Method
PV Thermography: Cost, Process and Requirements
What radiometric drone thermography costs, which conditions it needs, and what the report shows.
What does drone PV thermography cost?
For PV systems up to 20 kWp, radiometric thermography starts at € 290. Included are the flight, evaluation and a findings report with georeferenced thermal images. Larger systems are quoted individually.
What conditions are required?
Radiometric thermography needs sufficient sunlight and stable weather so temperature differences on the modules are reliably visible. The method follows IEC TS 62446-3 for outdoor infrared inspection of operating PV systems.
What does the report show – and what not?
The findings report documents hotspots and thermal anomalies with georeferenced thermal images, giving a solid basis for warranty and insurance cases. Diagnosing the electrical cause and any repair remains the job of a qualified electrician – thermography shows where to look more closely.
Process and turnaround
- Initial contact and scope consultation
- Flight planning and appointment, weather-dependent
- On-site thermographic drone flight
- Evaluation and findings report within 48 hours