Harnessing the DJI Mavic 3 Thermal for Solar Farm Surveys in the UK
By Impact Aerial – Professional Drone Inspection Services
The UK solar industry has seen tremendous growth over the past decade, with solar farms now generating a significant portion of the nation’s renewable energy. For operators and asset managers, maintaining peak efficiency across large-scale installations—sometimes spanning hundreds of acres—is essential.
One of the most effective tools for ensuring operational performance is the thermal survey, and the DJI Mavic 3 Thermal has quickly become a go-to choice for inspecting solar farms up to 20 MW in capacity.
In this article, we explore why thermal inspections are crucial, how the Mavic 3 Thermal transforms the process, and what makes it the perfect fit for UK-based solar farm operators.
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Why Conduct Thermal Surveys on Solar Farms?
Solar panels are designed to convert sunlight into electricity, but like any piece of technology, they can degrade or develop faults over time. Even minor defects can lead to reduced energy yield and unnecessary revenue loss.
Thermal surveys identify:
• Hotspots – Areas of abnormal heat indicating defective cells, bypass diode failure, or connection issues.
• Cracked or Delaminated Panels – Thermal patterns can reveal physical damage invisible to the naked eye.
• Soiling or Shading Problems – Dirt build-up, bird droppings, or nearby vegetation causing efficiency loss.
• Faulty Strings or Inverters – Large sections producing less output due to equipment failure.
Early detection means repairs can be made quickly, keeping generation levels high and avoiding further damage.
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Why the DJI Mavic 3 Thermal Is a Game-Changer
The DJI Mavic 3 Thermal combines cutting-edge imaging with portability, speed, and safety—perfect for large-scale inspections in the UK’s variable weather conditions.
1. High-Resolution Thermal Imaging
The Mavic 3T features a 640×512 px thermal camera with a 61° field of view, capable of detecting small temperature differences. This allows inspectors to pinpoint faults on individual panels from a safe flight altitude.
2. Simultaneous Visual and Thermal Data
The drone’s dual-camera system captures thermal imagery alongside high-resolution visual images. This helps correlate anomalies with visible defects, streamlining fault verification.
3. Fast Coverage of Large Areas
With a flight time of up to 45 minutes per battery, the Mavic 3T can efficiently cover solar farms up to 20 MW in size—often in a single session—reducing downtime and site disruption.
4. Precision GPS & Mapping
Using RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) positioning, flights can be precisely planned and repeated for future inspections, enabling accurate year-on-year performance comparison.
5. Safe & Compliant Operations
The Mavic 3T is compact, quiet, and C2-certified for UK drone regulations, making it suitable for operations in proximity to infrastructure while adhering to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules.
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The Process: Conducting a Solar Farm Thermal Survey
At Impact Aerial, we follow a proven, efficient workflow for every thermal inspection:
1. Pre-Survey Planning
• Review site layout and panel arrangement.
• Check weather forecasts (avoiding high wind and rain).
• Plan automated flight paths using DJI Pilot 2 software for consistent coverage.
2. On-Site Setup
• Establish safe take-off and landing zones.
• Conduct drone and battery safety checks.
• Liaise with site operators for operational clearance.
3. Aerial Thermal Capture
• Fly pre-programmed grid patterns to ensure complete panel coverage.
• Capture radiometric thermal images and 4K visual footage.
• Tag anomalies in real-time for faster reporting.
4. Data Processing & Analysis
• Process imagery using specialist software to detect temperature variances.
• Match thermal anomalies to GPS coordinates for precise fault location.
• Classify faults (e.g., cell damage, connector faults, shading issues).
5. Reporting
• Deliver a detailed, easy-to-read inspection report.
• Include annotated thermal images, visual confirmation, and prioritised maintenance recommendations.
• Provide georeferenced data for asset management systems.
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Benefits for UK Solar Farm Operators
• Reduced Inspection Costs – Drone surveys are faster and more cost-effective than manual or ground-based thermal checks.
• Minimal Site Disruption – No need to shut down sections during inspection.
• Higher Accuracy – Thermal imaging from above captures defects invisible at ground level.
• Regulatory Compliance – Maintain records for warranty claims, insurance, and OFGEM requirements.
• Proactive Maintenance – Catch small issues before they escalate into costly failures.
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Why Choose Impact Aerial for Your Thermal Survey?
At Impact Aerial, we specialise in drone-based asset inspections for renewable energy infrastructure. Our pilots are CAA-certified, insured, and trained to the highest industry standards.
Using the DJI Mavic 3 Thermal, we can survey UK solar farms up to 20 MW in size with speed, precision, and minimal disruption—delivering actionable insights that protect your investment and maximise your output.
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Book Your Solar Farm Thermal Survey Today
Whether you manage a single site or an entire portfolio of solar farms, regular thermal inspections are key to maintaining optimal energy production.
📞 Call Impact Aerial on http://call – 0800 321 3258
📧 Email: hello@impactaerial.co.uk
🌐 Visit: www.impactaerial.co.uk
Impact Aerial – Precision Drone Inspections for the UK’s Renewable Future.
2 Norton Drive, Wythall, Birmingham, B47 6HH Company registration number: 11138586. VAT Number: 366 9068 55 
