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.
Learn how drone thermography improves solar module warranty claims by verifying defects, streamlining documentation, and increasing claim success for PV system owners and asset managers.
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.
Research suggests drones have improved productivity, cost-effectiveness, and timeliness on construction sites. Although land surveyors have expressed concerns regarding the reliability, accuracy, and long-term future of these tools, the technology remains popular. To instill confidence in the field, we’re addressing the top 5 arguments and myths against drone surveying.
In recent years, advancements in technology have revolutionized the way we gather data for various fields, and one of those innovations is in Drone LiDAR Surveying. This groundbreaking technique combines the power of LiDAR with the agility and versatility of drone surveys, opening up new avenues for data collection and analysis. In this article, we will dive into the technology that drives Drone LiDAR Surveying, explore the myriad advantages it offers over traditional methods, and examine its diverse applications across different industries.
Potential induced degradation (PID) is an issue that all solar stakeholders, especially owners and O&Ms should be taking seriously even if it only affects a small minority of modules.Given the substantial time and expense associated with testing individual modules or strings using IV-curve tracing or electroluminescence testing, operators can use drone thermography to identify modules potentially affected by PID in a timely and cost-effective manner. In this article we will explain why it is important to identify PID in solar modules.
After months of hard work and problem-solving, your solar project is ready to start the commissioning process. Milestone payments, contractual deadlines, and the need for resources to move to the next project all hinge on a successful commissioning. While technical aspects are crucial to ensure your system is ready to hand off, other factors also play a significant role. In this article, we will review some technical and non-technical best practices that will make the asset owner’s life easier.
When it comes to the business of drone surveying, understanding elevation models is paramount. Three of the most used models are the Digital Terrain Model (DTM), the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), and the Digital Surface Model (DSM). These models serve as crucial tools in understanding terrain details. They are instrumental in various fields from land development, construction volumetrics, and surveying. In this article, we examine the fundamentals of elevation models, their significance in drone surveying, and applications for their use across different industries.
Drones have revolutionized various industries, from real estate to agriculture, providing unparalleled perspectives and data collection capabilities for stakeholders and project managers. However, with the rise of drone technology comes the risk of encountering scams and drone service operators looking to take advantage of unsuspecting clients. Whether you’re a business owner, manager, or stakeholder, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential pitfalls when hiring a drone services company. Here are five common pitfalls to watch out for.
