On-Site Inspection by Pilot
We have qualified legal qualifications and experience in applying for restricted areas and executing flight missions, and we ensure that we obtain permission from the competent authorities and comply with the relevant operating regulations before the operation. According to the PV plant information form filled out by the customer, we will send a professional pilot with a professional license to the site with drone equipment and a pyranometer for inspection. The standardized process is carried out under the conditions of sufficient sunlight (>600 W/m²), normal system power generation, no serious dirt on the module surface, and notification of the owner. All the drones used are insured against liability and fly automatically. Upon completion of the mission, the pilot will submit the data through the data upload function of the IRUAV APP.
AI Analysis and Expert Verification
We have accumulated extensive thermal inspection experience across various types of photovoltaic systems, collecting a large volume of outdoor thermal and visible-light imagery to establish a comprehensive database of thermal defect classification and annotation. Our AI model has achieved an average accuracy rate of over 90% and has been fully integrated into the IRUAV Analysis platform. Once flight data is uploaded by drone operators, it is first analyzed by AI and then reviewed by domain experts, ensuring near 100% accuracy in thermal defect classification and module-level localization. As solar module technologies continue to evolve and installation environments become increasingly diverse, only a continuously optimized AI model combined with expert verification can maintain consistently high inspection accuracy across different site conditions.
Cloud Visualization System
The IRUAV APP provides a cloud-based visualization platform that allows users to conveniently browse and manage inspection results. The system is designed to store and display thermal inspection data and supports one-click automatic generation of inspection reports, significantly enhancing the value of drone-based inspections. The IRUAV APP can be accessed via both desktop and mobile devices. Through the search function, users can quickly locate specific sites. Detected thermal anomalies are categorized and precisely marked on the orthomosaic at the module level, enabling O&M personnel to accurately and efficiently identify defective modules on site. In addition, the historical comparison function acts as a “health check” for each PV plant, making trends and improvement results clearly visible. The maintenance log records corrective actions and operational history, allowing companies to effectively manage large-scale solar assets while meeting ESG requirements for governance transparency and information disclosure.
Module Power Measurement
For crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules, output power changes by approximately 0.4–0.5% for every 1°C variation in temperature. To standardize performance evaluation, the IEC defines Standard Test Conditions (STC)—25°C module temperature, 1000 W/m² irradiance, and AM 1.5 spectrum—under which laboratory power testing is conducted. When on-site power generation is lower than expected and no significant thermal defects are detected through infrared inspection, selected modules can be tested under STC conditions to determine potential cell degradation, such as LeTID or UVID. This approach helps identify hidden module issues and supports accurate performance diagnosis of photovoltaic systems.
EL Measurement
For large-scale photovoltaic systems installed outdoors, it is often difficult to determine internal module damage through visual inspection alone. When infrared aerial inspection reveals a certain proportion of modules exhibiting hotspot phenomena, selected modules can be sent to a laboratory for Electroluminescence (EL) testing. EL testing utilizes the electroluminescent properties of solar cells under electrical excitation—modules with more defects emit weaker light. Defects such as cell cracks, microcracks, broken interconnects, or other structural issues can be clearly identified through EL imaging. By analyzing the pattern and distribution of these defects, the root cause of degradation can be further assessed. Compared with on-site testing methods, laboratory-based EL analysis provides higher reliability and consistency, and is widely recognized by manufacturers as a key diagnostic tool for evaluating module quality and structural integrity.
Dry and Wet Insulation Measurement
The operating voltage of a solar PV system typically reaches 1000–1500V, and this high voltage is present throughout the system’s conductors. When the insulation materials of PV modules, such as the backsheet or EVA deteriorate due to aging, leakage current may occur, potentially causing inverter tripping or posing electric shock hazards to O&M personnel. To assess the dielectric strength of module insulation under high voltage, laboratory dry/wet insulation current testing can be performed. The test applies 1000V plus twice the system’s rated voltage between the module’s junction box terminals and the aluminum frame, measuring leakage current and calculating insulation resistance. If the measured insulation resistance falls below 40 MΩ per square meter, it indicates possible degradation of the module’s insulation performance or materials. Such conditions require close monitoring, as they may impact system safety and overall power generation efficiency.
Pilot Training Programs
The accuracy of inspection results is directly determined by the quality of image data collected by drone pilots; therefore, this is a highly specialized task. This course is built on the technical framework of IEC 62446-3 and provides a systematic explanation of how to use industry-grade, platform-compatible drones together with the IRUAV APP to complete a standards-compliant thermal aerial inspection workflow for photovoltaic systems. Combining both theory and hands-on practice, the course focuses on three core topics: ① Principles of thermal imaging aerial inspection and operational precautions. ② Key points of industry-grade drone operation, including automated flight path planning and relevant regulations. ③ Practical operation of the IRUAV APP, with emphasis on pilot-side data upload functions. The full program consists of 3 hours of online instruction and 2 hours of outdoor practical training, supporting pilots in building comprehensive inspection capabilities from theory through real-world application.
Multi-functional Drone
PV systems continue generating electricity under sufficient sunlight. Once a fire occurs, the resulting high-voltage environment can pose serious risks to firefighters and O&M personnel. In recent years, Taiwanese manufacturers have gradually developed in-house capabilities for key UAV components, including flight control systems, communication systems, RTK modules, thermal imaging cameras, motors, and batteries. Building on this foundation, we have initiated feasibility studies for a hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle designed for both solar inspection and firefighting applications. Under normal conditions, this hybrid UAV performs solar plant inspections to help identify anomalies that may affect power generation efficiency and operational safety. In emergency situations, it can precisely deploy dry powder fire-extinguishing balls, providing a safe and effective auxiliary firefighting solution for solar power plants.