IEC 62446-3:2017 sets the global standard for drone-based solar PV thermography, ensuring high-resolution data and precise fault detection. This article explores how IEC compliance improves inspection accuracy, impacts insurance claims, and supports long-term system performance, offering a compelling case for adopting these rigorous standards in new site commissioning and ongoing maintenance.
Discover how drone LiDAR technology overcomes the challenges of mapping vegetated terrain, from penetrating dense tree canopies to capturing accurate ground contours. Learn why it’s essential for topographic surveys, the limitations it faces with water and snow, and how it’s transforming land development.
Discover how drones can simplify compliance with NFPA 70B, the new enforceable standard for electrical maintenance. Learn how drone technology enhances safety, reduces costs, and boosts efficiency in solar operations, helping asset owners maintain long-term profitability while ensuring their systems are operating safely and effectively.
Understanding the differences between DWG, DXF, and SHP file formats is key to successful drone topographic mapping. Each serves a distinct purpose in surveying and construction, from detailed design to large-scale geographic analysis. In this article we look at choosing the right format to ensures accurate data processing and collaboration across teams and platforms.
GeoTIFFs are essential in drone surveying, embedding precise geospatial data like GPS coordinates and elevation into image files. This allows for accurate mapping and analysis, making GeoTIFFs invaluable in industries such as construction, land development, and environmental monitoring. Their integration with GIS ensures precise spatial assessments and decision-making.
Discover how combining LiDAR technology with drones revolutionizes data collection by producing precise 3D environmental models. This article explores the creation, applications, and benefits of drone LiDAR point clouds, offering valuable insights into their significance and future potential across various fields.
New Jersey is transforming over 800 abandoned landfills into solar farms, addressing environmental hazards and advancing renewable energy goals. Highlighting significant projects and state policies, this initiative revitalizes underutilized land, promotes sustainable development, and positions New Jersey as a leader in landfill solar redevelopment.
As electric utilities face increasing pressure to ensure reliable service while minimizing environmental risks, traditional methods of vegetation management are proving inadequate. The threat of wildfires, exacerbated by overgrown vegetation near power lines, combined with the risk of storm damage from falling trees and branches, makes effective vegetation management crucial. This article explores how drone LiDAR is transforming vegetation management for electric utilities, providing precise data and enhancing safety.
Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has been at the forefront of transportation innovation, from the inauguration of the Rural Roads Program in the 1930s to modern milestones like the use of drones and facial recognition technology. Since 2018, PennDOT’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), or drone program, has been revolutionizing the state’s transportation landscape, bringing new efficiencies, versatility, and an increased safety standard to their projects.
Rapid Shutdown Devices (RSDs) are an important safety feature during rooftop fires with PV arrays, and were mandated by the NEC. Commonly used Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE) simplify the installation but increase failure risks. In this article, we explain how regular inspections, especially using drone thermography, are crucial to detect overheating and prevent rooftop fires.
One of the biggest factors encouraging investment in solar projects is the long 25-30 year warranties that module manufacturers provide for their products. During the life of a solar asset, the warranty claim process inevitably plays a role in maintaining system production at acceptable levels. In this article, we will examine some of the challenges and solutions involved in making a successful claim to PV module manufacturers.
The commissioning process represents a pivotal stage in renewable energy to ensure a solar project is not only operational but also performing at its peak efficiency. In this case study we will examine the development of a 10 megawatt (MW) solar project, how drone thermography inspections were utilized during the commissioning process.
