PV-Thermografie Schweiz: Solarpark-Inspektion ab 1 MW

Switzerland records one of the strongest per-capita PV installation rates in Europe. Ground-mounted systems and agri-PV projects from 1 MW in particular are growing rapidly. For operators of these large systems regular standards-compliant thermographic inspection is not only economically worthwhile but often a condition in insurance contracts and subsidy agreements. This article explains what operators in Switzerland need to know about drone law, NIV standards and cross-border inspections.

Swiss solar market and inspection requirements

With the Energy Strategy 2050 Switzerland has anchored ambitious expansion targets for photovoltaics. The installed capacity exceeded the 7 GW mark in 2024, with a growing proportion of ground-mounted systems, alpine PV projects and agri-PV installations. The cantons of Valais, Graubünden, Uri and Bern in particular are focus areas for large-scale solar parks operated in exposed locations under extreme weather conditions.

The inspection market in Switzerland is, despite the high technical level of the Swiss energy industry, still underdeveloped in the area of professional thermography for large systems. We complement this market with standards-compliant IEC documentation and the capacity for large-system surveys.

Standards in Switzerland

In Switzerland the NIV (low-voltage installation ordinance) and the Electrosuisse standards built on it (SN EN standards) apply to electrical installations. For thermographic PV inspections in Switzerland too the IEC TS 62446-3 is the recognised international standard – it is accepted by Swiss building insurers, institutional investors and the cantonal energy industry as the minimum standard for condition documentation.

Swiss building insurers (cantonal monopoly insurers in 19 cantons and private insurers such as Zurich or Mobiliar) generally require a standards-compliant thermographic damage survey for PV claims settlements after hail or storm. Our report to IEC TS 62446-3 is suitable for this purpose.

BAZL drone regulations in Switzerland

Although Switzerland is not an EU member it has adopted EU Drone Regulation 2019/947 largely into national law. For surveys in the "open category" outside security zones no separate permit is required. For surveys near airports, helicopter landing pads or in controlled airspace a permit from the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (BAZL) notwendig.

Particularly for alpine solar parks in valleys with rescue helicopter flight corridors and near military airfields (e.g. Meiringen, Alpnach) we obtain the necessary BAZL permits in advance. Processing time is typically 10–14 working days – we therefore recommend an early enquiry.

For alpine locations above 1,500 m a.s.l. additional technical requirements apply to the drone (altitude performance, cold stability). Our equipment is suitable for deployments up to 3,000 m a.s.l. and is prepared accordingly.

From 1 MW: the economic calculation

Switzerland has very high electricity prices by European comparison – which makes PV investments particularly profitable but also increases the economic significance of every percentage point of yield loss. A 2 MWp system in German-speaking Switzerland generates annual revenues of CHF 150,000–200,000 at typical feed-in tariffs. Undetected defects causing 5% yield loss cost CHF 7,500–10,000 per year.

The thermographic inspection of a 2 MWp system in the Complete package including travel costs from Hamburg typically costs CHF 5,000–6,500 – less than one month of yield loss from undetected defects. Added to this is the insurance and expert report value: a standards-compliant report secures warranty claims and simplifies claims settlement.

Alpine characteristics and challenges

Swiss solar parks in alpine locations have a different defect profile from lowland systems. The mechanical stress from snow pressure is higher, which can lead to microcracks in modules that are visible in the thermogram as characteristic heat patterns. Temperature fluctuations from -20°C in winter to +35°C in summer accelerate the degradation of connectors and cable glands.

Hail is a considerable risk in certain alpine valleys – and unlike in the lowlands is often harder to predict. A commissioning inspection directly after installation and a follow-up inspection after the first winter season are particularly recommended for alpine systems.

Ablauf einer Inspektion aus Deutschland

After receiving the enquiry we check the location, system data and any BAZL permit requirements. We plan the optimal weather window together with the operator – alpine locations have narrower time windows with adequate irradiance and low wind speeds. Travel typically takes place the evening before; for remote locations possibly two days before the deployment.

On site we carry out the complete drone survey and hand thermography. You receive the standards-compliant IEC report within 5 working days. On request we produce the report bilingually (German/French) for systems in western Switzerland.

Fahrtkosten Schweiz

From Hamburg the largest Swiss economic centres are reachable: Zurich approx. 870 km, Bern approx. 860 km, Basel approx. 770 km, Lucerne approx. 880 km, Geneva approx. 1,100 km. Travel costs are calculated per our transparent model (€1.00/km × return trip, first 15 km free) and are calculable in the price calculator on the homepage sofort kalkulierbar.

Please note: for deployments in Switzerland we always recommend combining with at least one other system in the region to minimise the per-system travel costs. Contact us – we are happy to coordinate tours.

Expert reports and building insurance Switzerland

Swiss building insurers are organised by canton. In 19 cantons there are cantonal monopoly insurers (e.g. AGV Aargau, GVB Bern, GVZ Zurich); in the remaining cantons private insurers operate. For hail damage settlements these bodies require professional damage documentation – a standards-compliant thermography report to IEC TS 62446-3 is the recognised instrument here.

Our Premium package with expert opinion is accepted by Swiss insurers for PV claims settlements. For systems in German-speaking Switzerland we produce the report in German; for western Switzerland in German and French on request.

Frequently asked questions