Aerial drone thermography is an essential tool for monitoring the performance and maintenance of solar PV systems. By using drones to capture high-resolution thermal images of solar panels and components, it is possible to identify potential issues, like hotspots and shading, affecting the efficiency and lifespan of the system. Choosing the right aerial thermography vendor for your solar business is crucial for ensuring that your solar PV system is operating as efficiently as possible.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing an aerial thermography contractor by highlighting five key steps to consider. From experience with solar PV systems to industry standards, insurance minimums, laws and regulations, and deliverables, we will cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision about hiring your next drone inspection company.
Table of Contents
1. Do they Have Experience Performing Aerial Inspections of PV Systems?
When deciding on an aerial thermography vendor for your solar business a key factor for an asset manager to consider is experience. It is essential to hire a professional drone company that has experience in performing aerial inspections of PV systems that are similar in size and technology to your facility. This can guarantee they have the necessary knowledge and expertise to evaluate the condition of your solar systems, understand your needs, and detect any potential problems that may arise during the inspection process.
"A successful [drone] inspection requires more than just the hardware. It requires experience and people who are inspection experts for the specific structure or facility."
Solar inspections with drones are a very technical and complex process that requires many steps and a large skill set. A professional drone service company should employ a diverse team of qualified experts with skill sets ranging from engineering, a deep understanding of the solar energy industry, equipment best practices, and proficiency in data analysis and reporting. This allows them to offer a more comprehensive and professional service than other options, which is critical for effectively managing and maintaining your solar PV system.
2. Are they Performing Flights in Compliance with Industry Standards?
Another important factor to consider is whether they are adhering to industry standards and defined best practices. This includes compliance with weather parameters, image capture and data guidelines, flight planning, and IEC Standards 62446.
Weather Parameters
As it pertains to weather parameters, the drone contractor should understand basic weather patterns, the best conditions to fly and capture images, and inversely when not to fly. The ideal weather conditions for solar PV inspections are sunny and clear, with minimal cloud cover and wind speeds less than 15 mph (24 kph). This will ensure the thermal images captured, as it pertains to weather, are of the highest quality possible.
Data Capture
When it comes to capturing thermal images of solar panels, the contractor should have a clear understanding of how to calculate the appropriate ground sampling distance (GSD), and what camera settings and resolution to use to achieve the desired image quality. They should also be familiar with best practices for data storage and management, such as regularly backing up files and using secure protocols for file transfers to protect the client’s intellectual property.
Flight Planning
Proper flight planning is also essential for ensuring that the drone contractor is adhering to industry standards. This includes experience with flight planning software options, obtaining the necessary airspace authorization, creating a detailed flight plan, and following safe flying practices.
IEC Standard 62446
IEC Standard TS 62446–3:2017(E) is an international standard that provides guidelines for performing aerial inspections of PV systems. It specifically deals with outdoor thermographic (infrared) inspection of PV modules and plants currently in operation. This standard is very important for drone companies providing inspection services because it defines the requirements for testing, documenting, and maintaining photovoltaic systems.
One example is the outline for preventive maintenance on fire protection. Outdoor thermographic inspections can identify potential hotspots in the solar PV system which may indicate a problem with the system’s wiring, faulty panels or other issues that can cause problems in the future, which could lead to fire hazards. Standards also ensure availability of the system for energy production by identifying problems that may affect the efficiency of the system and thus, reduce power production.
Additionally, IEC 62446–3 lays down requirements for:
- The proper measurement equipment
- Ambient conditions
- Inspection procedures
- Inspection reporting
- Personnel qualification
These standards also provide a matrix for thermal abnormalities as a guideline for the inspection. This helps to ensure all inspections are conducted in a consistent and reliable manner, and deliverables are accurate and informative. Another standard that is good to be familiar with is ASTM E 1934 “Standard Guide for Examining Electrical and Mechanical Equipment with Infrared Thermography,” which lists the responsibilities of the end user and the infrared thermographer when examining electrical and mechanical systems. A well experienced drone contractor will be up to date with all these standards and practices and be able to demonstrate compliance for their client.
What's included in YOUR GUIDE...
Techniques for Exposing Warrantiable Items on Your PV Sites.
A Proven Roadmap for Successfully Implementing Drones in Solar.
Strategies for Identifying DC Losses and Avoiding Downtime.
3. Do they Meet Your Insurance Minimums?
Another important factor to consider is insurance minimums. It is essential to ensure the drone service provider you are working with meets your insurance minimums, including workers compensation, automobile liability, employers’ liability, and commercial general liability. This will provide added protection for your business in the event of an accident or incident.
