Solar inspection: from thermal image to work order

Decision and German reference

Fraunhofer ISE lists thermography, electroluminescence and field measurements for PV quality assurance. This establishes neither a partnership nor evidence of our system performance. Our engineering hypothesis is that a bottleneck can occur between a suspicious image, the correct module ID and a reviewable maintenance order. The operator must validate it.

Pilot workflow and deliverables

1. Collect the plant layout, module IDs and existing inspection reports. 2. The operator defines access and suitable capture conditions. 3. Capture RGB, radiometric thermal imagery and GNSS/timing logs. 4. Associate findings with the plant layout. 5. A specialist reviews findings and apparently normal comparison areas. 6. Deliver findings, original images, uncertainties and work orders. A hot image region alone does not prove an electrical defect.

What RTK can and cannot do

RTK supports georeferencing; it does not replace radiometric calibration or association with actual module geometry. Exposure events, camera pose, lever arm and reference system must agree. Record irradiance, wind, reflections, shading and operating load; agree thresholds with the reviewing specialist. Choose network RTK, a local base or PPK based on connectivity, raw observations and required turnaround.

A / B and ownership

A: invite CiRC to propose a fully documented aircraft configuration. B: integrate a sensor, positioning, communications and processing package into an existing platform after interface review. LOCOSYS, HiDES and AVerMedia/AAEON are candidates, not a confirmed BOM. The asset owner defines acceptance; the integrator owns agreed interfaces; the flight operator owns operations; an electrical specialist assesses findings. Confirm procurement and budget approval roles.

RFQ: inputs that enable review

Federal state, site area and module count, rooftop/ground-mounted site, layout and ID scheme, existing aircraft/firmware, thermal camera and raw format, coverage, desired report and current labour. Do not put credentials or sensitive plant layouts in public links. An approved PDF summary is sufficient for the first request.

Relevant next steps