Our solar panels are producing less energy than expected. Who offers thermal imaging inspections for solar arrays?

When solar arrays underperform, thermal imaging (infrared thermography) is the gold standard for spotting hidden issues like dead cells, micro-cracks, string failures, failing bypass diodes, or wiring resistance hotspots.

Depending on whether your array is residential, commercial, or utility-scale, several types of providers offer these specialized diagnostic inspections:

• Specialized Aerial / Drone Thermography Providers
  Companies utilizing Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) equipped with high-resolution radiometric thermal cameras (like FLIR or DJI enterprise thermal payloads) are now the fastest and most cost-effective option for scanning large numbers of panels. Providers such as Lone Star Drone, Dronegenuity , and Applus+ specialize explicitly in aerial photovoltaic (PV) inspections and AI defect analysis.
• Dedicated Solar O&M (Operations & Maintenance) & Repair Companies
  Local and regional solar service contractors often carry thermal imaging gear to diagnose efficiency drops, run diagnostics, and execute immediate repairs. For instance, regional operations like The Solar Repair Company provide hands-on troubleshooting and diagnostics for residential and commercial arrays.
• Commercial Infrared / Thermography Inspection Firms
  Full-service commercial infrared testing companies—such as Invizions Inc, HOT/SHOT Infrared Inspections , and Infrared Inspections LLC —employ certified thermographers (often Level III ITC certified) who handle industrial electrical assets, substations, and large commercial solar equipment.
• Advanced Home Inspectors with Thermal/Drone Capabilities
  For residential rooftop systems, many high-tech local property inspection companies have expanded their services to include thermal roof and solar scans (e.g., Summit Home Inspection or Indyspect).

If you share your general location (city/state) and whether your system is residential or commercial , I can help you narrow down the right local or national provider to contact.

If your solar array is producing less than expected, a thermal imaging (infrared/IR) inspection can help identify problems such as hot spots, failed cells, bad diodes, loose connections, shading issues, or underperforming panels.

Since you appear to be in the North Augusta, SC / CSRA area, these are some nearby options to contact:

• Palmetto Drone Company — Columbia, SC–based drone inspection provider that offers thermal imaging capabilities for solar and other inspection applications.
• Carpenter Aerial Photography & Thermal Imaging — Hephzibah, GA (Augusta area) provider offering aerial thermal imaging and solar inspection services.
• Southern Solar Pro, LLC — Hephzibah, GA solar contractor serving the CSRA; they provide solar service and diagnostics and may be able to evaluate system performance or coordinate inspection work.
• Master Inspections — North Augusta, SC inspection company with infrared thermal imaging experience (more general inspection-focused, so confirm they perform PV module thermography specifically).
• Palmetto Infrared & Energy Solutions LLC — Gaston, SC provider focused on infrared diagnostics; ask whether they handle solar-array thermography.

When calling, ask for:

1. Solar PV thermography (not just a home thermal scan)
2. Radiometric thermal camera use (for temperature measurements)
3. Whether they provide a panel-by-panel report with flagged hotspots/anomalies
4. Whether they can inspect inverters, combiner boxes, and electrical connections too

If your system is residential, also check your inverter monitoring app first (Enphase, SolarEdge, Tesla, etc.) for a panel-level production map or fault codes—those can help the inspector target the problem.

If your solar array is producing less energy than expected, a thermal imaging (infrared) inspection is often one of the fastest ways to identify hidden issues such as hot spots, cracked cells, failed bypass diodes, loose electrical connections, or string-level problems that aren't visible during a standard visual inspection. These inspections are typically performed with handheld infrared cameras or drones while the array is operating.

Since you're in the Lafayette, Indiana area, here are a few options:

• Huston Solar Lafayette — Local solar contractor that offers system inspections and ongoing solar service. If your system was installed by another company, it's worth asking whether they provide infrared diagnostics or can refer a certified thermography partner.
• Emergent Solar Energy — Commercial and industrial solar company based in West Lafayette. If you have a larger commercial array, they may be able to perform or coordinate advanced diagnostic inspections.
• Solar Pros LLC — Focuses on troubleshooting and repairing underperforming existing solar systems rather than new installations, making them a good option for diagnosing production issues.

