An energy output mystery solved
A utility was investigating why one of its solar farms was delivering 30% less energy than it was designed to collect. Their own data showed just four defective panels, and one anomaly near a ground wire.
The utility initially thought the data was reported in error—until PrecisionHawk flew a drone, collected data and analyzed it. It turns out the anomaly was an incorrectly installed ground wire. Even walking the farm with a handheld device might not have detected the problem. The energy output returned to the expected level after the ground wire was fixed.
An end-of-warranty inspection uncovers multiple defects
One operator wanted to take full advantage of warranty coverage before it ended. A drone-led inspection uncovered multiple defects. The company made a warranty claim for $400,000, with the cost of the inspection amounting to only 12.5% of the claim.
Detecting, and avoiding, power generation interruptions
Munich Re, one of the world’s largest reinsurance companies, had successfully teamed with PrecisionHawk to fly drones over a damaged PV system and provide detailed information for areas that needed to be fixed. The company has also used drones to run a pre-loss program looking for vegetation encroachment and panel before power generation was interrupted.