Solar array thermal inspection
Jul 5 – Oct 26, 2026Updated Oct 26, 2026
Reviewed by Dimitry Apollonsky
AI summary
Infrared Imaging Services and Self Aerial Imagery are nearly even for solar array thermal inspections.
It depends
When panels produce less energy than expected, Building Diagnostics Group is the usual answer.
Which brands AI mentions
Mentioned in
ChatGPTChatGPTGoogle AI ModeGoogle AI Mode
Widest split: dronegenuity, 0% on ChatGPT and 29% on Google AI Mode.
- #1tiedInfrared Imaging ServicesChatGPT 4%Google AI Mode 29%
- #1tiedSelf Aerial ImageryChatGPT 8%Google AI Mode 24%
- #1tieddronegenuityChatGPT 0%Google AI Mode 29%
- #1tiedNadar DroneChatGPT 25%Google AI Mode 0%
- #1tiedShowalter Property ConsultantsChatGPT 0%Google AI Mode 29%
Questions and answers
ChatGPTOct 26, 2026
If your solar panels are producing less electricity than expected, a thermal infrared (IR) inspection is a good way to identify potential problems such as overheated cells, failed bypass diodes, faulty electrical connections, or underperforming modules.
Assuming you're looking in the Ashburn / Northern Virginia area, I found several providers offering solar-array thermal imaging or related inspection services. For best results, look for a provider that supplies radiometric thermal images, a map of affected panels, and a written report you can share with your solar installer.
Solar thermal inspection providers to consider
1. S&T AIR
(Best for detailed reports)
Broad Run, Virginia · Serves Loudoun and Fairfax counties
Offers radiometric drone inspections, mapped module-level defects, measured temperature differences, and reporting against IEC 62446-3. A strong option for commercial arrays or documentation for warranty claims.
Phone: (805) 814-5803
Website:
Northern Virginia · Residential and small commercial systems
Specifically advertises solar panel health inspections for hotspots, dead cells, and potential warranty evidence. It says reports include thermal and visible-light images, generally delivered within 48 hours. Loudoun, Fairfax, and Prince William are listed in its service area.
Phone: (540) 300-1440
Email: [email protected]
Regional provider serving Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and southern Pennsylvania
Offers solar panel and array inspections alongside electrical thermography. Its inspectors list FLIR and electrical thermography credentials, making it worth considering if you want a broader inspection of the array and associated equipment.
Phone: 410-570-6430
4. Building Diagnostics Group (BDG)
Explicit Ashburn, Virginia service page · Commercial and large projects
Provides aerial infrared solar panel inspections and other building diagnostics, with regional and nationwide project capability. A candidate for commercial rooftops or larger facilities.
Phone: (888) 317-4568
Culpeper, Virginia, and surrounding areas
Advertises thermal drone inspections specifically for solar installations experiencing unexplained drops in production. Its pilots report Level I thermography certification, and the service is intended to help troubleshoot problems and support warranty claims. Confirm travel availability for your address.
What should you ask for?
When requesting quotes, I recommend asking each provider:
- Do you perform solar PV thermography, rather than just general roof thermal imaging?
- Will you provide a panel-by-panel defect map and a written report?
- Can the findings support a manufacturer warranty claim?
- Is electrical troubleshooting included, or do you only identify thermal anomalies?
- What is the total cost, including travel and reporting?
A drone inspection can identify suspicious hotspots, but it may not establish the root cause. You may still need a qualified solar technician to test the affected modules, strings, inverter, or electrical connections.
One question so I can narrow this down: Are your solar panels on your home, or are they part of a commercial or utility-scale installation? That will help determine which providers are the best fit.
Sources cited in this answer10
- sandtair.comWebsite and quote request
- sandtair.comWebsite and quote request
- thermaldronesva.comThermal Drone Imaging Services in Virginia | SkySentry Roof
- thermaldronesva.comThermal Drone Imaging Services in Virginia | SkySentry Roof
- mdthermalinspections.comMaryland Thermal Imaging
- mdthermalinspections.comMaryland Thermal Imaging
Google AI ModeOct 26, 2026
When your solar array underperforms, thermal imaging (infrared thermography) is one of the best ways to spot hidden defects like dead cells, hot spots, bypass diode failures, or string faults.
Depending on the scale of your array (residential rooftop vs. commercial/utility farm), different types of providers offer these inspections:
- Specialized Solar O&M (Operations & Maintenance) Companies: Larger solar service providers often have dedicated diagnostic teams equipped with thermal imaging tools to audit and commission arrays.
- Commercial Drone Service Providers: Aerial drone thermography has become the industry standard for mapping solar arrays quickly. Companies like THE FUTURE 3D or regional aerial inspection outfits utilize enterprise drones outfitted with radiometric thermal cameras to scan entire systems in minutes.
- Certified Infrared/Thermal Inspection Firms: Standalone thermography companies (such as Infrared Imaging Services or local commercial building inspectors with electrical thermography certifications) can perform targeted non-destructive testing on photovoltaic systems.
- Original Installers or Local Solar Contractors: Many local solar installation and service companies (such as Southwest Solar Inspection ) offer performance audits that include thermal scanning or can point you toward a trusted local partner.
To help me point you in the exact right direction, could you share:
- Is your system residential or commercial/utility-scale?
- What state or general region are you located in?
