Why new solar panel installations should also be tested

At Droneview.be, we regularly inspect older solar panel installations to detect defects and efficiency losses. However, we recently encountered an unexpected issue at a client’s site: a brand-new installation from November 2024 had three panels with faulty cells. This proves that testing is not only essential for older systems but also for new installations.

Defects in new panels: how is this possible?

Although you’d expect new solar panels to work flawlessly, defects can occur during manufacturing, transport, or installation. The three defective panels in this installation had damaged cells, which can lead to:

  • Reduced energy output: A single defective panel can negatively impact the entire string’s performance.
  • Higher internal resistance and heat buildup: This can shorten the panel’s lifespan and pose safety risks.
  • Potential warranty issues: If defects are not detected in time, claiming warranty replacements can become more complicated.

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Construction Site Monitoring with Our DJI Drones: How We Help You Save Time and Money

How we, as drone specialists, make your project smarter, safer, and more efficient

At Droneview.be, we’ve been monitoring construction sites for years with our professional drones: a DJI M210 (equipped with a Z30 zoom camera and an XT2 thermal camera) and an Inspire 2 (with a sharp X5S camera). For project developers and contractors, this means: no hassle with flying yourself, but clear insights that prevent delays and save money. Below, we explain how we handle this for you.

Why choose us for construction site monitoring?
No investment needed: We provide the drones, pilots, and software.
Tailored expertise: Our M210 and Inspire 2 are perfect for:

  • Sharp details: The Z30 camera zooms in from 20m to inspect cracks or loose bolts.
  • Thermal inspections: The XT2 camera detects insulation leaks or electrical issues.
  • Precision measurements: The Inspire 2 creates high-quality 3D maps for volume determinations.
  • Certification in order: Our pilots hold the required A1/A3 certificate and comply with all Belgian drone regulations.

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Discover the Power of WebODM

Are you intrigued by drone mapping and wondering how to process aerial imagery into insightful data? WebODM is an open-source platform that makes processing and analyzing drone data accessible and efficient. Whether you’re working on construction projects, monitoring agricultural land, or documenting heritage sites, WebODM provides professional-grade results for a wide range of applications.

Applications of WebODM

3D Models
Generate highly detailed and interactive 3D models from drone imagery. This is ideal for visualizing project sites, conducting architectural analyses, and even heritage preservation.

  • Orthomosaic Maps
    Stitch together aerial images into precise orthomosaic maps for large-scale analysis in industries like agriculture, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.
  • Volume Calculations
    Accurately measure material volumes, such as soil or debris, which is invaluable for mining and construction projects.
  • Analysis and Inspections
    Identify potential issues such as erosion, infrastructure damage, or drainage problems with WebODM’s analytical tools.

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Transform Your Projects with 3D Scans and Data Analysis from DroneView.be

The world of project planning and inspection is evolving rapidly. Thanks to advanced technologies, we can now collect and visualize data in ways that were previously unimaginable. At DroneView.be, we leverage these innovations to provide you with detailed insights that elevate your projects to the next level.

Why Choose 3D Scans and Advanced Analysis?

Our services go far beyond capturing aerial imagery. With our expertise in 3D scans and data analysis, you can rely on accurate results and scalable solutions. From volume calculations to inspections, our methods are designed to make your processes more efficient and effective.

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Drone Photography for Real Estate: A Bird’s Eye View of Success

Introduction
In the competitive real estate market, a strong visual presentation is essential. A single, well-chosen photo can make the difference between a quick sale and a property sitting on the market for months. Drone photography offers real estate professionals the ability to showcase properties in a unique and impressive way, instantly capturing the attention of potential buyers.


Why Choose Drone Photography?

Unique Perspectives
Drone images capture properties from angles that traditional photography simply cannot. Whether it’s the size of the plot, the surrounding area, or the architecture of the property, drone photography brings everything into focus in one shot.

 

High Resolution and Detail
With the latest drone technology, ultra-sharp images are captured, revealing even the smallest details. This is perfect for highlighting the condition of a roof, façade, or other property features.

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World Record Attempt Tesla Light Show at DronePort Sint-Truiden: A Spectacle with Over 1,000 Teslas?

 

On February 23, the runway of DronePort in Sint-Truiden will host an impressive attempt to break the world record for the Tesla Light Show. The goal? To gather at least 1,000 Teslas for a perfectly synchronized light show, combined with a spectacular drone display. This event is organized by the Tesla Owners Clubs of Belgium and the Netherlands, in collaboration with DronePort and Electrify Europe.