"As the commercial use of drones increases and continues to evolve, the potential risks of this technology need to be considered. Advances in drone technology are inevitably accompanied by a host of new and little-understood risks."
Related Article – Why Drones are Essential for Improving Workplace Safety
As a solar company, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with using drone services and the insurance options that are available to safeguard your business. Similar to other contractors that asset managers work with, it’s essential to confirm that your own company’s Commercial General Liability (CGL) coverage can serve as a buffer between your company and the contractor. Drone service providers may have different types of coverage depending on their business structure.
When evaluating the coverage that a drone service provider has, the most common insurance structures you may come across are liability and hull policies that are purchased on a per flight basis (on-demand), monthly or annually. Hull insurance will cover damage to the drone equipment, while a liability policy typically has limits that start at $500,000 and can be negotiated to meet the needs of the business and its operations or clients. Limits as high as $10,000,000 per occurrence are not uncommon in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) insurance.
It’s crucial to be aware that Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance policies may not always cover aviation-related claims, and not every drone service provider has the same insurance requirements. Drone insurance is not currently required by Federal or State laws, so it is important to verify coverage with the contractor directly. As a solar company, always evaluate the potential risks associated with each inspection to ensure the contractor has adequate coverage and any gaps in policy can be covered by your company’s insurance. When working with drone services, it’s essential to consider factors such as liability risks, cyber security, privacy concerns, and workers’ compensation when determining the insurance needs for your company.
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4. Are they in Compliance with Federal Drone Laws & Regulations?
Another essential quality is whether they follow federal drone laws and regulations. This includes FAA PART 107, local laws, and airspace authorizations. It is crucial to understand that drones cannot be flown for commercial purposes or in controlled airspace without prior approval from the FAA. Doing so will void the pilot’s insurance coverage and put both the pilot and the client at legal risk.
In addition to federal regulations, cities, counties, and states are increasingly implementing their own local ordinances which also should be followed. It is important to ensure that the drone company you are considering is aware of and keeping up with all local rules. Both authorizations and waivers can sometimes take up to 120 days to process by the FAA, so planning ahead is key.
You can perform your own due diligence to determine whether your solar system is located within controlled airspace by checking flight software applications such as the B4UFLY App or Airmap, and then entering the job address. If the pilot in command (PIC) fails to disclose that they are flying in controlled airspace or claims it is okay for them to fly without authorization, this is a red flag and caution should be taken.
5. Are they Equipped to Provide the Deliverables & Insights You Need?
In addition to solar PV experience, adherence to industry standards, meeting insurance minimums, and compliance with laws and regulations, it is essential to ensure the aerial thermography vendor you choose is equipped to provide the deliverables and insights you need. This is the primary reason for hiring the firm, and they need to get this aspect right. This includes having access to an up to date drone software application, the appropriate drone equipment for the job, and the capability to collect and analyze the proper flight data.
Flight planning and deliverables are often generated by a drone software application, and having the right one is important. You need one that can process the thermal images captured during the inspection and produce detailed reports. The software should be able to analyze the thermal images and identify potential issues with the solar PV system.
An example of some of the deliverables available are:
- Extensive report
- Clarifying tables
- Interactive maps
- Customize performance impact of power breakdown
- Site specific financial impact estimates
- Orthomosaics
- Digital twins
- Digital surface models (DSM)
- Above linework map of your site
- Panoramic imagery
- Summary reports
- Raw Imagery
The drone contractor should have the ability to collect and analyze the proper data from the thermal images created from the software. This includes having the expertise to interpret the thermal images and identify potential issues with the solar PV system, and then communicate those issues with maintenance personnel.
Raptor Maps Drone Solar Inspection Software Report
Getting Started: Hiring a Drone Contractor for Your Solar Business
Do you want to move beyond outdated and inefficient methods for inspecting and maintaining your solar facility? The Drone Life has the solution for you! We specialize in providing tailored aerial thermography solutions for companies managing large and small solar portfolios. Our team of experts have extensive experience in the solar industry and are dedicated to creating customized solutions that meet your specific needs.
We use state-of-the-art equipment, software, and technology to ensure that every inspection is carried out to the highest industry standards. Take the first step towards maximizing the lifespan of your solar systems and ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of your solar facility. Don’t hesitate any longer, you can schedule a free consultation with one of our drone experts today.
What's included in YOUR GUIDE...
Techniques for Exposing Warrantiable Items on Your PV Sites.
A Proven Roadmap for Successfully Implementing Drones in Solar.
Strategies for Identifying DC Losses and Avoiding Downtime.