ChatGPTOct 16, 2026
If your solar installation is producing less energy than expected, infrared thermography (thermal imaging) is a good diagnostic step. A specialist can use a thermal camera—often mounted on a drone—to identify hot spots, defective cells, failing bypass diodes, and electrical connection problems that may explain reduced output.
I searched for providers in the Portland, Oregon area. Here are several companies to contact, plus what to ask for so you get a solar-specific diagnostic inspection rather than a standard roof or home inspection.
Solar thermal imaging inspection companies
1. Helios Imaging
(Strong local lead)
Portland metro / Beaverton, Oregon
Specializes in aerial thermal imaging and solar-array inspections using radiometric thermal sensors. A good first contact for identifying underperforming panels in an array.
888-408-6027
Company listing and details
2. Accurate Infrared
Canby, Oregon · Portland-area service
Explicitly offers infrared inspections of photovoltaic systems, including aerial surveys and ground-based inspection of connected electrical equipment.
971-322-5749
Official solar inspection service
3. NADAR Drone Aerial Photography & Inspection
Portland area
Provides commercial aerial inspection and mapping, with thermal imaging options for solar and power systems. Ask whether they can provide module-level defect analysis and a performance-focused report.
503-404-3034
Find their solar inspection services
4. Cascade Flight
Portland · Pacific Northwest
Offers dedicated solar thermal inspections with geotagged thermal imagery, anomaly reports, and defect-location mapping. Particularly worth considering for larger commercial arrays.
541-731-4899
Official energy and utility inspection services
5. Barnard HQ
Eugene, Oregon
Offers radiometric thermal drone inspections for residential and commercial PV arrays, including GPS-tagged anomaly maps and detailed reports. Ask about travel to your installation.
Official solar inspection service
These providers advertise relevant thermal or solar inspection services, but confirm current availability, service area, and whether they can diagnose your particular system before booking.
What to request when you contact them
Explain that your goal is to identify the cause of low energy production, not simply obtain thermal photographs. Ask for:
- Radiometric infrared imaging of the entire accessible array, ideally with matching standard RGB images.
- Module-level defect mapping identifying hot spots, damaged cells, bypass-diode issues, and suspicious connections.
- A written diagnostic report with the location and severity of each anomaly and recommended corrective actions.
- Electrical troubleshooting, such as string-current, inverter, and voltage testing, either directly or through a qualified solar technician.
- Warranty-ready documentation if defective panels or components may need replacement.
Thermal imaging works best when irradiance and weather conditions are suitable. It also cannot identify every possible cause of low output, so electrical testing may be needed.
A message you can send to request a quote
:::writing{variant="email" id="58314" subject="Request for Solar Array Thermal Imaging Inspection"} Hello,
I'm troubleshooting a solar installation that is producing less energy than expected. I'm looking for a qualified provider to perform an infrared thermal imaging inspection of the array and help identify potential causes of the reduced output.
Could you please confirm:
- Whether you perform radiometric thermal inspections of solar PV arrays
- Whether you inspect residential rooftop systems, commercial rooftops, or ground-mounted arrays
- Whether your report includes module-level defect mapping and recommendations
- Whether you can perform or coordinate electrical testing and troubleshooting
- Your availability, estimated cost, and typical report turnaround
The installation is located in [city/area], and the system size is approximately [kW]. I can provide monitoring data and inverter production records if helpful.
Thank you. :::
One question to help narrow this down: Is your system a residential rooftop installation or a large commercial/utility-scale array? That will help determine which of these providers is the best fit.
Google AI ModeOct 16, 2026
Finding the right company to perform a thermal imaging (infrared/IR) inspection on a solar array usually depends on whether your installation is residential or commercial, and whether you want a
dedicated solar contractor or an aerial thermography provider.Here are the primary types of service providers to look for and where to find them:
- Specialized Solar Inspection Companies: Many firms focus explicitly on diagnosing solar generation issues, string failures, and microinverter problems. Look for regional or local specialists like Southwest Solar Inspection or equivalent regional solar O&M (Operations & Maintenance) providers.
- Commercial Drone & Thermal Thermography Services: Modern solar thermal inspections are frequently performed via drones equipped with high-resolution radiometric thermal cameras. Companies specializing in aerial thermography (such as Self Aerial Imagery LLC or regional providers like Desert Drones LLC ) carry FAA Part 107 licenses and specific thermography certifications to spot hot spots, cell failures, and wiring faults from above.
- Industrial Infrared Inspection Firms: General electrical and building infrared inspection companies (such as HOT/SHOT Infrared Inspections or Infrared Inspections LLC ) often have certified level I or II thermographers who can scan combiner boxes, inverters, and array panels.[1][2]
Where to Search:
- Local Search & Maps: Search for terms like
"solar thermal drone inspection","infrared solar panel diagnostics", or"solar O&M inspection"along with your city or state on Google Maps. - National Networks: Platforms like DroneQuote or regional directories list vetted local drone operators and solar trade partners certified in aerial thermography.
- Certification Directories: Check directories for organizations like the InterNational Electrical Testing Association (NETA) or certified professionals via the Infrared Training Center (ITC) to find qualified thermographers nearby.
If you share your general location (city/state) and whether your system is residential or commercial/utility-scale , I can help narrow down the exact type of local provider you need.
Also asked as
- My solar array output is lower than it should be. Can you recommend services that perform thermal inspections on solar panels?
