solar panel inspections, offering faster, more accurate data capture and improved safety compared to manual methods.
Our Services
Energized PV Aerial Thermal Inspection and Analystics
- Utilizing thermal imaging to identify manufacturing defects, cracks, faulty inter-connectors, defective bypass diodes, and temporary shadowing.
- Processing thermal images to detect, classify, and prioritize anomalies, mapped to a digital twin of your solar site.
PV Rooftop Planning Survey
- Acquiring precise rooftop measurements and accurate base maps to enhance planning and design of rooftop PV construction projects.
Time-Based Shadow Survey
- Capturing interval aerial photos to assess sunlight obstruction throughout the day, identifying energy loss causes for quick remediation.
Types of Anomalies Detected
Cell Hot Spots
- Description: Localized overheating within individual solar cells, often due to defects or shading.
- Impact: Reduces efficiency and can accelerate module degradation.
- Detection: Thermal imaging pinpoints elevated temperatures in specific cells.
Multi-Cell Hot Spots
- Description: Overheating affecting multiple adjacent cells, indicating more extensive issues.
- Impact: Significantly diminishes energy output and may lead to further damage.
- Detection: Thermal scans reveal clusters of hot cells, suggesting systemic problems.
Shadowing
- Description: Obstructions such as vegetation, nearby structures, or other panels casting shadows on modules.
- Impact: Decreases energy production and can cause uneven heating, leading to hot spots.
- Detection: Visual inspections identify shading sources; thermal imaging assesses the impact on performance.
Soiling
- Description: Accumulation of dirt, dust, bird droppings, or other debris on panel surfaces.
- Impact: Blocks sunlight, reducing efficiency and potentially causing hot spots.
- Detection: High-resolution imagery detects soiled areas; AI analysis quantifies the extent and impact.
Cracked or Damaged Panels
- Description: Physical damage to panels from environmental factors or mechanical stress.
- Impact: Compromises structural integrity and efficiency, leading to potential safety hazards.
- Detection: Visual inspections and thermal imaging identify cracks or damage, allowing for timely repairs.
Defective Bypass Diodes
- Description: Malfunctioning diodes that can cause sections of a panel to overheat.
- Impact: Leads to hot spots and reduces overall system performance.
- Detection: Thermal imaging detects abnormal heating patterns indicative of diode issues.
Potential-Induced Degradation (PID)
- Description: Performance degradation caused by voltage stress, leading to power loss.
- Impact: Can result in significant efficiency reductions over time.
- Detection: Thermal scans and electrical tests identify PID effects, enabling corrective actions.
Delamination
- Description: Separation of layers within the panel, often due to moisture ingress or manufacturing defects.
- Impact: Reduces efficiency and can lead to complete panel failure.
- Detection: Visual inspections and thermal imaging reveal delamination areas, facilitating preventive maintenance.
How It Works
Site Assessment
- We work with your team to understanding your site's unique requirements, including location, size, and panel configuration.
Drone Inspection
- FAA licensed and insured operators capture high-resolution thermal and visual data across your solar installation.
Data Analysis
- Advanced software analyzes collected data to detect anomalies, inefficiencies, damage, and other concerns that may be reducing output.
Custom Reporting
- Receive an easy-to-understand report with actionable insights and recommendations.