With the rapid expansion of the solar energy sector, ensuring the efficiency and longevity of photovoltaic systems has become a critical challenge. In Germany alone, over 3.7 million photovoltaic systems were installed by the end of 2023. (Source: German Solar Industry Association), highlighting the immense growth in solar energy adoption and the increasing demand for advanced maintenance and inspection solutions to guarantee uninterrupted operation and optimal energy production.
The Challenge: efficient solar panel monitoring
Maintaining such a vast number of solar panels requires efficient and accurate quality assessment tools. Traditional inspection methods often involve manual checks, which can be time-consuming and ineffective in detecting certain anomalies. However, thermal imaging technology has emerged as a game-changer in the surveillance of photovoltaic modules, enabling real-time, non-invasive monitoring while the panels are in operation.
The Game-Changer: Advanced Inspection Technologies
One of the most effective tools for solar panel surveillance is the use of thermal imaging cameras, which provide a clear visualization of anomalies that may not be visible to the naked eye. Unlike other inspection methods, thermal cameras can detect faulty cells, hotspots, and wiring issues without requiring physical disassembly of the system.
However, thermal imaging is just one of the many technologies we have successfully implemented. To ensure the most comprehensive inspection process, we have deployed a combination of:
- Thermal Imaging (EyeCheck Thermo) – To detect temperature anomalies in real-time.
- AI-Powered analytics (EyeVision Software) – To determine if it’s a hotspot from the sun or if it’s a defect in the cell or panel.
By using these technologies independently or in combination, we can achieve unparalleled accuracy and efficiency in identifying faults and optimizing performance by an early replacement of defective or soon defect panels.
The Solution: EyeCheck Thermo & EyeVision Software
To achieve this breakthrough in solar panel monitoring, we leveraged EVT’s EyeCheck Thermo smart camera, which is designed for both fixed and drone-mounted applications. This system provides several advantages:
- No PC required – making it ideal for portable drone applications
- High thermal sensitivity (≤ 0.08 K) – the EyeCheck Thermo can detect temperature differences as small as 0.08 degrees Celsius—equivalent to spotting a single warm pixel in a sea of cool ones.
- Automated monitoring – with the EyeVision software handling temperature analysis
- Real-time alerts – the system automatically triggers alarms when predefined threshold values are exceeded
Implementation & Results
With EyeCheck Thermo mounted on drones, we conducted a series of inspections over large-scale solar farms. The results were remarkable:
- Detection of faulty modules: Previously undetected hotspots and defects were identified early, preventing potential failures.
- Improved efficiency: The automated system reduced inspection time by over 70% compared to traditional manual checks.
- Cost savings: Early fault detection led to lower maintenance costs and increased overall energy production.
- Scalability: The solution was successfully deployed across multiple solar farms, proving its reliability and effectiveness.
Future of Solar panel inspections
With advancements in thermal imaging, and AI-driven analytics, the future of solar panel maintenance looks more efficient and proactive than ever. The successful implementation of drone-mounted thermal inspections marks a significant leap in optimizing solar energy performance and asset longevity.
By integrating smart inspection solutions like EyeCheck Thermo, solar energy providers can ensure maximized energy output, extended system lifespan, and enhanced return on investment—paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future in renewable energy.
