Drone Solar Panel Inspections for Homes and Commercial Systems

Protect your investment, improve performance, and uncover issues that are invisible to the naked eye with our professional drone solar panel inspections.

At Full View, we use state-of-the-art DJI drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal sensors to detect electrical hotspots, inefficiencies, and faults that traditional inspections often miss. Whether you own a residential system, manage a commercial installation, or operate a solar farm, our CAA-certified pilots deliver fast, cost-effective, and detailed survey data. This helps extend the lifespan of your panels by up to 20 years, ensuring they continue to operate at peak efficiency.

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Why You Might Need a Solar Panel Survey

A professional solar panel survey helps keep your system running efficiently, prevents costly issues, and ensures you stay compliant.

  • Identifying damage or wear - Identify wear and tear, spots, cracks, weather damage or wiring faults, to prevent safety hazards, and to catch repairs early, before they become expensive.

  • Maximise performance and output - With thermal drone imaging, identify underperforming panels, wiring issues, panel degradation or energy inefficiencies.

  • Warranty and insurance compliance - Document the system’s condition for warranty claims and insurance coverage, often required by insurers or regulators.

  • Regulatory requirements - Meet regulatory or industry standards for commercial installations or solar farms, avoiding penalties or downtime.

Our Clients

ABP Logo Chris Hayter Colliers Cushman and Wakefield Haart Mdp NHS Realest Trident Wincanton

Commercial Solar Panel Inspections

Survey large installations quickly, safely, and with minimal disruption while getting the detailed data you need to protect performance and revenue.

Our heavy-duty DJI drones are equipped with long-range flight capability and can map and thermally inspect solar panels for commercial properties, multiple locations, warehouses, offices, and multi-megawatt arrays. We deliver accurate, data-rich reports that support maintenance planning, safety compliance, warranty claims, and insurance reporting.

  • Rapidly locate damaged or failing panels across large installations
  • Thermally detect electrical faults and hotspots that could affect safety or output
  • Inspect extensive arrays without interrupting your day-to-day operations
  • Pinpoint underperforming sections to help optimise energy yield and O&M schedules
  • Provide clear evidence for warranty or insurance submissions

Our heavy-duty drone fleet is equipped for large-scale surveys nationwide, delivering accurate, data-rich results, all without disrupting your daily business operations.

Residential Solar Panel

Residential Solar Panel Inspections

Protect your home investment with fast, non-intrusive inspections that find problems before they become costly.

Our compact drones and high-definition thermal sensors inspect rooftop systems safely, without the need for scaffolding or ladder work. Homeowners receive straightforward, expert analysis so you know exactly what needs attention and why.

  • Identify cracks, loose connections, inverter issues, and other faults that reduce efficiency
  • Detect electrical hotspots that could present safety risks or lead to future failures
  • Find underperforming panels, shading or soiling that lowers generation for your home
  • Supply concise documentation for warranty claims or insurance support

You get easy-to-understand, unbiased reports from experienced operators. We do not carry out repairs, so our findings are independent and trustworthy.

Solar Panels

Solar Farm Inspections

Our long-range drones and automated flight planning cover acres of solar PV array quickly, capturing 4K imagery and thermal data that integrate with your asset management systems. The result is actionable insight for large-scale maintenance, performance optimisation, and risk mitigation.

  • Cover large farms rapidly while capturing high-resolution thermal and visual data
  • Detect failing strings, hotspot clusters, and connection faults across the whole site
  • Produce GIS-ready maps and data layers to prioritise maintenance and improve OPEX
  • Support compliance, insurance claims, and long-term performance tracking

Our solar farm service combines speed, scale, and precision to reduce downtime and lower the cost of keeping your array at peak performance.

See Our Solar Panel Inspection Report For Yourself

Our drone solar panel survey reports give you a clear, high-level view of your residential or commercial system, helping you identify faults, inefficiencies, and maintenance needs with confidence. Every report includes expert analysis so you can make informed decisions about performance, safety, and long-term reliability.

Take a look at one of our recent solar panel survey reports carried out in Nottingham, England. This example highlights the condition and performance of a series of residential solar panel installations and demonstrates the level of detail you can expect from our service.

