Solar farm inspection requires continuous monitoring of diverse failure modes - from cell disconnections and ground faults to thermal anomalies and surface degradation. Traditional manual inspections of large installations can take weeks, while drone-based systems must capture and process multiple data streams to detect faults across hundreds of panels in varying environmental conditions. Current systems regularly generate over 100GB of thermal and visual data per flight hour.

The core challenge lies in developing inspection systems that can reliably detect subtle electrical and physical defects while maintaining the speed and coverage advantages of aerial platforms.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including frequency-based disconnection detection, integrated cleaning mechanisms with fault detection, parasitic capacitance measurement algorithms, and automated thermal anomaly localization. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation of drone inspection systems that combine multiple sensing modalities while addressing environmental variations and data processing requirements.

1. Drone System with Integrated Water Tank and Precision Cleaning Mechanism for Photovoltaic Component Monitoring

Guoneng Tongguan New Energy Co., Ltd., 2024

A drone system for photovoltaic component fault detection through video monitoring, combining high-resolution imaging with automated cleaning capabilities. The drone features a water tank with integrated support brackets for maintaining the water level, a fixed gimbal for stabilization, and a precision cleaning mechanism with a water pump. The system can detect and clear obstructions from photovoltaic modules through controlled water spray, enabling efficient fault detection and treatment.

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2. Autonomous Drone System with Dual-Light Imaging and Integrated Modules for Solar Panel Inspection

ZHONGNENG POWER-TECH DEVELOPMENT CO LTD, 2021

An autonomous drone inspection system for solar panels that employs dual-light technology to detect hotspots. The system integrates a machine vision module, diagnosis module, positioning module, and control module to inspect solar panels while navigating to the identified hotspots. The system uses dual-light sources to capture images of solar panels during flight, enabling real-time analysis of panel performance. The diagnosis module identifies defects in the images, while the positioning module uses onboard navigation to pinpoint the hotspots. The control module coordinates the inspection flight to ensure efficient coverage of the solar panels.

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3. Autonomous UAV-Based Photovoltaic Inspection System with Integrated Thermal Imaging and Real-Time Ground Station Control

CGN NEW ENERGY CO LTD, CGN New Energy Holdings Co., Ltd., 2021

A photovoltaic inspection system for solar panels that enables autonomous monitoring of solar panels using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a solar panel array, thermal imaging, temperature sensors, and lighting. The system integrates a ground station that provides real-time data processing and control, enabling automated inspection of solar panels in various environmental conditions.

4. Multi-Spectral Monitoring System for Anomaly Detection in Solar Cells with Integrated Visible and Infrared Data Analysis

TOKYO GAS CO LTD, 2020

A system for detecting and analyzing anomalies in solar cell performance through a multi-spectral monitoring approach. The system captures images of the solar panel array using visible light and thermal infrared sensors, then analyzes the data to identify potential issues. The system uses advanced algorithms to combine visible and infrared data, and employs machine learning to detect anomalies based on both spectral characteristics and temporal patterns. The system provides detailed information on the detected anomalies, including their location, nature, and potential impact on overall system performance.

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5. Distributed Photovoltaic Power Plant Diagnostic System with Autonomous Drone Inspections

Nanjing Green New Energy Research Institute Co., Ltd., NANJING LVXIN ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO LTD, 2018

Fault-based diagnostic system for distributed photovoltaic power plants using drones. The system enables remote monitoring and predictive maintenance of solar panels through autonomous drone inspections, leveraging the power plant's existing infrastructure. By deploying drones to inspect solar panels and inverters, the system can identify potential faults before they cause operational disruptions, reducing maintenance costs and improving overall plant efficiency.

6. Aerial Vehicle System for Autonomous Ultrasonic and Laser-Based Solar Panel Inspection with Automated Anomaly Detection and Marking

SKYROBOT INC, 2017

Aerial-based solar panel inspection system that enables continuous monitoring of solar panels without requiring personnel on site. The system employs a remotely controlled aerial vehicle equipped with a ground control unit that maintains constant distance and optimal angle between the inspection unit and the solar panel. The control unit also regulates the inspection angle and performs automated detection of potential issues. The system enables rapid detection of panel faults through advanced ultrasonic and laser-based inspection, with the ability to mark detected anomalies for precise location verification.

7. Radio-Controlled Helicopter System with Infrared Imaging and GPS for Remote Solar Panel Inspection

EDA TOKUSHU BOSUI KOGYO KK, 2015

A remote solar panel inspection system that uses a radio-controlled helicopter equipped with an infrared camera to detect and diagnose solar panel defects. The system enables remote inspection from a safe aerial perspective, eliminating the need for workers to access the solar panels. The infrared camera captures images of the solar panels, which are then transmitted to a video monitoring system for analysis. The system includes a helicopter control receiver and a camera control receiver, allowing remote operation from a central location. The system's GPS-enabled position tracking enables precise location monitoring, while the camera's adjustable angle allows for optimal inspection from various vantage points.

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8. Solar Panel Anomaly Detection System with Distributed Signal-Level Monitoring

PANASONIC IP MANAGEMENT CO LTD, 2015

Anomaly detection system for solar panels that improves accuracy through signal-level monitoring. The system employs a signal transmitter and receiver that transmit and receive signals along the solar panel string. The receiver measures signal levels at multiple positions along the string, enabling detection of anomalies at any point. The system's signal-level monitoring enables precise location of faults compared to traditional fixed-position monitoring methods.

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