The transition of NFPA 70B from a “recommended practice” to an enforceable standard marks a significant milestone in the electrical maintenance industry, particularly for the solar sector. While new regulations bring challenges, they also present opportunities—such as leveraging drone technology to simplify and enhance compliance.
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The purpose of this standard is to provide for the practical safeguarding of persons, property, and processes from the risks associated with failure, breakdown, or malfunction and a means to establish a condition of maintenance of electrical equipment and systems for safety and reliability.
Source: NFPA 70B Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance Section 1.2
Adhering to this standard means that O&M (Operations and Maintenance) companies provide their customers with a level of service that ensures the safety and profitability of solar assets. Compliance with NFPA 70B is not just about checking boxes—it’s about protecting both personnel and assets. Non-compliance can result in costly equipment failures, safety risks, and reduced returns on investment for solar projects. So, what does this standard entail, and how can drones aid in compliance?
Required Frequency of Maintenance Intervals
A common question after installing a solar asset is: How often should we maintain this? Equipment manufacturers typically provide maintenance schedules, but what happens when that information is lost, unknown, or the system has been modified? This is where NFPA 70B comes into play.
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Where the manufacturer's recommendations are not provided or available and failure, breakdown, or malfunction of the equipment will present an unacceptable risk for personnel or the environment, equipment maintenance shall be performed at not greater than the intervals specified in Table 9.2.2.
Source: NFPA 70B Section 9.2.2
Sections 9.2 and 9.3 outline the minimum acceptable intervals for maintenance based on an assessment of the equipment’s physical condition. For PV systems in new condition with no issues, a visual inspection is recommended every 60 months. However, for systems that have missed two maintenance cycles or exhibit problems, inspections should be conducted every 12 months.
Maintenance Requirements for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
Once a schedule is established, the next question is: What type of maintenance is needed, and how can drones streamline the process? Before sending a technician to replace a faulty component, a thorough examination of the entire system is required—this is where drones excel. According to NFPA 70B, both visual inspections and infrared thermography are required for PV systems. A certified drone pilot can quickly inspect the entire system using both visual and infrared spectrums to identify parts that may need repair or replacement.
PV systems and their associated equipment shall be visually inspected in accordance with Table 30.4.1 and using infrared thermography in accordance with Table 30.4.5.
Source: NFPA 70B Section 30
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.
What should be inspected? Table 30.4.1 outlines 13 components of a PV system that must be visually inspected during each maintenance cycle. This includes the front and back of PV modules, conductors, connectors, tracking and mechanical systems, and site characteristics. Since these inspections should be conducted while the system is online and operating at a minimum of 40% capacity, using a drone significantly increases personnel safety. Additionally, Table 30.4.5 identifies four major categories of system components that should be inspected using infrared thermography or other electrical tests.
System Component Categories
- Electrical Terminations
- Grounding and Bonding
- PV Strings and Modules
- Module Interconnections
Given the typically large number of modules—especially in utility-scale installations—drones offer unmatched efficiency in collecting thermal data. Not only do drones enhance safety by reducing the need for manual inspections, but they also lower costs by detecting issues early, preventing more extensive repairs. In fact, drone-based inspections are faster, often completed in hours compared to days for manual checks, minimizing downtime and improving system availability.
Qualifications of Testing Maintenance Personnel
Another key aspect outlined in NFPA 70B is the qualification of personnel performing maintenance. Section 8.4.1 states the personnel should have the proper qualifications and training to operate the equipment used in the test to be performed.
Testing personnel shall be qualified to operate AND perform the test procedure on the specific equipment to be tested.
Source: NFPA 70B Section 8.4.1/.2
In other words, certified thermographers should be used to gather thermographic data. It is critical to have a certified professional perform the work to ensure accurate interpretation of the data. These experts are trained to avoid false readings and can differentiate between issues and anomalies caused by factors such as improper angles or incorrect emissivity settings. Certification is not just a recommendation—it is essential for ensuring the reliability of the data. Even for visual inspections, it is beneficial to hire someone knowledgeable about the difference between a combiner box and an inverter.
Getting Started with NFPA Compliance Using Drones
For nearly 50 years, NFPA 70B has provided essential guidance for maintaining electrical equipment to ensure safety and longevity. With its recent update to an enforceable standard, the renewable energy sector stands to gain from more thorough evaluations and procedures that will extend the lifespan of solar installations. Now, more than ever, is the perfect time to integrate drones into your maintenance strategy. With the right technology and certified experts, asset owners can optimize their solar investments while ensuring safety, efficiency, and long-term profitability.
Partnering with a skilled drone service provider is a crucial step. Working with a team that is FAA-licensed and experienced in your industry ensures compliance standards will be met and quality results achieved. At The Drone Life, our pilots are not only FAA-certified but also OSHA-certified, bringing extensive experience across a wide range of commercial projects. By choosing The Drone Life, you’ll have a partner who understands the specific demands of your work and is committed to delivering the highest level of service. Schedule a free consultation with us today, and let The Drone Life help you achieve your project goals with precision and expertise.
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.
