Solar panel inspection in Exmouth
Looking for professional solar panel inspection help in Exmouth? Hembury Contracting provides reliable drone services across Exmouth and surrounding areas.
Price Guide
Free quote
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exmouth
Solar panel thermal inspection using our DJI Matrice 4 Thermal drone. Thermal imaging detects hotspots, faulty cells, and underperforming panels from the air - no roof access needed. Evidence for warranty claims included.
Is Your Solar Array Working Properly?
Solar panels are a big investment. But once they're on your roof, how do you know they're all performing? A panel with faulty cells still looks fine from the ground - but it's costing you money every sunny day.
Thermal imaging reveals the truth.
💡 Pro tip: If your generation figures have dropped but you can't see any physical damage to the panels, faulty cells or connection issues are the most likely cause. Thermal imaging pinpoints the problem.
What Thermal Imaging Reveals
| Issue | What We See |
|---|---|
| Hotspot cells | Individual cells running hot (not generating) |
| String faults | Entire rows of cells affected by one failure |
| Bypass diode failure | Section of panel overheating |
| Delamination | Moisture between layers showing as thermal anomaly |
| Cracked cells | Heat patterns revealing invisible cracks |
| Connection issues | Uneven heating across panels in a string |
Visual vs Thermal
| ✅ Thermal Inspection | ❌ Visual Only |
|---|---|
| Detects internal cell faults | Panels look fine from the ground |
| Quantifies performance issues | Guessing from generation data |
| Pinpoints specific panels | "Somewhere on the roof" |
| Evidence for warranty claims | Manufacturer may dispute |
| Catches problems early | Finds them after years of lost generation |
What You Get
📦 Deliverables
- Thermal images of every panel
- Side-by-side thermal/visual comparison
- Specific fault identification with panel locations
- Written report suitable for warranty claims or installer contact
⚠️ Drone services are quoted based on property size and scope - separate from our standard hourly rates. Contact us for a free quote.
Why Choose Us for Solar panel inspection in Exmouth?
Thermal imaging detects faulty cells and hotspots
Find underperforming panels without getting on the roof
Support warranty claims with evidence
Quick - entire array surveyed in under an hour
What to Expect
Step 1: System Discussion
I find out about your system - age, size, inverter type, any known issues. You share generation data if you have it.
Step 2: Aerial Thermal Survey
The drone captures thermal and visual images of every panel. Needs to be done in sunlight when panels are actively generating.
Step 3: Analysis & Report
Each panel is checked for anomalies. You get a clear report identifying any issues, which panels are affected, and recommended next steps (warranty claim, cleaning, repair).
Our Exmouth Service Coverage
We cover Exmouth and a 30-mile radius from Exeter, meaning you get local service with the backing of an established business. Whether you're in the centre of Exmouth or in the surrounding villages, we're here to help.
Good to Know
> 🏠 **Devon sunshine** - we get more sun than you'd think. That makes it even more important that your panels are all working properly. A single faulty panel in a string can reduce output of the entire string by 30% or more. **Panel cleaning** is separate from thermal inspection. If we find dirty panels rather than faults, we'll recommend cleaning before any further action. Sometimes it's that simple. **Annual generation checks** are the easiest way to monitor panel health. Keep a record each year and flag any significant drops.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar panel inspection in Exmouth
How does thermal imaging find faulty solar panels?
Faulty cells or diodes in a solar panel generate excess heat instead of electricity. The thermal camera detects these 'hotspots' as bright areas on an otherwise uniform panel surface. A healthy panel shows even temperature across its surface. Faulty ones stand out like sore thumbs.
My generation seems lower than expected - can you find out why?
Often, yes. Common causes include faulty cells (visible as hotspots), dirty panels (uneven heating), shading issues, or connection problems. Thermal imaging combined with visual inspection can identify most of these issues without touching the panels.
Can this help with a warranty claim?
Absolutely. Thermal images showing specific cell defects or hotspots are exactly the evidence manufacturers need for warranty claims. Our photos include temperature data, so there's no ambiguity about the fault.
Do the panels need to be in direct sunlight for the inspection?
Yes - solar panels need to be actively generating for thermal imaging to work. We need at least moderate sunlight. Overcast conditions don't generate enough temperature difference. We'll schedule for appropriate weather.
How often should solar panels be inspected?
Every 2-3 years is a sensible interval for a thermal check. If your generation drops noticeably, get it checked sooner. Most panels have 20-25 year warranties, but faults can develop at any time and catching them early means better performance and easier warranty claims.
Solar panel inspection Also Available In:
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01392 964094Request Online QuotePricing for Exmouth
* Same rates for all locations in our service area
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Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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