Sample findings

Solar PV findings presented for clear technical follow-up.

Explore how ThermoSky can organise common solar PV thermal and visual observations into traceable findings, priority categories and recommended next actions.

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Illustrative placeholder showing thermal and visual inspection findings in a technical dashboard

Engineering-led inspection

Technical note: Thermal patterns are indicators for further assessment and should not be treated as a confirmed diagnosis on their own.

Finding gallery

From observation to recommended action.

Filter the examples by condition category. Each card separates the observed indication from its possible impact and the appropriate verification or maintenance follow-up.

Illustrative example for Localized hotspots

High priority

Module Conditions

Localized hotspots

Observation: One or more cells, or a small area of a module, show a higher temperature than comparable areas under similar operating conditions.
Potential impact: Possible output loss, accelerated degradation and continued local thermal stress. The pattern may be associated with cell damage, interconnection issues or other module-level conditions.
Suggested follow-up: Review operating data and arrange appropriate electrical and physical checks to confirm the cause and determine whether repair, monitoring or replacement is required.

Illustrative example for Bypass diode failures

High priority

Module Conditions

Bypass diode failures

Observation: A module subsection shows a distinct thermal pattern that may be consistent with abnormal bypass-diode or junction-box behaviour.
Potential impact: Potential module power loss, persistent thermal stress and reduced performance of the affected module or string.
Suggested follow-up: Compare the pattern with adjacent modules and confirm the condition through safe junction-box, diode and electrical testing by authorised personnel.

Illustrative example for Reverse polarity

High priority

Electrical Conditions

Reverse polarity

Observation: The thermal and operational pattern indicates a possible polarity or wiring-configuration issue within the affected circuit.
Potential impact: Possible non-generation, inverter alarms or equipment stress depending on the system design and the location of the wiring error.
Suggested follow-up: Safely isolate the relevant circuit and verify string polarity, connector arrangement and wiring against approved drawings before re-energisation.

Illustrative example for Offline/Open strings

High priority

Electrical Conditions

Offline/Open strings

Observation: A string or group of modules shows a different thermal response and lacks the normal operating signature seen in adjacent active strings.
Potential impact: Partial or complete loss of energy production from the affected string and reduced plant availability.
Suggested follow-up: Check inverter and monitoring records, then inspect fuses, connectors, cabling and circuit continuity using approved safe-working procedures.

High priority

Degradation

PID

Observation: A recurring module or string-level pattern may be consistent with potential-induced degradation. Thermography alone does not conclusively confirm PID.
Potential impact: Possible progressive power loss, reduced array efficiency and increasing performance variation between modules or strings.
Suggested follow-up: Confirm the indication using electrical performance tests, insulation-related checks and review of operating history before deciding on corrective action.

High priority

Site Conditions

Shading

Observation: Partial shadows from vegetation, structures or nearby objects create non-uniform irradiance and visible thermal differences across the array.
Potential impact: Reduced energy yield, mismatch losses, bypass-diode activation and possible localised thermal stress where shading is persistent.
Suggested follow-up: Assess the source and duration of shading, manage removable obstructions and review the affected layout where the condition is permanent.

Medium priority

Site Conditions

Soiling

Observation: Uneven dust, organic deposits or other surface contamination are visible and may correspond with irregular module response.
Potential impact: Reduced irradiance at the module surface, lower energy yield and mismatch between cleaner and more heavily soiled modules.
Suggested follow-up: Confirm the condition visually, compare with representative clean modules and plan an appropriate cleaning programme followed by performance review.

Report structure

A finding that can be traced, reviewed and assigned.

A consistent structure helps maintenance teams understand the asset, evidence, observation, significance and next step without searching through unorganised imagery.

Finding referenceA unique reference for discussion and close-out.

Asset and locationSite, array, module, pole, tower or component reference where available.

Thermal and visual evidenceAnnotated images and temperature observations where relevant.

Engineering observationWhat is visible, how it compares and any relevant limitations.

Priority and follow-upA practical category and recommended verification or maintenance action.

Thermographic Inspection FindingSample — confidential details removed

F-014

RGB image

Thermal image Illustrative thermal solar inspection image

Asset referenceArray A / Row 06 / Module 14

Finding categoryLocalized hotspot

ObservationConcentrated temperature rise compared with adjacent modules.

PriorityHIGH — targeted verification

Recommended follow-upReview operating data and arrange safe electrical and physical assessment.

Priority categories

A practical way to organise maintenance attention.

Final definitions should be agreed with the client and included in each report. Example wording is shown below.

High

Prompt technical review

Evidence suggests a potentially significant issue that merits timely confirmation and appropriate action.

Medium

Planned investigation

The observation should be assessed during planned maintenance or within an agreed review period.

Review

Monitor or verify

The observation is recorded for comparison, monitoring or closer inspection when access permits.

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