In the current scenario of expansion of the renewable energy matrix, the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of Photovoltaic Plants (PV Plants) requires a comprehensive approach.
Traditional manual inspection alone has become insufficient. To ensure maximum performance and operational safety, it is imperative to monitor not only the solar panels, but the entire energy conversion and distribution infrastructure.
DRONE & GIS's technological solution is Hybrid Inspection, which integrates the macro and rapid vision of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (DRONES) with the detailed precision of terrestrial thermography in ground components (BoS – Balance of System), all unified by Artificial Intelligence and GIS.
Air Inspection
(Scalability and Precision)
Instrumental inspection performed by certified technicians using highly sensitive handheld thermal imagers. The focus is on the critical analysis of the Balance of System (BoS), diagnosing internal components of inverters, string boxes, and connections hidden from aerial view.
Systemic integration of data layers (aerial and terrestrial) processed by Computer Vision algorithms. The result is the consolidation of all information into a single geospatial platform, generating a navigable and auditable Digital Twin of the power plant.
At DRONE & GIS, we unify precision engineering and data intelligence to maximize the lifecycle of your energy infrastructure. Our approach integrates drones, geotechnologies, and AI to deliver in-depth diagnostics on solar generation assets. From topographic surveys and engineering project support to predictive inspection focused on O&M, we transform asset management into an exact science, ensuring operational safety, regulatory compliance, and maximum revenue recovery.
The efficiency of a photovoltaic plant does not begin with...
energization, but rather in the rigor of the territorial data that
They provide the basis for their project.
At DRONE & GIS, we apply high-resolution aerial photogrammetry.
precision (with support for GNSS RTK/PPK receivers) for
create the definitive cartographic basis of your asset, acting
From technical feasibility to operational support.
Prior to installation, the accuracy of the terrain model is crucial for calculating earthworks (cut and fill) and for analyzing shading.
High-Density Planimetric and Altimetric SurveyWe generate high-density point clouds, enabling the creation of Digital Terrain Models with centimeter-level precision. This is crucial for drainage projects and for ensuring that the terrain slope is compatible with the limits of solar trackers.
Analysis of Obstructions and ShadingUsing the Digital Surface Model, we map not only the ground, but all obstructions above it (trees, power lines, buildings). This data feeds simulation software to design the layout with the lowest possible shading index, maximizing energy yield.
After construction, aerial photogrammetry takes on a new and critical role: it becomes the visual reference layer for thermographic inspection and asset management.
Ultra-Resolution RGB OrthomosaicWe produced a continuous, georeferenced, high-precision visual map of the entire plant. This map allows visualization of physical details such as serial numbers (when visible), fence integrity, soil erosion, and the physical condition of the modules.
Contextualization of Thermographic InspectionThermal imaging shows where there is heat, but not always what the fault is. By overlaying the thermal layer onto the high-precision RGB orthomosaic, our analysts and AI algorithms can distinguish a real hotspot (electrical fault) from a false positive caused by dirt (bird soiling) or vegetation shadows.
The updated orthomosaic serves as final As-Built documentation, validating the quantity.
of installed modules and serving as a navigable base for the maintenance team
Locate any asset without the need for paper maps or outdated spreadsheets.
Our solutions cover all layers.
of power generation, divided into two
main scopes:
Aerial Inspection: Photovoltaic Modules and
Strings.
Land Inspection: Soil Components
Thermographic Diagnostics of Modules and Strings Operating in strict compliance with the
Standards, our Artificial Intelligence algorithms process radiometric data to
Automatically identify and classify critical pathologies:
Detection of severe thermal dissipation caused by microcracks, snail trails, or localized shading, preventing irreversible damage to the backsheet and fire hazards.
Identification of characteristic heating in junction boxes, indicating the inoperability of sub-strings (loss of 1/3 of the module's power).
Precise location of entire inoperative series due to blown fuses, open connectors, or inverter faults, invisible to visual inspection.
Recognition of geometric thermal patterns (checkerboard or edge effect) associated with potential-induced degradation, allowing for early corrective actions.
While aerial inspection focuses on energy capture, ground inspection ensures the
integrity of the conversion and flow of this power. This step is crucial for the
operational safety, focusing on the early detection of thermal anomalies that
They precede catastrophic failures, unscheduled shutdowns, and fire hazards.
Protection ComponentsScanning fuse holders, disconnect switches, and circuit breakers to identify abnormal heating indicative of undersizing or contact degradation.
String ImbalanceVisual identification of cables operating at different temperatures, indicating load imbalance, undetected partial shading, or upstream cabling faults.
Busbars and ConnectorsChecking for oxidation and current leakage points (leakage to ground) that generate localized heating.
Terminations and MufflesCritical inspection of Medium Voltage (MV) connections, where heating precedes dielectric breakdown.
Underground Junction Boxes: Tracking confined cables to identify heat buildup due to excessive Joule effect or undersized infrastructure.
Minimize unscheduled downtime and reduce your O&M costs. Our
Asset intelligence solutions ensure maximum Annual Production of
Energy and implement the foundation for maintenance management.
completely predictive.
We transformed corrective maintenance into
predictive. By directing the teams of
field only for confirmed failures and
With geolocation, we reduce man-hours.,
logistics costs and average time
repair.
All diagnoses follow
strictly in accordance with the international IEC standard
TS 62446-3. We deliver auditable reports.
and standardized to ensure validity
guarantees and regulatory compliance.
Early detection of critical risks in
Balance of System (inverters, cables and
(transformers) prevents shutdowns
programmed and mitigates fire risks,
maximizing availability (uptime) and
useful life of the asset.
Get in touch and schedule a consultation with our experts; it will be a pleasure to assist you!