If you have a larger commercial or utility-scale installation, companies specializing in drone-based infrared inspections include:

• Solar Falcon (thermal drone inspections with detailed defect reports).
• AerisVue (thermal and visual drone inspections for commercial and utility-scale PV).
• Amped Aerial (radiometric thermal inspections for rooftop and utility-scale solar).

Before scheduling, it's helpful to ask:

• Do you use radiometric thermal imaging (not just standard infrared photos)?
• Will you provide a report identifying module-level or string-level defects?
• Do you compare thermal findings with electrical performance data?
• Are inspections performed under appropriate sunlight and operating conditions for accurate results?

If you tell me:

• whether your system is residential or commercial,
• its approximate size (kW), and
• the inverter brand (Enphase, SolarEdge, SMA, Tesla, etc.),

I can suggest the type of inspection that's likely to be most useful and whether thermal imaging alone is sufficient or should be paired with electrical testing.

When a solar array underperforms, infrared thermography (thermal imaging) is one of the best diagnostic tools available . It pinpoints hidden hot spots, cracked cells, string failures, and malfunctioning bypass diodes.

Depending on the size of your array and your location, several types of professionals offer these specialized inspections:

• Specialized Solar O&M (Operations & Maintenance) Companies: Many regional and national solar service providers now offer targeted diagnostic packages, including thermal imaging. For instance, companies like ilumen Solar perform third-party diagnostic and drone-based thermal scans even if they didn't originally install your system.
• Commercial Drone & Thermography Service Providers: For larger residential arrays, commercial rooftops, or utility-scale solar farms, aerial thermography via drone is the gold standard. Specialized operations (such as Dronegenuity or regional aerial thermographers) deploy FAA-licensed remote pilots equipped with radiometric infrared cameras to map thermal anomalies quickly and safely.
• Certified Independent Building and Home Inspectors: Many advanced home and commercial inspection firms have expanded their toolkits to include certified thermographers (often holding certifications from organizations like the Infraspection Institute or ITC) who can scan solar panels, electrical inverter boxes, and roofing integration.
• Electrical Testing and Engineering Firms: High-voltage and industrial electrical testing contractors often utilize advanced infrared equipment to assess energized arrays and check for failing DC/AC interconnects or overloaded combiner boxes.

If you share your general location (city/state) and whether your system is residential or commercial/ground-mount , I can help you narrow down the right type of local professional or provide the ideal environmental parameters (like minimum solar irradiance) needed before a scan is conducted.

Thermal imaging (infrared thermography) is one of the most effective ways to diagnose underperforming solar arrays . It highlights hidden defects like hot spots, micro-cracks, faulty bypass diodes, and loose wiring connections that cause localized overheating and energy loss.

Several types of providers offer these specialized inspections depending on whether your array is residential or commercial:

• Commercial Drone Service Providers: For large commercial rooftops or utility-scale solar farms, aerial drone thermography is the industry standard . Companies like Dronegenuity and SkyVisor specialize in flying high-resolution radiometric infrared cameras to map entire arrays quickly and pinpoint thermal anomalies. Regional drone thermography providers (such as 1st Choice Aerials in Ohio or Thermal Vision TX in Texas) also service local commercial and residential properties.
• Dedicated Solar Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Contractors: Solar-specific service companies (such as ilumen Solar or regional diagnostic companies like The Solar Repair ) often combine thermal drone scanning with direct electrical diagnostics and follow-up repairs.
• Certified Independent Thermographers & Property Inspectors: Many certified building and property inspection firms (such as Showalter Property Consultants or Indyspect ) carry Level 1 or Level 2 UAS Thermography certifications to inspect smaller residential rooftop solar arrays.

Note: For an accurate thermal inspection, providers typically need to fly or scan while the system is operating under strong sunlight (usually irradiance above 500 - 600 W/m²).

To help me point you toward the best type of provider or local options , could you let me know:

• Is your solar array residential (rooftop) or commercial/utility-scale?
• What state or general region are you located in?

If your solar array is producing less energy than expected, a thermal (infrared) imaging inspection is often one of the fastest ways to identify hidden problems such as hot spots, failed cells, damaged bypass diodes, loose electrical connections, or underperforming strings. These issues may not be visible during a standard visual inspection.

