Vantage UAV | Solar Panel Roof Inspection

Overview

Vantage UAV was commissioned by Ecovision Asset Management to conduct a comprehensive inspection of PV (solar panel) systems and structure condition across 12 industrial roofs.

Inspections were mandated by the client’s insurer, requiring detailed assessment of both panel and roof conditions. The operation combined thermal sensors and high-resolution cameras to pinpoint underperforming panels, hotspots and water pooling evidence.

All data was captured in half a day with a rapid 2-day data turnaround to meet urgent client needs.

The Problem

Ecovision Asset Management’s client needed a safe and efficient way to assess the performance of a large suite of solar panels installed across several expansive industrial roofs. Gathering the necessary information on both the roof and solar panel condition for insurance and warranty purposes would have been extremely time-consuming and difficult using traditional inspection methods.

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The client also faced concerns about potential bird nesting on or under the solar panels, which could impact both panel performance and compliance. Without regular, detailed inspections, there would be a risk of undetected faults - leaving the client with no clear understanding of the current condition of their assets or areas that required urgent attention. This lack of visibility made it difficult to maintain operational efficiency and meet insurance obligations.

2 Day Turnaround

Dual Data Outputs

Twelve Building Roofs

The Solution

To address these challenges, Vantage UAV deployed an sophisticated thermal drone to carry out an in-depth inspection across twelve roof arrays. The team conducted both infrared and high-resolution RGB surveys, as well as a video overflight around the perimeter of each array to identify any potential physical issues beneath the panels.

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Inspection of twelve roofs completed within half a day on site, thanks to the advanced capabilities of the thermal drone and skilled Vantage UAV pilot.

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Following thorough quality control checks, the collected data was uploaded to our secure portal, making it available for the client to review within two days.

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The client was provided with access to the portal, enabling them to view all outputs, make annotations and quickly generate reports for maintenance contractors. Training and ongoing support were also delivered by Vantage UAV to ensure the client could fully leverage the insights and maximise the value of the inspection data.

Client Feedback

“As a Solar PV operation and maintenance provider we expanded services as we had commercial clients asking for more detailed roof and performance assessments. Following a competitive tender process, we selected Vantage UAV. The service has been fantastic. Communication has been excellent, and the team has been reliable, supportive, and adaptable throughout. As a result, we are now also using their thermographic drone services across the UK.” - Carl Clarke, Sales & Marketing Director

Conclusion

The survey revealed temperature differences across the solar panels, highlighting hotspots and pinpointing specific panels that were underperforming due to potential string damage or not switched on and functioning. The inspection also identified areas of potential water pooling on the roof, including beneath several underperforming panels, providing a clear picture of both structural and panel-level issues. The detailed data insights enabled the client to address concerns that would have been difficult and costly to uncover using traditional methods.

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2 Day Turnaround - Fast 2 day turnaround time, with data captured and delivered rapidly for immediate action.

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Dual Outputs - Dual data outputs combining high-resolution visual and infrared imaging for a complete performance overview.

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Comprehensive Coverage - Comprehensive coverage of all twelve buildings in a single, coordinated operation.

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Time-Stamped & Geo-Referenced Outputs - Time-stamped, geo-referenced data outputs, meeting insurance and warranty requirements.

Download the full case study

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage of all twelve buildings in a single, coordinated operation.

Dual Outputs

Dual data outputs combining high-resolution visual and infrared imaging for a complete performance overview.

Time-Stamped & Geo-Referenced

Time-stamped, geo-referenced data outputs, meeting insurance and warranty requirements.

Two Day Turnaround

Fast 2 day turnaround time, with data captured and delivered rapidly for immediate action.

References / Sources:

All imagery / information within this case study is used with the express permission of:

Ecovision Asset Management

Solar Panel Roof Inspection.

Overview