A thermal video makes an unfamiliar roof easier to understand. Its real value comes when the imagery helps a client answer three questions: where is the area of concern, what might explain it, and what should happen next?
In this second Open Sky Photography video guide, we look at the colour patterns captured with our DJI Matrice 4T and explain how thermal survey data can support solar maintenance, contractor briefings and insurer requests.
Watch: understanding heat patterns on a solar roof
This second video, originally shared by Renew-Able Solutions, tours a commercial roof model with a colour guide. Purple indicates a relatively cooler appearance in this display, pink and orange show intermediate tones, and yellow or pale areas appear relatively warmer.
Watch the thermal colour-guide video on YouTube.
The colours are a guide to the displayed pattern, not a pass or fail result. Image scales may vary. This video provides no verified temperature readings and identifies no confirmed defects. A yellow roof surface is not automatically faulty, and a purple panel is not automatically healthy.
From an unusual pattern to a clear next step
We start by locating an observation in the roof layout and comparing the thermal evidence with ordinary photographs. The original images and survey conditions matter: sunlight, wind, shading, reflections, surface materials and system operation can all affect the result.
For example, if one area appears warmer than comparable neighbouring modules, the next step is to review the source images and visual evidence, then consider suitable monitoring information and electrical checks. Soiling or shading may be relevant; a module or connection issue may also need investigation. That example describes a follow-up process, not a fault diagnosed in this video.
Where temperature analysis is part of the agreed scope, it must use suitable original radiometric data and appropriate settings. A screen recording of a 3D model cannot substitute for that evidence. Our aerial observations help the client and their qualified maintenance team focus the investigation.
What makes the information useful to a client?
A useful handover explains the observation in plain language and gives it a location. Depending on the agreed brief, the record can include:
- Annotated visual and thermal images identifying the relevant roof feature or panel area.
- The survey date, coverage, capture conditions and access limitations.
- A description of what was observed, possible explanations and recommended further checks.
- A record the maintenance team can connect with test results, repairs and later inspections.
This helps a property manager brief the right contractor and track actions to completion. Repeat surveys can also support comparisons when differences in conditions and operation are taken into account.
Why insurers ask for thermal inspection evidence
The purpose is risk management: investigating abnormal heating can help address developing electrical problems, while maintenance records show how observations and remedial work are being managed. This is particularly relevant to commercial solar installations, where equipment is spread across a roof and an avoidable failure can disrupt operations.
Aviva’s roof-mounted solar guidance recommends thermographic surveys at least annually, covering panels and associated electrical equipment. Its guidance calls for greater frequency in some higher-exposure circumstances and makes clear that drone surveys supplement wider inspection and maintenance.
There is no single annual drone-survey requirement that applies to every insurance policy. Ask your broker or insurer for the written scope, frequency, competence and reporting requirements applicable to your site. Share these before commissioning a survey. Aerial imagery covers only part of the installation; accessible inverters, combiner boxes, cables and connections may require separate inspection and testing.
Make the survey part of an ongoing maintenance plan
Keep the survey report with your service records, electrical test results and evidence of completed remedial work. A report is most useful when its recommendations are acted on. It does not by itself confirm electrical safety, resolve a defect or guarantee insurance cover.
See our first DJI Matrice 4T thermal survey video for the wider 3D roof overview, or explore our solar panel drone inspection service.
Discuss a thermal survey with Open Sky Photography. Send your site location in Edinburgh, East Lothian or elsewhere in Scotland, the inspection question and any insurer requirements. We can agree the coverage, outputs and suitable conditions before the visit.
