Advanced Thermal Imaging for Roof & Panel Inspections
Protect Your Solar Investment from the Ground Up with Advanced Thermal Imaging
Investing in solar power is a smart move for sustainability and long-term savings. But what about the foundation supporting your solar panels? A compromised roof can undermine your entire investment, leading to costly repairs and system downtime. That’s why we offer comprehensive thermal imaging services, ensuring your solar project is built on a solid foundation.
Common Roof Defects We Identify
- Trapped moisture within flat roof insulation
- Failed waterproof membranes
- Delamination in built‑up roofing systems
- Ponding water and poor drainage areas
- Thermal bridging and insulation gaps
- Mechanical damage and punctures
- Degraded flashing and edge details
- Early‑stage leaks invisible to the naked eye
Outcome: A clear, evidence‑based condition report allowing repairs to be completed before solar installation, protecting warranties and long‑term ROI.
Solar Panel Thermal Imaging Inspections (Drone‑Based)
Once installed, solar panels must operate efficiently to deliver expected financial returns. Our aerial thermal inspections quickly scan entire solar arrays with minimal disruption.
Defects We Detect in Solar PV Systems
- Hot spots caused by cell damage or manufacturing faults
- Micro‑cracks and broken cells
- Faulty bypass diodes
- String failures and disconnected modules
- Soiling and shading losses
- PID (Potential Induced Degradation)
- Junction box overheating
- Cable and connector faults
- Inverter‑related thermal anomalies
Preventing Fire Risk with Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging acts as an early-warning system for solar safety by detecting “hot spots”—localised areas of high resistance caused by cracked cells, faulty wiring, or failing bypass diodes.
Since these electrical defects generate significant heat before they ever become visible to the naked eye, thermography allows you to:
- Prevent Arcing: Identify loose connections and failing junction boxes that could spark a fire.
- Stop Thermal Runaway: Catch overheating cells before they melt the panel’s backsheet or surrounding roofing material.
- Actionable Maintenance: Transition from reactive repairs to proactive prevention, ensuring the system stays within safe operating temperatures.
In short, thermal scanning transforms invisible electrical stress into a clear visual map, allowing you to neutralise fire hazards before they ignite.
STAGE-1
PRE-SOLAR INSTALLATION ROOF ASSESSMENT: UNVEILING HIDDEN ISSUES
“Imagine the cost and headache of removing your entire solar array for roof repairs! We help you avoid this”
Before a single solar panel is installed, we deploy our state-of-the-art, high-resolution thermal imaging drone. This advanced technology allows us to conduct a thorough visual and infrared (IR) inspection of your roof. We meticulously analyse the data to identify:
Compromised Roof Membranes:
Saturated areas and hidden weaknesses that could lead to future leaks.
Waterproofing Defects:
Early detection of potential water intrusion points, preventing costly damage.
Structural Integrity:
A comprehensive overview of your roof’s condition, ensuring it can handle the weight and installation process.
WHY DO WE USE THERMOGRAPHY:
Simply put, is shows us what the naked eye can’t see. During the daytime, any moisture that has penetrated the roof system will heat up. After sunset, the surrounding areas that are dry, will cool down quickly whilst the water will retain its heat and start to radiate. The method shows up clearly the areas of roof that are holding water to assist in leak tracking to the penetration points for general saturation analysis.
We always recommend follow up core samples are taken to confirm diagnosis.
STAGE-2
PHOTOGRAMMETRY WITH AREAS OF SATURATION MEASURED.
STAGE-3
POST-INSTALLATION INSPECTION: ENSURING QUALITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Following the solar panel installation, we conduct another thermal imaging inspection. This crucial step allows us to:
Identify Installation Damage:
Detect any damage caused to the roof during the installation process.
Identify Faulty Solar Cells:
Detect hot spots and failing cells that can lead to reduced energy production and string failures.
Provide Evidence for Conflict Resolution:
Our detailed report serves as an objective record, vital for resolving any disputes with installers.
ONGOING INSPECTIONS- REGULAR SOLAR PANEL PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS AND ROOF CONDITION: MAXIMISING EFFICIENCY
Following the solar panel installation, we conduct another thermal imaging inspection. This crucial step allows us to:
- Identify Failed Solar Cells: Our detailed report serves as an objective record, vital for resolving any disputes with installers.
- Monitor System Performance: Our detailed report serves as an objective record, vital for resolving any disputes with installers.
Our detailed thermal inspections and reporting are in accordance with IEC 62446-3 standards. It is suitable for comprehensive identification of critical anomalies on solar panels and cells.
ANOMALY TYPES AND ANOMALY REVIEW
The efficient operation and longevity of solar energy systems require regular monitoring and maintenance. In this process, the detection of various anomalies that may occur in solar panels plays a critical role. Anomalies can reduce the efficiency of solar panels and lead to losses in energy production. MapperX is an advanced software that detects these anomalies using thermal and RGB photographs with the support of artificial intelligence.
Cell Anomaly:
Cell anomalies in solar panels cause inefficiency or failure. Thermal imaging detects temperature differences, highlighting performance issues.
Multi-Cell Anomaly:
Multiple cell anomalies are failures across several cells, often due to connection issues or defects. Thermal inspection reveals overheating, which can significantly reduce panel energy production.
Diode Problems:
Diodes in solar panels allow current flow in one direction. Thermal images show overheating when diodes fail, causing energy production losses by hindering panel efficiency.
Multi-Diode Problems:
Diodes in solar panels allow current flow in one direction. Thermal images show overheating when diodes fail, causing energy production losses by hindering panel efficiency.
Module Anomalies:
Module anomalies affect entire solar panel modules, often due to defects, assembly issues, or environmental factors. Thermal imaging reveals temperature differences between modules.
Multi-Cell Anomaly:
Multiple cell anomalies are failures across several cells, often due to connection issues or defects. Thermal inspection reveals overheating, which can significantly reduce panel energy production.
MAXIMISE RETURN ON INVESTMENT:
PROACTIVE MAINTENANCE ENSURES YOUR SOLAR PANELS OPERATE AT PEAK PERFORMANCE, MAXIMISING YOUR ENERGY SAVINGS.
WHY CHOOSE OUR THERMAL IMAGING SERVICES?
State-of-the-Art Technology:
We utilise high-resolution thermal imaging drones for accurate and detailed inspections.
Expert Analysis:
Our ITC Level 2 experienced surveyors interpret the data to provide clear and actionable reports.
Preventative Approach:
We help you avoid costly repairs and maximise the lifespan of your solar investment.
Peace of Mind:
Gain confidence knowing your solar project is built on a solid foundation and performing at its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why scan a roof before installing solar panels?
To identify hidden defects that could fail after installation and require costly panel removal.
Is thermal imaging non destructive?
Yes, surveys are completely non‑invasive and safe for occupied buildings.
How long does a survey take?
Most commercial roofs are completed within a few hours, depending on size.
Do you use drones for every inspection?
Drones are used where safe and appropriate to maximise coverage and efficiency.
Are your pilots certified?
Yes, we are CAA registered with a perfect safety record since 2015.
What standard are solar inspections completed to?
IEC 62446 inspection and testing standards.
Can you find leaks that are not visible?
Yes, thermal imaging detects trapped moisture and insulation failure invisible to the eye.
Will this protect my solar warranty?
Yes, proving roof condition before installation helps safeguard guarantees.
How often should solar panels be inspected?
Typically annually, or after extreme weather events.