What is a solar panel hotspot?

A hotspot is a region of a panel that becomes hotter than comparable surrounding cells. Shading, soiling or cell-related electrical issues can produce similar appearances. Rather than interpreting a hot area as an immediate instruction to replace the panel, it should therefore be assessed alongside visible-light images and site information.

How are panel, diode and string findings distinguished?

Temperature patterns at cell level, across part of a panel or along an entire string may indicate different inspection needs. GES-TERMAL reports these findings with location information that can be used on site. Verifying a suspected diode or string fault may require the facility's connection plan, inverter records and electrical checks by competent personnel.

Does a thermal camera conclusively reveal microcracks?

Thermal surveying does not directly reveal the microcrack itself under all conditions. Abnormal heating caused by a crack during operation may be visible, but a definitive assessment may require other tests. Similarly, PID should not be conclusively diagnosed from a thermal pattern alone. The report should distinguish the observed finding from possible causes and verification needs.

What information should a fault report contain?

A report useful to maintenance teams should include the finding's location, relevant thermal and visible images, survey conditions, comparison notes and the recommended follow-up step. Although temperature difference is important data, it does not explain every risk on its own. Intervention priority is established by considering operating conditions and electrical findings together.

What happens after the inspection?

The operations team plans the recommended checks; repair or replacement decisions are made according to verification results. Repeat measurements under comparable conditions after intervention help determine whether the finding persists. For warranty claims, the manufacturer's documentation and testing requirements must also be checked; a thermal report alone does not mean a warranty claim will be accepted.

Information to prepare for a quote

  • Inverter or string information for abnormal production
  • Previous fault, cleaning and maintenance records
  • Panel model and current layout plan
  • Testing documents required for any warranty procedure

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.