What do periodic thermal checks provide?

A one-off inspection shows the site's condition on that day. Regular, comparable records help track new anomalies or problems that persist after intervention. Inspection frequency should be determined by the facility's age, fault history, environmental conditions and maintenance plan.

Report contents for maintenance teams

The report should clearly state site and survey information, measurement conditions, inspected areas and inspection limitations. A thermal image and location for each finding, matched to a visible image where possible, provide traceability. Technical interpretation should distinguish the observed anomaly from possible causes and identify any verification checks needed.

Can production loss be calculated from a thermal image alone?

A thermal image alone does not provide an exact kWh loss or financial return calculation. Such an assessment requires production records, irradiance data, system design and necessary electrical measurements to be used together. The measurements covered by the report and any additionally requested performance analysis should therefore be distinguished at the quotation stage.

Post-maintenance verification

The findings list can be matched to the operator's maintenance work orders. Follow-up inspection after cleaning, connection checks or panel replacement assesses whether the anomaly at the same location persists. Direct temperature comparisons may be misleading when measurement conditions differ; these differences should be stated in the report.

Planning for MW-scale sites

For large plants, panel density, terrain, flight sections and the required report detail affect the duration alongside capacity. An existing site plan and previous fault records make it easier to communicate findings to the operations team. Delivery format, preliminary findings and the final report date are agreed together with the project scope.

Information to prepare for a quote

  • Current maintenance plan and previous thermal reports
  • Site or panel numbering plan
  • Known faults and intervention records
  • Report format and follow-up inspection needs

Contact: info@gestermal.com · +90 505 823 77 22. Head office: Bahçelievler, Ankara, Türkiye.

Technical reference: IEC TS 62446-3:2017 — outdoor infrared thermography of operating PV systems.