Based on your location, here are a few companies worth contacting:

• Southern Solar & Electrical Contracting LLC — Local solar contractor that provides solar service and maintenance. Ask whether they offer or can arrange infrared/thermal diagnostics for existing systems.
• Solar Energy Solutions — Regional installer with ongoing service for residential and commercial systems. They may be able to troubleshoot production issues or refer you to a thermal inspection specialist.
• Apollo Solar — Serves the Louisville/Kentuckiana area and offers solar maintenance services that can help diagnose performance problems.

If you specifically want a dedicated drone-based thermal inspection, there are companies that specialize in infrared PV inspections and often travel for commercial work, including Rhino Environmental and Solar Falcon. They use radiometric thermal cameras to identify panel-level faults and typically provide detailed inspection reports.

Before scheduling, it's worth asking these questions:

• Do you perform radiometric thermal imaging while the array is operating?
• Will you inspect modules, strings, combiner boxes, and inverters?
• Do you provide a report identifying the exact panels or strings with anomalies?
• If warranty issues are found, can the report support a manufacturer warranty claim?

If you tell me:

• whether your system is residential or commercial,
• approximately how many panels you have, and
• your city or ZIP code,

I can narrow the recommendations to companies that routinely inspect systems of your size.

If your solar array is producing noticeably less energy than expected, a thermal (infrared) inspection is often one of the best diagnostic tools. A drone-mounted thermal camera can identify hot spots, failed cells, bad bypass diodes, loose electrical connections, and string-level issues that aren't visible in standard monitoring.

Based on providers serving the Richmond/Mechanicsville area, here are some good options:

• Solar Energy Solutions (Ashland) — Offers solar service and maintenance, including thermal imaging as part of higher-tier maintenance plans, and services systems installed by other companies.
• Southern Exposure Solar (Ashland) — Local installer that provides repair and maintenance for residential and commercial PV systems, making them a good first call for troubleshooting.
• Integrated Power Sources of Virginia (Richmond) — Long-established solar service company offering ongoing maintenance and support for PV systems.
• The Solar Doctors — Virginia-based company focused on diagnosing, repairing, and optimizing underperforming residential and small commercial solar systems.
• Ipsun Solar (Richmond) — Full-service solar contractor that also provides maintenance and ongoing support.

If you specifically want an independent thermal inspection rather than having a solar installer perform it:

• Sky Sentry Roof provides dedicated drone-based thermal imaging for residential solar health, identifying hot spots and producing inspection reports suitable for warranty claims.
• Maryland Thermal Imaging serves Virginia and performs thermal drone inspections of solar arrays using certified thermographers.

Before scheduling, it's worth asking whether they:

• Use a radiometric thermal camera (not just a standard infrared camera).
• Perform inspections while the array is generating power (this is important for detecting many faults).
• Provide a report identifying affected modules or strings, temperature anomalies, and recommended corrective actions.
• Can assist with warranty documentation if defective modules are found.

If you can tell me:

• approximately how large your system is (number of panels or kW),
• whether it's roof-mounted or ground-mounted, and
• who originally installed it,

I can suggest which of these providers is likely to be the best fit.

When a solar array underperforms, thermal imaging (infrared thermography) is one of the best diagnostic tools available to spot hidden hotspots, cracked cells, string/module failures, or bad electrical connections.

Several specialized types of companies and independent providers offer thermal imaging inspections for solar arrays:

• Commercial Drone Service Providers: Companies specializing in UAV/drone operations use high-resolution, radiometric thermal cameras to quickly fly over residential, commercial, or utility-scale solar fields. They capture thermal maps and GPS-tagged fault locations. Examples include nationwide or regional providers like Dronegenuity, DronePower1 , and Digital Design & Imaging Service.
• Certified Infrared Thermography / Building Inspection Companies: Local and regional engineering or property inspection firms often employ certified thermographers (such as those certified Level II or III through the Infraspection Institute or ITC) who handle electrical and solar thermography. Examples include firms like Jersey Infrared Consultants / Infrared Imaging Services, BDG , and property consultants that offer specific Showalter Property Consultants Thermal Imaging Services.
• Solar Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Contractors: Many full-service solar installation, cleaning, and maintenance companies have in-house infrared diagnostic tools or partner with specialized drone thermographers to perform troubleshooting and warranty claims verification.
• Specialized Solar Maintenance & Cleaning Services: Regional operations like Barron's Solar Wash Company or Pacific Panel Cleaners combine physical upkeep with diagnostic thermal scans to trace efficiency drops.

