Half-cut solar cells offer efficiency benefits, but emerging reports reveal unexpected hot spot issues across many installations. The causes remain unclear, with factors like micro-cracks, electrical imbalances, and bifacial designs under scrutiny. This article explores the industry’s challenges in diagnosing these anomalies and the role of drone thermography in detecting them.
Delta T (ΔT) in thermography measures the temperature difference between normal and anomalous components, helping to detect potential issues like hotspots, cracks, and faulty connections. This critical metric enables precise diagnostics, supports proactive maintenance strategies, and ensures the efficient operation and longevity of various systems and equipment.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Efficient operations and maintenance (O&M) play a pivotal role in the success of utility-scale solar projects. As renewable energy continues to grow, ensuring optimal performance and longevity for solar installations becomes paramount. In the following article, we will explore the best practices that drive success in utility-scale solar O&M. We will discuss the importance of regular inspections and maintenance, the role of data-driven decision-making, and the integration of innovative drone technology.
New Jersey’s community solar program is set to expand following the signing of a new law by Governor Phil Murphy. Governor Murphy signed a bill in January 2024 to bolster New Jersey’s community solar program, with the aim of expanding its overall size and ensuring greater access for low- and moderate-income (LMI) residents.
