01
Thermographic Inspection
Standards-compliant IR inspection for PV systems of all sizes. Identification of all thermally conspicuous modules and estimation of the annual yield loss. To IEC TS 62446-3.
Request inspection → More on inspection →Industrial PV Inspection · DACH Region
Solar
Thermography
DACH Region.
Professional thermographic inspection of photovoltaic systems – non-contact, precise, to IEC TS 62446-3. From the first inspection to full remediation from a single source on request. Over 880 MW of PV capacity inspected.
Solar Thermography Services
Thermographic
PV Inspection &
Remediation
From the first inspection to documented repair: as a "full-service provider" for solar thermography we cover the entire process – with no handover losses from switching providers. Whether photovoltaic inspection of individual rooftop systems or solar installation inspection of entire portfolios: carried out to IEC TS 62446-3 and VdS 2858.
03
Remediation
Professional repair of defective solar modules, bypass diodes, junction boxes and BOS components based on thermography findings. Full service from a single source – from diagnosis to documented sign-off.
Request project →03
PV Insurance Reports
Court-admissible photovoltaic expert reports to VdS 2858 for insurance claims (hail, lightning, fire), warranty claims and technical due diligence for portfolio acquisitions.
Request expert report → More on expert reports →04
PV Maintenance Contracts
Regular thermography inspection intervals per VdS recommendation (every 2 years). Priority scheduling and preferential terms for existing clients – ideal for operators of multiple sites.
Request maintenance contract →05
Solar Farm Inspection by Drone
Autonomous drone thermography for ground-mounted systems of any size. 100% module coverage with geo-referenced IR thermal mapping, fully during live operation.
Request solar farm inspection → More on solar farms →Inspection Process
In 5 steps to
complete
PV thermography
01
Inquiry & qualification
You provide the system parameters (location, kWp, system type). We review the system data and schedule the inspection within 5–10 working days – nationwide.
02
Weather window & preparation
The thermography of photovoltaic systems requires min. 500 W/m² solar irradiance, max. 2/8 cloud cover and wind below 4 Bft. We coordinate the optimal measurement window – your system keeps running undisturbed.
03
Drone thermography & IR imaging
Systematic drone flight with simultaneous IR and RGB capture. 100% module coverage, geo-referenced by GPS. IR hand camera for inverters, junction boxes and BOS components – approx. 10 minutes per megawatt.
04
Analysis & reporting
Analysis to IEC TS 62446-3. Classification of all thermal anomalies with temperature differences, fault type and action priority. Full report promptly – VdS-compliant and insurance-grade.
05
Remediation & sign-off
On request we carry out the full repair of the solar system – including module and component replacement. A final control thermography documents the success of the measures end to end.
Detected Defects & Anomalies
What defects
does
PV thermography detect?
Each defect type has a characteristic thermal signature in the infrared image. Our thermographers classify hotspots, PID degradation, bypass diode faults and other anomalies precisely to IEC TS 62446-3 – for legally usable inspection reports.
Hotspot
Local overheating caused by defective cells or partial shading. The most common cause of PV fires – immediate action required for critical findings.
Faulty bypass diode
A faulty bypass diode causes overheating of entire cell strings (1/3–1/4 of the module). Visible in the thermogram as a uniform temperature band.
PID degradation
Potential-induced degradation with a characteristic edge pattern. Up to 30% power loss long-term – reversible if detected early.
Microcracks
Cracks in the cell matrix from mechanical stress or hail damage. Visible thermographically as multi-cell failure – complementary EL measurement recommended.
Junction box defect
Overheated connectors, corroded contacts or faulty seals – a common cause of system failures and fires. Only partly detectable from above by drone; full inspection of all junction boxes (including rear-mounted) in the Complete package.
Connection & wiring faults
Loose MC4 connectors, faulty DC wiring, overheated cable terminals or cross-wiring – often only thermally conspicuous in operation. Typical in new systems and after modifications; systematically inspected with an IR hand camera in the Complete package.
Soiling
Bird droppings, leaves and dust create characteristic heat patterns. Cleaning measurably increases yield – the most cost-effective optimisation measure.
Substring failure
Complete failure of a cell string due to a line break. Visible in the infrared image as a uniformly cool cell row – typically 33% power loss per module.
Delamination
Detachment of the encapsulation film allows moisture ingress and corrosion. Common in systems from 8–10 years of operation.
Qualifications & Standards
Inspected to the
Highest Standards
IEC TS 62446-3
International standard for IR thermography on PV systems. Defines measurement conditions, equipment and reporting standards.
VdS 2858
VdS guideline for electrical thermography – a prerequisite for insurance-compliant reports and claims settlement.
Target Industries
Who we
work with
01
Commercial & Industrial
Production facilities, logistics halls, shopping centres – commercial rooftop systems from 100 kWp with professional maintenance needs. Thermography as part of facility management.
02
Utilities & IPPs
Independent power producers and grid operators with ground-mounted solar farms in the MW range. Regular O&M integration, automated drone flights, digital reporting.
03
Funds & Investors
Technical Due Diligence for portfolio acquisitions. Thermographic condition assessment as a standard inspection method before closing – an IEC-compliant report as a basis for negotiation.
04
Insurers & Expert Witnesses
Damage reports after hail, lightning, fire. VdS 2858-compliant reports for fast, legally sound settlement – court-admissible.
05
EPC Contractors & Installers
Commissioning inspection after new installation. Thermographic proof of warranty obligations toward system operators – protects against recourse claims.
06
Property Managers
Management of commercial properties with rooftop PV systems. Thermography maintenance records for lease agreements, management evidence and insurance reports.
Don't lose
any more yield
Every week with undetected defects costs real money. Calculate your price and request an inspection now.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: Solar
Thermography
Answers to the most important questions about the thermographic inspection of photovoltaic systems.
What is solar thermography?
What does PV thermography cost?
When should thermography be carried out?
Does the system have to be shut down?
Are the reports insurance-compliant?
Which season is best for thermography?
From what system size is it worthwhile?
Inquiry & Calculation
Calculate price
& request a quote
Calculate your indicative price in seconds – your calculation is transferred automatically to the inquiry form.
Company
Charged Elements GmbH
Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg, Germany
Email
Service area
All of Germany
AT & CH on request
AT & CH on request
Response time
Within 24h
on business days
on business days