A conventional aerial photograph shows the layout of a roof. Thermal imaging adds another layer: patterns of heat that can help us decide where a closer look is needed. At Open Sky Photography, our DJI Matrice 4T gives clients a practical way to explore roofs and solar arrays from above, then connect those observations with maintenance decisions.
Watch: explore a commercial roof in thermal 3D
This video, first shared by Renew-Able Solutions, moves around a thermal 3D model of a commercial roof and its solar arrays. The changing viewpoint helps you understand the panel rows, roof features and relative thermal patterns in their wider setting.
Watch the thermal roof survey on YouTube.
This is a visual survey overview. The video does not assign verified temperatures or confirm defects. A bright patch is an observation to investigate, rather than proof that a panel or roof component has failed.
What can a thermal drone survey reveal?
On solar installations, differences between comparable cells, modules or rows can flag areas for review. Localised heating may be associated with a performance or electrical issue, but shading, soiling, reflections and operating conditions can also influence the image. We consider the thermal view alongside conventional photographs so the client can see both the pattern and the equipment involved.
For building surveys, suitable thermal capture can also help investigate surface patterns associated with heat loss or possible moisture-related concerns. The survey question and capture conditions need to suit the task: a solar inspection and a building heat-loss survey may require different weather and timing. Thermal imaging records surface radiation; it does not see through a roof.
How we turn the imagery into useful client information
- Locate the observation. Use the roof overview and visual photographs to identify the relevant panel row or building feature.
- Review the original evidence. Check the source thermal images, viewing angle and capture conditions. Any temperature measurements must come from suitable original data and an appropriate analysis, not colours in a presentation video.
- Explain what it may mean. Separate the observed pattern from possible causes and state what remains uncertain.
- Identify the next step. Help the client target closer inspection or checks by an appropriately qualified maintenance or electrical specialist.
The agreed reporting scope can bring together annotated visual and thermal images, locations, observations and recommended follow-up. This makes it easier for a property manager to brief a contractor and retain a useful baseline for future inspections.
Why this matters for maintenance and insurance
Early investigation can help address developing problems before they lead to avoidable downtime, damage or lost generation. A dated survey record also helps demonstrate what was inspected and which follow-up actions were identified.
Insurer guidance provides a clear reason to include thermography in maintenance planning. Aviva’s guidance on roof-mounted solar systems recommends at least annual thermographic surveys of electrical systems, including PV panels and associated equipment. It also treats drone surveys as a supplement to formal inspections and hands-on maintenance.
Requirements depend on the insurer, policy and site. If your insurer requests an annual survey, share its written requirements before booking so the scope and reporting can be matched to them. An aerial survey alone cannot inspect every concealed connection or guarantee insurance acceptance.
Arrange a survey in Scotland
Open Sky Photography provides thermal drone surveys and solar panel inspections across Edinburgh, East Lothian and Scotland, subject to site access, flight feasibility and suitable conditions.
Tell us about your roof or solar installation. Send the location, the question you need answered and any maintenance or insurer reporting requirements, and we can agree an appropriate survey.