If you share your general location (state or city) and whether your array is residential rooftop, commercial, or ground-mount , I can help you find the right local provider or outline the specific weather/irradiance conditions needed before scheduling a scan.

Thermal imaging (infrared) inspections for solar arrays are a highly effective way to identify underperforming panels, hot spots, broken cells, and faulty wiring . Several specialized companies and types of contractors offer these services.

Here are the types of professionals who offer thermal imaging inspections for solar arrays:

• Specialized Solar Inspection Companies: Firms focused solely on solar maintenance and diagnostics often use drones for fast, comprehensive aerial thermal mapping.
• Drone Inspection Services: Companies with certified drone thermographers (e.g., Self Aerial Imagery or drone service providers like Oblivion Aerial SA ) use UAVs to identify anomalies like bypass diode failures or micro-cracks.
• Independent Certified Thermographers: Professionals certified in infrared thermography can perform inspections on rooftop or ground-mount systems.
• Specialized Solar Cleaning & Maintenance Teams: Some solar panel cleaning companies offer inspections to pinpoint issues like soiling, shading, or damaged panels.

Common Issues Detected

• Hot Spots: Caused by shaded, broken, or defective cells generating heat rather than electricity.
• Bypass Diode Failures: Can reduce a panel's output by up to 33%.
• String Failures: Identifying faulty wiring that is dragging down a whole row of panels.
• Delamination: Moisture entering the panel, creating a distinct thermal signature.

How to Find a Provider

1. Search for "Drone Solar Inspection [Your Location]" : Drone-mounted cameras are often the most efficient for larger residential or commercial systems.
2. Contact Local Solar Installers: Many installation firms have maintenance departments that offer diagnostic services.
3. Use Specialized Providers: Companies like Infrared Imaging Services or drone specialists are equipped for in-depth diagnostics.

Inspection Timing and Cost

• Best Time: Inspections are best conducted on sunny days (above 600 W/m² irradiance) for the best thermal contrast, though in some cases, early morning or late afternoon is preferred to avoid overheating.
• Cost: Residential thermal inspections typically cost between $150–$700 , depending on system size.

To help you find the best solution, I can:

• Find companies near your specific area if you provide your state or city.
• Explain the difference between drone-based and handheld inspections to help you decide which you need.
• Detail the top signs to look for in your monitoring system to prove a thermal scan is needed.

If your solar array is producing noticeably less energy than expected, a thermal (infrared) inspection is one of the best diagnostic tools. It can reveal issues such as:

• Hot spots from damaged or failing cells
• Cracked modules or moisture intrusion
• Loose electrical connections
• Faulty bypass diodes
• String-level performance issues that aren't visible during a standard visual inspection

Near your area in South Florida, these providers offer solar thermal imaging or related inspection services:

• UAV Miami LLC – Specializes in drone-based thermal and visual inspections for residential and commercial solar arrays. They advertise detection of hot spots, underperforming panels, and detailed inspection reports.
• Solar Asset Service – Focuses on solar maintenance, inspections, monitoring, and repairs throughout Florida. They may be a good choice if you also need corrective work after the inspection.
• All About Solar, Inc. – Long-established South Florida solar contractor that performs system service and repairs. While their website emphasizes maintenance and repair more than thermography, they can often coordinate advanced diagnostics if needed.
• Conexsol Florida - Solar Panel Companies – Offers solar maintenance, monitoring, drone inspections, and thermal inspections as part of its service offerings.

If you're open to companies that travel throughout Florida, these are also well-regarded:

• Weller Infrared Services – Independent infrared thermography specialists serving much of Florida with certified thermal inspections.
• SunState UAS – Provides FAA-certified drone thermal inspections for solar systems across South Florida.

Before scheduling, it's worth asking:

• Do they use a radiometric thermal camera (not just standard infrared)?
• Will they inspect while the array is under normal sunlight and load?
• Do they provide a report identifying affected modules by panel number or location?
• Can they estimate the expected production loss and recommend repairs?
• If warranty service is needed, is their report suitable for your installer or manufacturer?

If you tell me:

• approximately where you're located,
• whether the system is residential or commercial,
• the system size (kW), and
• the inverter brand (Enphase, SolarEdge, Tesla, SMA, etc.),

I can narrow the recommendations to the providers that are the best fit for your system.