Solar Panel Drone Inspections & Thermal Surveys UK
Book a verified thermal drone pilot to inspect residential, commercial and utility scale PV. Thermal capture highlights likely hot spots, string faults, potential induced degradation and underperforming modules, mapped in a single flight and reported so your operations and maintenance team can prioritise checks.
Thermal and visual
Radiometric thermal alongside RGB imagery, with anomalies annotated and cross referenced to the array layout.
Module level detail
Thermal signatures associated with cell hot spots, bypass diode failures, string faults, potential induced degradation, soiling and physical damage, module by module.
Interpretation, not guesswork
The report separates what was captured from the likely cause, and flags where electrical testing or an on site check is needed to confirm it.
Standards aligned reporting
Reports aligned with IEC 62446 3 categorisation so your team can prioritise repairs and warranty claims.
Utility scale ready
Efficient flight planning for large solar farms, typically 5 to 10 MW per pilot per day depending on layout.
Verified pilots
Every pilot is verified for CAA registration, commercial drone insurance and the competency relevant to the assignment, with calibrated thermal equipment. You see credentials before the flight.
How it works
- Step 01
Send the array details
Location, capacity, layout and any known issues. We will advise on the best window for thermal capture.
- Step 02
Pilot matched
The closest thermal qualified pilot with a radiometric payload is assigned.
- Step 03
Flight on site
The array is captured under load with irradiance above roughly 600 W/m², the conditions needed for meaningful thermal signatures.
- Step 04
Report delivered
Module level anomaly map, thermal imagery and standards aligned observations delivered within 48 hours, with any recommended follow up investigation set out.
Typical UK solar drone inspection prices: £250 to £450 for residential PV, £500 to £1,500 for commercial rooftop, and per MW or per site quotes for utility scale solar farms. Registered business accounts lock in 10% off every flight for life.
Full UK drone pilot price guideStandards, regulation and professional bodies
Where the assignment requires it, solar thermal surveys are flown by pilots whose competency was completed through a CAA approved training provider and registered on the CAA drone and model aircraft register.
Thermographic reporting follows IEC TS 62446 3 principles and is prepared in formats compatible with BINDT qualified thermographers. The network follows the professional standards promoted by ARPAS UK.
For wider building, roof and asset work using the same technology, see aerial thermal imaging.
Frequently asked questions
What can a solar drone inspection identify?
Thermal drone inspections can indicate thermal anomalies associated with hot spots, cell mismatch, bypass diode failures, string faults, potential induced degradation, soiling and physical damage. Thermal imagery indicates where a problem is likely, and confirming the cause usually needs electrical testing or an on site check.
How much does a solar drone inspection cost?
Residential PV inspections typically run £250 to £450. Commercial rooftop arrays £500 to £1,500 depending on size. Utility scale solar farms are quoted per MW or per site.
Do I get a report I can act on?
Yes. Every solar inspection produces a structured report, module level anomaly map, thermal imagery, observations aligned with IEC 62446 3 and clear priorities for your operations and maintenance team.
Do you inspect solar farms?
Yes. Utility scale solar farms are one of the most common use cases. We have thermal equipped pilots across the UK who can survey multi MW sites efficiently.
Does the array need to be running?
Yes. Thermal PV inspections require the array to be under load and irradiance above roughly 600 W/m². Our pilots plan the flight around weather and generation.
Ready to get started?
Drone Assisted operates a growing UK wide pilot network and confirms suitable capability and availability for each assignment. Identity, commercial insurance and job specific qualifications are checked where required.
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