Thermography

Thanks to the further development of drones and cameras, thermographic inspection of existing solar installations has established itself as an effective method of analysis.

Thanks to the further development of drones and cameras, thermographic inspection of existing solar installations has established itself as an effective method of analysis.

Thermography

Infrared images visualise faults that are hardly detectable visually and very difficult to measure from a technical point of view. For PV systems, this inspection technique provides valuable information, regarding the technical condition of the system, and faults that are relevant in terms of performance and safety.
We offer you a flexible full-service package for your photovoltaic plant, which you can put together in modules, depending on your wishes and the technical specifications of your PV plant.

We observe the relevant standards strictly in order to achieve reliable results and generate a basis for subsequent warranty processes or necessary repairs.

When does a thermographic inspection make sense?

A thermographic inspection via drone uses infrared images to reveal defects in your photovoltaic modules, that would otherwise be impossible to detect. During the AI-supported thermographic analysis, all anomalies are categorised according to defect patterns and severity, and they can be precisely assigned to the respective position “row/table/module”, according to the allocation plans.

A thermographic PV evaluation will provide valuable information about both the technical condition of the system and any performance and safety-relevant faults. This way, you can identify defective cell strings caused by connection errors, for example, and avoid high power losses in the long term.

We use the latest drone technology to make the thermographic condition of the photovoltaic system in question transparent. You receive an overview of all anomalies on a module-by-module basis, together with a tabular representation of all thermal anomalies within a module field.

Our comprehensive thermographic PV inspection will provide all the information you could possibly need, as either a buyer or seller to give you an overview of the technical status of the solar modules. An accompanying analysis and assessment of the anomalies enables the buyer to adjust his offer accordingly. The seller can order targeted, relevant repairs, and have them documented before the sale, in order to achieve a better overall purchase price.

We strictly adhere to the relevant standards in order to achieve reliable results and generate a basis for subsequent warranty processes or necessary repairs.

Anomalies and error patterns that can be detected with thermography

Thermographic image showing cell damage on commercial pv plant module

Cell damage and hotspots

Cracks and fractures in cells can lead to inactive areas within a cell, resulting in reduced module performance. Hotspots lead to strong thermal loads on the module, causing failures or even fire hazards. Power losses of up to 10% are to be expected.

Thermographic image showing defective cell strings on commercial pv plant module

Defective cell strings

This occurs due to individual inactive cells, connection errors or the failure of bypass diodes. Inactive cell strings become visible, due to temperature differences in the cells that are connected in series within a module. This leads to power losses of 30 – 60 % per module.

Thermographic image showing Potential-induced degradation on commercial pv plant module

Potential-induced degradation

PID is an effect that leads to a gradual decrease in performance, which can amount to a loss of 30% or more after a few years. In thermographic images, PID is primarily visible through increased temperatures of the cells in the peripheral area of a module.

What makes our thermographic inspection stand out in the crowd?

Large pv plant recorded during a thermographic inspection with a solar drone

Full-service package, especially suitable for large projects

We offer a flexible full-service package for your photovoltaic system, which can be put together in modules, according to your wishes and the technical specifications of your PV system.

An interdisciplinary team of experts

Our experienced team of experts is made up of specialists from various fields: experienced pilots operate drones with high-resolution cameras. Qualified thermographers analyse the images and identify the thermal anomalies and error patterns. Experienced photovoltaic professionals analyse and evaluate the recorded data and provide appropriate suggestions for solutions. Together, they ensure absolute thermographic excellence with state-of-the-art technology.

greentech engineer launching his solar drone to start a thermographic inspection
Solar drone recording PV modules from a commercial power plant on a field

A comprehensive analysis with evaluation and suggested solutions

Our photovoltaic experts will provide you with a well-founded analysis and evaluation of the thermographic images. This provides you with a comprehensive picture of the thermographic situation of the system. We will highlight performance and safety-relevant anomalies and also develop appropriate repair concepts, including the required calculations for cost-effectiveness.

Discover our full range of services for the thermographic inspection of your plant

Thermographic images

Thermographic recording of the defined module field

Comprehensive report with all abnormalities and sample images

Module-exact representation of all abnormalities in an overview plan

Tabular representation with all thermal anomalies in the module field

Analysis and technical solution concept

Analysis and evaluation of all thermal anomalies

Presentation of economic and safety-relevant effects of the anomalies

Development of a rough concept for repair work, incl. cost estimate

Calculation of the economic efficiency of the repair measures

Documentation and presentation of the results

Why work with greentech?

we develop | we build | we service | new energy

1+ GW managed &
1+ GW inspected

100+ employees, including
TÜV/VdS certified experts

Experience from 400+
projects and 10 countries

About greentech

Expertise Every Step of the Way – Across All Project Phases

greentech is an integrated PV specialist. The range of services includes project developmentsystem design, construction, operation and management of PV power plants in Europe. In the area of operational management, we offer a full-service operational management concept for PV plants of all sizes with an interdisciplinary team of experienced experts, as well as services for planning, quality assurance and yield maximisation. With a comprehensive range of services and a current portfolio of more than 900 MWp in O&M, we are one of the largest independent service providers worldwide.

Your greentech specialists for thermography

Steffen-Heberlein
Steffen Heberlein

Senior Project Manager Sales & Business Development

Steffen Heberlein is responsible for the expansion of the business units Technical Operations Management, Commercial Operations Management and Technical Advisory. His activities for greentech’s customers range from price indications to contract negotiations and project implementation support. As a key account manager, he also looks after more than 250MWp for various customers in greentech’s existing portfolio.
Johannes-Liebich
Johannes Liebich

Head of Engineering & Technical Advisory

Johannes Liebich is head of the “Engineering & Technical Advisory” team at greentech. He is responsible for the planning and implementation of projects as well as the development of new services in technical plant consulting. Johannes Liebich studied Environmental Engineering with a focus on photovoltaics and has been working in the solar industry since 2011. As an experienced Technical Advisor, his main focus is on plant construction and operation.

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