Solar Panel Inspection Report
  • Thermal drone survey report example
  • Thermal drone survey report example
  • Thermal drone survey report example
  • Thermal drone survey report example
  • Thermal drone survey report example
  • Thermal drone survey report example

Why Choose Our Drone Solar Panel Inspections?

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Cost-effective Maintenance

Our drone inspections bypass all the costly extras required for traditional inspections and head straight to the sky for a detailed, bird’s eye view. We work smarter, not harder, so you can pay less.
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Fast, Accurate Reports

Speed matters. Our drone surveys are significantly quicker than traditional methods, especially for large-scale solar farms or multi-site portfolios. Most reports are delivered within 72 hours, so you can take action without delay.
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No Scaffolding Required

Skip the time, cost, and disruption of scaffolding. Our drones capture high-resolution images and thermal data safely from above, perfect for homes, commercial buildings, and solar farms.
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Safer, Smarter Access

Our advanced drones can reach areas that are difficult or dangerous for humans to inspect, eliminating safety risks while protecting both your team and your solar panels.
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Uncover Hidden Problems with Thermal Imaging

Our thermal-equipped drones detect even the smallest temperature variations, revealing hidden faults, inefficiencies, or failing panels before they become costly problems. This helps you maximise energy output and protect your investment.

Step-by-Step
How Our Drone Solar Panel Inspection Service Works

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Request & Quote

Share details about your solar panels, what kind of survey you require, and we’ll provide a clear, tailored quote within 24 hours.
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Schedule the Survey

Choose a time that works for you, and our certified drone pilots will handle the rest.
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Drone Data Capture

Our high-resolution drone cameras, thermal cameras, and sensors collect detailed images and data safely and efficiently.
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Analysis & Reporting

We process the data into high-quality visuals, with detailed analysis and cost estimates of any necessary repairs. Typically for solar panel surveys, this is just images with detailed analysis; however, we can create 2D orthomosaics or 3D models.
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Actionable Insights

Our reports enable you to make faster, smarter maintenance or repair decisions, and can be given directly to solar panel technicians or insurance providers.
Number 1 icon

Request & Quote

Share details about your solar panels, what kind of survey you require, and we’ll provide a clear, tailored quote within 24 hours.
Number 2 icon

Schedule the Survey

Choose a time that works for you, and our certified drone pilots will handle the rest.
Number 3 icon

Drone Data Capture

Our high-resolution drone cameras, thermal cameras, and sensors collect detailed images and data safely and efficiently.
Number 4 icon

Analysis & Reporting

We process the data into high-quality visuals, with detailed analysis and cost estimates of any necessary repairs. Typically for solar panel surveys, this is just images with detailed analysis; however, we can create 2D orthomosaics or 3D models.
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Actionable Insights

Our reports enable you to make faster, smarter maintenance or repair decisions, and can be given directly to solar panel technicians or insurance providers.

Our Drone Specifications - The DJI Matrice 4T (Thermal)

Using the DJI Matrice 4T for our solar-panel inspections gives us fast, field-proven thermal data that’s precise enough to act on, whether it’s a failing solar cell, an overheating electrical junction, or hidden heat loss from a roof. The drone’s Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera captures clear infrared images and video, supports an infrared high-resolution mode (up to 1280 × 1024) for close-up analysis and temperature measurement.

At the same time its other tools - Night Scene Mode in low-light conditions, the Wide-Angle Camera for system-level context, the Medium Tele Camera for component-level inspection, the Super High Resolution Telephoto for pinpoint visual detail, and the Laser Range Finder for exact distance/location tagging - ensure our reports point not only to the exact problem but to the exact location and distance to fix.

What Our Clients Say About Working With Us

  • “We came across Alex and Full View when we were looking to get some of our managed properties roofs surveyed. Alex was great from start to finish, and the reports produced were exactly what we needed in order to make a clear proactive maintenance plan with regard to roof works!"

    “We’ll certainly be using Full View for some of our other properties moving forward!"

    - Brad Clark, Commercial Roof Survey, Bristol.

  • “We have worked with Full View on a number of our projects. They have provided us with multiple services including, field mapping, stills to aid planning proposals and drone photography."

