Created by M.L., OST, on 19.03.2025
- Description: Visual inspection of the PV plant. A rough overview can be gained remotely via webcams. However, a detailed inspection requires on-site human intervention. In some cases, a drone can be used for faster inspection.
- Equipment: Camera. Optionally webcams and/or drone.
- Requirements: Access to the PV plant for human inspection. Low wind condition for drone flight.
- Gained insights: Detection of module breakage, delamination, soiling, encapsulant yellowing, shading; as well as general issues like loosened screws or detached connectors. Due to the heavy snow loads and strong wind-gusts in alpine regions, the modules are submitted to high mechanical stresses, increasing the risks for module breakage and connector detachment, for example. Hence, thorough planning, as well as regular inspection are critical.
- Recommended frequency: Once a year.
- Advantages: Little equipment needed.
- Disadvantages: Limited to the detection of massive flaws, visible at the surface by the naked eye.
- Effort:
- Global: low/medium, depending on the ease of access.
- Costs: low.
- Time: medium, depending on time to reach site and ease of access to the individual modules.
- Providers: –
- Links:
- Norms regarding visual inspection: SN EN IEC61215-1:2021 und SN EN IEC61215-2:2021
- Additional notes:
- Recommended to be done in spring, once the access is convenient again, to detect damages from snow as quickly as possible.
- A webcam allows for gross visual inspection throughout the year. This is particularly relevant to keep track of snow accumulation, snow drifts and icicle formation, which might damage the power plant.
