What Happens During a Solar Panel Drone Inspection?

Solar panels are increasingly becoming the new source of household energy. They are cheaper and easier to install compared to electrical installations. After installation, an inspection is done to review the social panel system.

An inspection ensures safety and peace of mind, knowing that a thorough inspection has been performed. Since solar panels require electrical and structural work, the government must ensure the installation meets the building and safety codes.

Inspection is performed to ensure that the standard is of high quality. But how are the checks done? Let’s find out below.

What Happens During a Solar Panel Drone Inspection?

The goal of solar panel inspection is to ensure that the panel does not pose an electrical fire hazard and that it is operating properly and efficiently. During an inspection, two leading sectors are targeted: the electrical system and the structure.

Electrical System Inspection

The inspection will begin with a certified inspector from the local government or an inspection service inspecting the main service panel and the entire electrical system. The key things to look out for in this segment are potential fire issues or shorts, which could cause injury or damage to the system.

The next inspection area is to check whether proper grounding of the panels has been done, as well as mounting rails, and mental conduit. The gauge, types of wires, and connections are all looked at to make sure they are in the right place.

AC and DC connections are vital for an emergency shutdown. During an inspection, these switches are made sure to be close to the electrical metre and to each other. They can be easily located in an emergency, making it easier to switch them off.

Lastly, safety and specification labels are checked, which provide warnings and measurements of the panel. Hiring a qualified inspector is necessary to ensure these issues are located and resolved.

Structural Inspection

The purpose of the structural inspection is to check if the panels can withstand natural, extreme weather conditions throughout their lifetime. The inspector will check to ensure the solar panel does not damage a person or a household during such harsh conditions.

Other essential aspects an inspector looks for are correct panel attachment, proper rail installation, and any house structure reinforcements. Once again, hiring a qualified inspector from an inspection service or the government is crucial to identify the correct inspection requirements.

Types of Inspection

The main issues that may arise prompting a solar panel inspection are water ingress, wrong cell color, bubbles on the panel, scratches on the glass, foreign materials within the cell, insulation resistance, and poor battery performance, among others.

There are two types of inspection: pre and post-production.

Pre-Production

Before a solar panel is produced, an inspection of the materials and factories where the panels are manufactured is mandatory to ensure they are of high quality. The glass control process for mechanical resistance and transparency control verification is also done.

An inspector validates and sends inspection reports at different stages of the control planning process through the production process to ensure safe construction. Regular factory visits and machinery inspections are conducted to ensure that techniques and equipment are correct and safe for use.

Post-Production

After solar panel production, the panels undergo certain inspections that ensure they are safe and ready for use. They can be divided into the following sections:

Visual checks – looking out for potential aesthetic damages to the panels; proper fixation of the sealant through testing; correct labeling and branding inspection; cracks or holes developed during production.
Labeling – barcodes are checked; logo and organizational branding; right dimensions of the measurements used; correct labels that resonate with the product’s specifications.
Functional inspections – power and voltage discharge testing, polarity testing; testing heat production by the panels; construction testing.

How Often Should Inspections Be Done?

Regular inspections are required to maintain the longevity of solar panels. These reviews help find any risks or dangers that could cause damage to the solar panels. Usually, these inspections are done after five years, but only if the panels were installed correctly and passed the first inspection. Also, learn about Drones for solar panel maintenance inspections.

As for the price, it begins at 1,100 AED. A small price to pay for proper maintenance

Conclusion

It is critical to avoid taking any shortcuts when installing a solar panel in order to make the inspection process easier and have fewer faults. Meeting the requirements assures solar panel longevity and proper maintenance. The requirements ensure longevity and peak performance.

At GIS Drones, we offer unique commercial and professional aerial services using the most advanced drones for quality industry applications. Mohamed Shawky started GIS Drones in Dubai in 2020 with the goal of becoming the best drone service in the UAE. We are focused on drone-powered solution delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Drones are usually operated by a pilot who is far from the action. The risks involved in climbing the roof for inspections are significant. Thus, using a drone ensures a safer assessment.

Using drones for solar panel inspection makes things easier for the inspector. The drones can reach areas that may be difficult to inspect, providing convenience.

A drone may take several minutes to complete the inspection. On the other hand, an inspector may take up to a few hours because it takes time and effort to find the right places to check

Drones are becoming more common as the year’s pass. Undoubtedly, in the next decade, they will take over solar panel inspection and promote quicker and safer reviews.