Maximizing Solar System Efficiency with Drone-Based Thermography Inspections

Don Speake
May 21
3 min read

As solar energy adoption increases across the Southeast—including Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina—so does the need to maintain these valuable systems. Aerial thermography using drone technology is revolutionizing how solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are inspected, helping facility managers and solar operators protect their investments, improve efficiency, and reduce safety risks.

At EchoTech NDT Solutions, we specialize in drone-based thermographic inspections to help you spot issues before they lead to costly failures or safety incidents.

What Is Thermography in Solar Inspections?

Thermography uses infrared imaging to detect temperature anomalies across solar panels. These temperature differences indicate potential problems like:

Hot spots caused by faulty cells
Soiling or shading issues
Delamination or Cracking
Loose connections or failed bypass diodes

When conducted by drone, these inspections become faster, safer, and more comprehensive compared to manual or ground-based inspections.

Why Drone-Based Thermography?

1. Improved Accuracy and Coverage

Using drones equipped with high-resolution thermal sensors (like our DJI Matrice 4T), we can scan thousands of panels quickly and precisely. This top-down perspective ensures no area is missed—ideal for large utility-scale or commercial rooftop systems.

2. Minimized Downtime

Traditional inspections may require system shutdowns or partial shutdowns. Drone-based inspections can be performed without disruption to system operation,

allowing for real-time performance monitoring.

3. Reduced Safety Risk

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and data from Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), thermal anomalies in PV systems are a leading cause of electrical fires in solar installations. Drones eliminate the need for personnel to walk on rooftops or climb ladders, drastically reducing fall risk and electrical hazard exposure.

Thermal inspections help detect early signs of fire risk in modules, wiring, and inverters—long before a failure occurs.

4. Cost Savings and ROI

According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), early detection of faults via thermal imaging can reduce maintenance costs by up to 35% and boost energy output by 2-5% annually. For a 1 MW commercial system, that could mean thousands of dollars in recovered energy revenue every year.

What We Look for During a Thermal Solar Inspection

During your inspection, EchoTech NDT Solutions evaluates:

Panel temperature uniformity
Module string performance
Connection integrity
Inverter temperature signatures
Mounting system issues visible via RGB imaging

We provide a detailed, easy-to-read report including thermal images, annotated maps, and recommendations for corrective actions. These insights allow you to schedule repairs proactively—before minor issues become major failures.

Who Benefits from Our Service?

Our drone-based thermography inspection services are ideal for:

Solar farm owners and operators
EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) contractors
O&M (Operations & Maintenance) teams
Commercial and industrial property owners with rooftop solar
Asset managers looking to improve system performance and safety

Stay Compliant and Efficient with NFPA 70B EMP

Our inspections align with NFPA 70B Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP) guidelines, which require annual infrared thermography for all critical electrical equipment—including solar arrays. Compliance ensures system longevity, reliability, and insurance alignment. If you need an EMP implemented per NFPA 70B and don't know where to begin we can set up the program for you and perform all necessary thermography inspections as required!

Why Choose EchoTech NDT Solutions?

EchoTech is an Alabama-based expert in thermal drone inspections and nondestructive testing. Our certified thermographers use industry-leading equipment to deliver actionable data and peace of mind.

FAA Part 107 Certified Pilots
Insured and safety-trained teams
Experience with commercial and utility-scale systems
Serving Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina

Schedule Your Aerial Thermal Inspection Today

Don't let hidden faults drain your solar investment. Contact EchoTech NDT Solutions today to schedule a comprehensive drone-based thermography inspection of your solar system.