As solar energy capacity continues to grow across the UK and beyond, the need for reliable, accurate, and efficient inspection methods has never been greater. At Impact Aerial, we have been at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge drone surveys for some of the largest solar farms in the country.
One of the most powerful tools in our arsenal is the DJI Matrice M30T Thermal drone, a state-of-the-art aerial platform that allows us to carry out high-resolution thermal surveys across sites of up to 100MW capacity.
Why Thermal Surveys Are Critical for Solar Farms
Solar farms are vast, often spanning hundreds of acres and comprising tens of thousands of panels. Even a small percentage of underperforming or faulty panels can translate into significant financial losses.
Traditional ground-based inspections are slow, labour-intensive, and often limited in scope. By contrast, thermal drone surveys allow us to rapidly detect:
- Hot spots caused by faulty cells or diodes
- String failures and wiring issues
- Soiling and shading effects
- Inverter malfunctions
With the M30T’s powerful thermal imaging payload, we can scan entire solar farms in record time, ensuring that faults are identified quickly and remedial work can be prioritised.
The Power of the DJI Matrice M30T
The DJI Matrice M30T is built for tough industrial operations. Equipped with a high-resolution thermal camera, laser rangefinder, and 48MP visual sensor, it delivers both the detail and accuracy required for professional solar inspections.
Some of the key advantages we rely on include:
- Long flight endurance – enabling extensive coverage per battery cycle.
- Thermal and RGB imaging – allowing us to cross-reference hot spots with visual anomalies.
- Weather resistance – crucial when surveying exposed solar farms in the UK’s unpredictable climate.
- Compact yet powerful design – easy to transport but robust enough for industrial workloads.
Staying Powered in the Field – Up to 20 Drone Charges Per Day
One of the unique challenges of operating on large-scale solar farm projects is the sheer volume of flights required. A 100MW site demands multiple sorties, often over long hours.
To meet this demand, we deploy our DJI power banks, allowing us to recharge up to 20 drone batteries per day while on-site. This mobile charging solution ensures zero downtime, keeping our operations efficient and allowing us to complete surveys on tight deadlines.
By managing our energy supply in the field, we can maintain consistent productivity without relying on local infrastructure, which is often unavailable in the remote countryside locations where many solar farms are built.
Accessing Remote Solar Farms – Our Land Rover Discovery 4
Many of the solar farms we inspect are located in extremely remote areas, accessible only via muddy tracks and unpaved roads. To overcome this logistical challenge, our Land Rover Discovery 4 is an essential part of the team.
The Discovery’s off-road capability allows us to reach sites that would otherwise be inaccessible, carrying not only our drone fleet and charging systems but also the safety equipment and tools required for field operations.
This combination of airborne technology and rugged ground support means we can operate effectively in all conditions, from summer heatwaves to winter storms.
Delivering Value to Solar Farm Operators
By combining cutting-edge drone technology with practical field logistics, we provide our clients with:
- Rapid, cost-effective inspections of even the largest solar farms.
- Accurate, actionable data presented in thermal maps and detailed reports.
- Minimised downtime and losses, helping operators maximise energy output.
For solar farms up to 100MW in capacity, our approach ensures that every panel is accounted for, every anomaly is detected, and every report provides clear insight for ongoing asset management.
Final Thoughts
At Impact Aerial, we believe that the future of solar farm operations lies in the marriage of advanced drone technology, reliable field support, and data-driven insights.
The DJI Matrice M30T Thermal drone, supported by our mobile charging solutions and rugged field vehicles, enables us to deliver industry-leading solar inspections, no matter how challenging the location.
As the renewable energy sector continues to expand, we remain committed to ensuring that solar farms operate at peak efficiency, delivering clean power to communities across the UK.
2 Norton Drive, Wythall, Birmingham, B47 6HH Company registration number: 11138586. VAT Number: 366 9068 55 
