Infrared thermal imaging detection for solar panels

1. Background analysis

The understanding of environmental issues has aroused people's strong interest in alternative energy. At present, solar energy is one of these alternatives. The energy generated by solar energy is inexhaustible, and because of the plan to support the construction of solar power plants, it represents the fast-growing part of energy production. However, if the factory is to operate efficiently, it needs high-quality installation, regular maintenance, and detailed inspection.

2. Program overview

The thermal imager is an ideal solution to this problem. The hot spots are clearly visible in the thermal image because they have a strong color contrast with other solar cells and the surrounding environment. However, in many cases, using a handheld thermal imager for "hot spot" inspection is neither efficient nor safe. Photovoltaic panels are usually installed on sloping roofs with poor accessibility, and solar power plants are very large. In addition, natural obstacles such as vegetation and rugged terrain usually cannot be manipulated between panels. A thermal imaging system provides a relatively fast and effective solution.

Previously, it took about two days to carry out a "hot spot" and quality inspection of solar cells in large photovoltaic power plants. However, with our thermal imaging system, these examinations can now be completed in a few hours. The thermal imaging system also allows users to record position data via GPS, and its measurement protocol saves a lot of time in the final processing of data. The camera software allows diagnostic information to be uniquely assigned to individual images and photovoltaic panels. Finally, users can compile detailed geographic maps with their hot images.