Thermographic Analysis standards - 3 / 5.5 / 8 GSD (cm/px)

Thermographic Analysis standards - 3 / 5.5 / 8 GSD (cm/px)


3 GSD (cm/px) - High-Resolution Inspection (IEC-compliant)

Captured at low altitude, this inspection meets IEC 62446-3 standards and provides high thermal and visual detail. Ideal for diagnostics, documentation, and long-term monitoring, with accurate temperature normalization and support for warranty claims. 

  • Heated Modules (Groups)

    • Recorded regardless of temperature gradient.

    • Recorded as 'String Heating' root cause if matches known/logical string layout.

    • If the electrical hierarchy is provided, ‘Combiner-box level anomaly’ and ‘Inverter level anomaly’ can be added as root cause, if matching site layout.

    • Clear difference in module temperature

  • Heated Modules (Individuals)

    • Recorded regardless of temperature gradient.

    • Clear difference in module temperature

  • Heated Substrings

    • Recorded regardless of temperature gradient.

    • Clear difference in Substring temperature

  • Heated Junction Boxes

    • Recorded if over 7ºC of temperature gradient.

    • Clear temperature difference from neighbouring Junction Box.

    • Able to determine Junction Box positioning, otherwise will be treated as a Hot Spot.

  • Hot Spot

    • Recorded if over 4ºC of temperature gradient.

    • If Thin-film modules, recorded if over 3ºC of temperature gradient.

  • Multiple Hot Cells

    • Recorded if over 4ºC of temperature gradient.

    • If Thin-film modules, recorded if over 3ºC of temperature gradient.

  • Missing Modules

    • Only if the module is determined not to be missing by design.

  • Tracking Failures

    • Added if determined to be misaligned from the 'majority' angle of the tracking system.

  • Visual Anomalies

    • Recorded if suspected to be the cause of a string anomaly.



3 GSD (cm/px) - Thin-Film Double Analysis (IR & RGB)


Tailored for thin-film modules, this dual analysis combines thermal and high-resolution visual imagery. It is IEC compliant and designed to detect both thermal and visual defects such as cracks, delamination, and other issues that affect performance and structural integrity.

  • Heated Modules (Groups)

    • Recorded regardless of temperature gradient.

    • Recorded as 'String Heating' root cause if matches known/logical string layout.

    • If the electrical hierarchy is provided, ‘Combiner-box level anomaly’ and ‘Inverter level anomaly’ can be added as root cause, if matching site layout.

    • Clear difference in module temperature

  • Heated Modules (Individuals)

    • Recorded regardless of temperature gradient.

    • Clear difference in module temperature

  • Heated Junction Boxes

    • Recorded if over 7ºC of temperature gradient.

    • Clear temperature difference from neighbouring Junction Box.

    • Able to determine Junction Box positioning, otherwise will be treated as a Hot Spot.

  • Hot Spot

    • Recorded if over 3ºC of temperature gradient.

  • Multiple Hot Cells

    • Recorded if over 3ºC of temperature gradient.

  • Missing Modules

    • Only if the module is determined not to be missing by design

  • Tracking Failures

    • Added if determined to be misaligned from the 'majority' angle of the tracking system.

  • Visual Defects

    • Added if the module shows clear visual impact:

      • Cracked

      • Damaged

      • Delamination



5.5 GSD (cm/px) - Light Scan


This scan is conducted at moderate altitude to ensure swift coverage and turnaround. While it excels in speed it compromises in quality as temperatures are harder to normalise credibility for year-to-year comparison (with Minimum temperature gradient of 10ºC) and low resolution RGB imagery may not clearly show the root cause of issues like soiling, shading or damage. Best suited when speed take priority over quality and detail. 

  • Heated Modules (Groups)

    • Recorded regardless of temperature gradient.

    • Recorded as 'String Heating' root cause if matches known/logical string layout.

    • If the electrical hierarchy is provided, ‘Combiner-box level anomaly’ and ‘Inverter level anomaly’ can be added as root cause, if matching site layout.

    • Clear difference in module temperature

  • Heated Modules (Individuals)

    • Recorded regardless of temperature gradient.

    • Clear difference in module temperature

  • Heated Substrings

    • Recorded regardless of temperature gradient.

    • Clear difference in Substring temperature

  • Hot Spot

    • Recorded if over 10ºC of temperature gradient.

  • Multiple Hot Cells

    • Recorded if over 10ºC of temperature gradient.

  • Missing Modules

    • Only if the module is determined not to be missing by design

  • Tracking Failures

    • Added if determined to be misaligned from the 'majority' angle of the tracking system.

  • Visual Anomalies – Only if suspected to be the cause of a string anomaly.


8 GSD (cm/px) - High-Level Scan


Captured at a higher altitude, this inspection offers rapid site coverage and the quickest turnaround for analysis. While it does not include temperature readings, it’s ideal for quickly detecting offline areas and tracker issues and works perfectly alongside 3 GSD (cm/px) flights to enhance yearly yield and site availability.  

  • Heated Modules (Groups)

    • Recorded regardless of temperature gradient.

    • Recorded as 'String Heating' root cause if matches known/logical string layout.

    • If the electrical hierarchy is provided, ‘Combiner-box level anomaly’ and ‘Inverter level anomaly’ can be added as root cause, if matching site layout.

    • Clear difference in module temperature

  • Heated Modules (Individuals)

    • Recorded regardless of temperature gradient.

    • Clear difference in module temperature

  • Missing Modules

    • Only if the module is determined not to be missing by design.

  • Tracking Failures

    • Added if determined to be misaligned from the 'majority' angle of the tracking system.

 

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