A unique light show with a sustainable theme
The light show is programmed by renowned light artist Simon Pollock. According to co-organizer Sven Van Passel, owner of Electrify Europe, it promises to be a true visual spectacle. “Each Tesla will receive a personalized USB stick, enabling the car to know exactly when to light up. This ensures a fully synchronized show, complemented by an impressive drone display. The overarching theme is sustainability and renewable energy.”

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The Future of Drone Inspections: What Does AI Bring to the Sector?

The world of drone inspections is rapidly evolving thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). What started as a visual tool has transformed into advanced technology capable of complex analysis and automated decision-making. But what exactly does AI mean for the future of drone inspections?

Smarter Inspections with AI

AI not only makes drones smarter but also more efficient. With machine learning algorithms, drones can:

  • Automatically detect damage: AI can recognize patterns indicating cracks, corrosion, or other anomalies, even in hard-to-reach areas.
  • Analyze thermal images: AI interprets thermal imagery in real-time, quickly identifying issues like leaks or insulation faults.
  • Object recognition: Whether inspecting solar panels, wind turbines, or industrial pipelines, AI helps drones identify and analyze specific objects.

Saving Time and Costs

Thanks to AI, the inspection process becomes not only faster but also more accurate. Manual analysis is time-consuming and prone to errors, whereas AI-powered drones can process and interpret large volumes of data in no time. This saves companies both time and significant costs.

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Green Certificates for Solar Panels: The Importance of Regular Inspections for Older Installations

Solar panels have a long lifespan, but after around 15 years, defects may start to occur that reduce the efficiency of your installation. Especially if your solar panels are receiving green certificates, it is essential to monitor the output and detect defects in a timely manner. This is particularly important for systems that will still be eligible for certificates in the next five years, as the output of defective panels affects the number of certificates you can claim.

The Impact of Defects on Output

Solar panels that are 15 years old often show defects such as damaged cells or faulty diodes. These defects can cause one or more panels to no longer function optimally, which lowers the output of the entire string. This loss can be significant, especially in older installations, which means that fewer green certificates will be received, resulting in lower income from these certificates.

Why an Inspection is Essential

A regular inspection can detect these defects and help maximize the output of the installation. By identifying the losses, necessary repairs or replacements can be made. This prevents further reduction in output and ensures that you can still benefit from the full value of your green certificates.

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Thermal Inspections for Swimming Pools

Swimming pools are a valuable investment, but they are also prone to hidden issues such as leaks, heat loss, or defects in heating systems. These problems can increase energy costs and cause serious structural damage. Thermal inspections using drones provide an innovative solution to quickly and accurately detect these issues without intrusive investigations.


Why Choose Thermal Inspections for Swimming Pools?

  1. Detection of Leaks and Moisture Problems
    Pool leaks can be difficult to locate, especially in hidden pipelines or underground systems. Thermal cameras detect temperature variations, making even the smallest leaks visible.
  2. Optimizing Heating Systems
    For heated pools, a thermal inspection identifies inefficiencies, such as uneven heat distribution or faulty heating elements. This leads to lower energy costs and an optimally heated pool.
  3. Preventive Maintenance
    Regular thermal inspections can reveal potential issues before they escalate and become costly to repair. This prolongs the pool’s lifespan and saves money in the long run.
  4. Time and Cost Efficiency
    Instead of draining or dismantling the pool for investigation, a drone with a thermal camera can inspect the pool while it remains in use, saving time and minimizing disruption.

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Why Drones Are Essential for Inspecting Storm and Hail Damage

Storms and hail can cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. From dislodged roof tiles to damaged solar panels and façades, it’s crucial to assess the damage quickly and accurately to prevent further issues. Traditional inspection methods can be time-consuming, costly, and even dangerous. Drones offer an innovative solution: fast, safe, and highly detailed.

Benefits of Drone Inspections for Storm Damage

  1. Safety First
    Inspecting roofs, façades, and other tall structures can be risky, especially if the damage has made the building unstable. Drones eliminate the need for ladders, scaffolding, and dangerous climbing. Inspections can be conducted entirely from a safe distance, even in hard-to-reach or hazardous areas.
  2. Fast and Efficient Damage Assessment
    While a manual inspection can take hours, a drone can survey a large area in just minutes. This is particularly valuable after storms that have affected multiple buildings, such as in residential neighborhoods or industrial sites.
  3. High Precision with Advanced Technology
    Drones equipped with high-quality cameras like the Zenmuse Z30 or thermal cameras such as the Zenmuse XT2 can detect even the smallest cracks, missing roof tiles, or hidden damage. Thermal images are particularly useful for identifying where water or cold air is seeping through the structure.

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