Boost Solar Performance with Infrared Thermography Inspections and NDT Services
- Stephen Fike
- Sep 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 23
As solar and alternative energy systems become essential to modern infrastructure, ensuring they perform reliably and efficiently is more critical than ever. At Assured NDT, we specialize in preventive infrared thermography and NDT services designed to protect photovoltaic (PV) equipment and optimize energy output over time.
Why Solar Operators Need Infrared Thermography Inspections
PV systems can suffer from hidden issues that reduce performance or cause premature failure—yet these faults are often invisible to the naked eye. Infrared thermography helps maintenance teams and asset managers to:
Detect Early Failures by identifying hot spots, broken cells, or misaligned panels before disruptions occur
Preserve ROI & Warranties through consistent diagnostics that validate system health and support warranty requirements
Boost Energy Generation by pinpointing and correcting inefficiencies and underperforming components
Perform Safe, Non-Intrusive Checks—often via drone-assisted inspections—eliminating system downtime during evaluations
Key Benefits of Choosing Assured NDT for Solar Thermography Inspections
Benefit | Description |
Comprehensive Diagnostics | Capture large-scale thermal data quickly and accurately—whether you're inspecting rooftops or utility-scale solar arrays. |
Early Fault Identification | Prevent cascading failures by detecting anomalies like hot spots, cloudy cells, or wiring faults early. |
Warranty & Quality Protection | Maintain compliance with performance standards and warranty terms by documenting system health. |
Drone-Powered Efficiency | Use drone thermography to inspect acres of panels swiftly, safely, and without service interruption—while comparable methods like I-V curve tracing are labor-intensive and slower (60 Hertz Energy, Thermal Imaging Experts UK, Aerolaser, Assured NDT, The Drone Life NJ). |
How Infrared Thermography Safeguards Solar & Renewable Energy Assets
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) helps preserve system uptime by inspecting assets without disassembly or costly shutdowns.
Visual Thermograms — infrared scans generate thermal images (thermograms) that make anomalies visually obvious and easy to act upon.
Smart Reporting — Assured NDT delivers detailed reports with actionable insights, mapped anomalies, and prioritization guidance for proactive maintenance.
Ready to Make Your Solar System Smarter and Safer?
Ensure your solar or alternative energy installation delivers optimal performance and minimal risk. Contact Assured NDT today for customized solar thermography inspections and condition assessment tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Infrared Thermography for Solar and Renewable Energy Systems
1) Why are infrared thermography inspections important for solar panels?
Infrared thermography detects temperature variations across photovoltaic (PV) modules and electrical components, identifying hidden issues like defective cells, loose connections, or shading problems before they cause energy loss or fire hazards.
2) How do infrared inspections improve solar performance?
By pinpointing thermal anomalies, technicians can correct inefficiencies early—optimizing power output, extending equipment lifespan, and ensuring consistent system performance.
3) Are infrared inspections required for solar system maintenance?
While not yet federally mandated, infrared inspections are recommended under NFPA 70B (2023) and IEC 62446 standards for preventive electrical maintenance. Many insurers and asset managers now require them as part of annual safety audits.
4) What can infrared thermography detect in solar and energy storage systems?
It identifies hot spots, string imbalances, faulty bypass diodes, inverter faults, and degraded connectors—issues that often go unnoticed in standard electrical testing but can drastically reduce efficiency.
5) How often should solar infrared inspections be performed?
Assured NDT recommends annual infrared inspections at minimum, and after major weather events, maintenance, or system upgrades to ensure continued safety and peak performance.
6) Can infrared inspections be performed while the solar array is operational?
Yes. Infrared thermography is a non-contact, non-invasive diagnostic tool performed while systems are energized and producing power—meaning no downtime or lost production.
7) What are the financial benefits of thermography for solar operations?
Early detection of defects prevents unplanned outages, warranty voids, and costly replacements—delivering higher uptime and return on investment (ROI) through improved efficiency and reliability.
8) Why choose Assured NDT for solar thermography?
Assured NDT’s certified thermographers specialize in renewable energy inspections using advanced thermal imaging technology. We provide NFPA- and IEC-compliant reports, clear documentation, and actionable insights to optimize your system’s performance and longevity.
