Solar PV Inspections – IEC62446 Thermal Imaging & String-Level Testing
Ensure Maximum Efficiency & Compliance with IEC62446-3:2017 Standard Inspections
Detect Faults, Reduce Downtime & Optimise Solar Panel Performance with Expert Drone Surveys
Drone Media Imaging delivers certified IEC 62446-3 compliant solar PV inspections using radiometric thermal drones and high-resolution RGB sensors. We help commercial solar operators, O&M teams and engineering firms detect module faults, diagnose early-stage degradation and optimise system performance using accurate, standards-driven aerial thermography.
Our drone-based solar inspections combine high-accuracy radiometric thermal imaging with engineering-grade RGB photography to evaluate PV module performance quickly, safely and without disruption. We identify thermal anomalies such as hotspots, PID, string defects, bypass diode failures, cracked cells, and thermal inconsistencies that affect yield and long-term asset performance.
Our method captures PV array behaviour under real operating conditions, providing a clear view of electrical imbalances, shading issues, mechanical damage and temperature differentials across strings and modules. This enables maintenance teams to respond early, prevent avoidable failures and maximise system uptime.
Whether inspecting ground-mount solar farms or commercial rooftop installations, our aerial thermal surveys provide reliable, repeatable, and verifiable performance insights that support preventative maintenance, O&M planning, and warranty validation.
How Our Solar Drone Inspections Work
What Are Solar Panel Inspections?
Solar panel inspections involve the use of high-resolution thermal imaging cameras mounted on drones (UAVs) to perform non-invasive, detailed analysis of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. These radiometric thermal sensors capture precise temperature variations across solar modules, helping identify hotspots, micro-cracks, delamination, and faulty bypass diodes that can reduce energy efficiency and cause long-term system degradation. Unlike manual inspections, drone-based thermal imaging provides rapid, large-scale assessments without requiring physical access to panels, minimising operational disruptions and improving inspection efficiency for utility-scale solar farms, commercial rooftops, and residential PV systems.
Our inspections detect temperature anomalies that signal potential electrical failures, shading issues, or manufacturing defects, which can impact overall system performance. By integrating GPS-based fault mapping and AI-driven image analysis, we provide detailed, actionable reports that classify defects by severity and location, ensuring maintenance teams can quickly address critical issues. We follow a systematic approach, including pre-flight planning, data acquisition, post-processing analysis, and compliance checks to align with IEC62446-3:2017 standards. This enables solar farm operators, asset managers, and maintenance providers to optimise energy production, extend panel lifespan, and prevent costly system failures.
For commercial clients requiring deeper diagnostics, we provide optional string-level electrical testing to assess performance and detect electrical faults not visible thermally. Tests include: Open-circuit voltage (Voc) – Short-circuit current (Isc) – Polarity – Insulation resistance – I-V curve analysis (IEC 61829). All tests are performed safely at ground level using compliant testing instruments — no rooftop access or inverter diagnostics are required. Results are delivered alongside thermal imagery in a structured report.
Get IEC-compliant thermal diagnostics and accurate system performance insights.
Discover how drone technology can enhance your operations with a free quotation from our experts. Ensure your solar panels are operating at peak efficiency with our IEC62446-3:2017 compliant drone inspections and String-Level Testing (IEC 62446-1).
How We Deliver the Inspection – Technical Methodology
All solar PV inspections follow the IEC 62446-3:2017 framework, ensuring correct environmental conditions, flight geometry, image acquisition workflow and data interpretation. We use radiometric thermal sensors capable of delivering precise temperature readings across full string and module surfaces, enabling accurate classification of module-level faults.
Our UAV workflows include controlled flight paths, consistent GSD (typically 3–6 cm depending on array size), perpendicular yaw to the array orientation, correct camera range settings and validated RAT/Tref parameters. This ensures all imagery is captured under robust, repeatable and compliant conditions suitable for further Level 3 analysis.
Captured imagery is processed into thermal orthomosaics, string-level datasets, and annotated defect reports, enabling fast visual identification of issues across large arrays in a fraction of the time required for manual inspections.
Our solar PV thermographic surveys support:
This service is designed for organisations requiring accurate, standards-driven insights into PV system condition and performance.
You will receive a certified solar inspection report:
Optional add-ons include string-level electrical testing, Level 3 analytical reporting (via TSUK), and GIS/CAD-ready mapping outputs.
Why Choose Drone Media Imaging?
Qualified & Certified
At Drone Media Imaging, we are fully CAA-certified drone pilots, trained to operate UAVs safely and legally across the UK. Our qualifications include Level 3 Master Thermographer certification for thermal imaging inspections and IEC62446-3:2017 compliance for professional solar panel assessments, ensuring the highest industry standards in aerial data collection.
Experienced
With years of expertise in aerial thermography, surveying, and drone-based inspections, we have worked on projects ranging from large-scale solar farms and commercial infrastructure assessments to detailed property inspections and 3D mapping. Our in-depth industry knowledge allows us to deliver accurate, insightful, and data-driven reports, helping clients make informed decisions.
Fully Compliant
We operate under strict compliance with UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations, ensuring safe, legal, and fully insured drone operations. Our inspections adhere to IEC62446-3:2017 solar standards, thermography best practices, and construction industry safety protocols, making our services trusted by energy providers, engineering firms, and asset managers across the UK.
Fully Certified & Compliant Drone Surveys
We deliver drone-based thermal surveys and optional ground-level string electrical testing for commercial PV systems across the UK. Our inspections follow IEC 62446 standards and are presented in structured, actionable reports for use by your appointed maintenance provider or insurer. Fully CAA-certified and insured.
What Goes into an IEC62446-3:2017 Solar Inspection Report?
Comprehensive Thermal Imaging Analysis
Our reports include high-resolution thermal imagery captured using radiometric infrared cameras mounted on drones. Each image undergoes detailed analysis to detect:
Each IEC62446-3:2017 compliant report is delivered in a structured format, making it easy for solar operators, engineers, and insurers to review and act upon. By providing precise, data-driven insights, our drone inspections help maximise solar panel efficiency and investment returns.