    “The quality of the work is exceptional and is always delivered quickly and efficiently. Alex goes above and beyond to provide clear, reliable and accessible data. We cannot recommend Full View highly enough."

    - Hendy Curzon Gardens, Aerial Survey and Drone Mapping, Oxfordshire.

  • “I recently had a roof inspection carried out by Alex at Full View Limited. The level of service and quality of work was excellent, and the time taken was so quick in comparison to having to have scaffolding erected so that a survey could be done. The images and reporting were amazing, and any work that was required was so clearly defined."

    “The result being, that any contractor I employ can see immediately what has to be done. I would not hesitate to recommend Full View Limited for such professional and competent work carried out."

    - Alison Tooney, Residential Roof Survey, Oxfordshire.

    Why Choose Full View

    At Full View, we focus on delivering expert drone solar panel inspections, based on cutting-edge technology, 4K photography, thermal imaging cameras, and years of experience. Here’s what makes us a trusted choice:

    • Flexible appointment times arranged around your schedule

    • Comprehensive reports supplied within 72 hours - often sooner

    • Clear, easy-to-share reports with detailed analysis for insurers or repairs

    • Fully insured for all survey work and hold CAA Operational Authorisation for drone operations

    If you would like to arrange a free initial consultation or receive a free quote, please contact us and we’ll be in touch with you within 24 hours.

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    FAQs

    Do solar panels require inspection?

    While solar panels are built to last, they require regular inspections to operate at optimal efficiency, ensure safety, and comply with any potential manufacturer warranties or insurance policies. Inspections should include checks for:

    • Physical damage to panels or the solar panel mounting
    • Degradation of electrical components like wiring and connections
    • Overheating issues
    • Blockages for dirt or debris, or shading from growing trees

    How Often Should I Get My Home’s Solar Panels Checked?

    Most solar panel manufacturers recommend an inspection at least once a year to catch any issues early that could hamper performance or further degrade.

    We would also recommend having a professional solar panel technician inspect your solar panels every 3 - 5 years, to ensure electrical components and systems are working properly.

    How Often Should Commercial Solar Panels Be Inspected?

    We recommend scheduling inspections at least once a year for large-scale solar farms and commercial properties with solar panel installations, as maintaining peak system performance is critical.

    In addition to annual checks, it's advisable to have a professional solar technician conduct a more comprehensive inspection every few years. This ensures all electrical components and system connections are operating safely and efficiently.

    Regular inspections may also be a requirement to maintain manufacturer warranties or to meet insurance policy conditions.

    How Often Should You Inspect Solar Farms for Peak Performance?

    We strongly advise having your solar panels inspected at a minimum of once a year to ensure they are free of debris, are in proper working condition, and there are no obstructions.

    We also advised having a professional solar panel technician inspect your solar panels every 3 - 5 years, to check they are operating effectively and safely.

    For commercial properties, we would recommend more regular monitoring, as the optimal performance of the solar panels is of critical importance.

    How long does a solar panel survey take?

    How long a solar panel survey takes varies depending on the size and complexity of the solar panel site.

    • For residential properties with solar panels, this can be done in a few hours.
    • For commercial properties like a large warehouse with many solar panels, this could take up to a full day.
    • Meanwhile, a solar panel survey for a solar panel farm can take between 3 - 5 days.

    Our drone technology allows us to complete solar panel inspections much faster than traditional surveys. However, this does not mean that we rush the process. We ensure you receive a thorough inspection of your solar panels, with an expert and detailed analysis alongside the raw data.

    Once we have more detailed information about your property and the scope of the job, we provide you with a more precise time frame of how long the solar panel survey will take.

    How much does a solar panel survey cost?

    How much a solar panel survey costs depends greatly on the scope of the survey. For a single residential property, costs start from £400.

    Meanwhile, for a commercial property or solar panel farm, costs can start £600 ranging into the thousands for the biggest, and most comprehensive solar panel farm surveys.

    We tailor the cost of our solar panel surveys to you and your individual needs, meaning you get a fair price with no additional or surprise costs.

    How long do Solar Panels last?

    Solar panels have an average lifespan of 25 - 30 years, rising to 40 - 50 years for the newest models and the latest solar panel technology on the market. However, with proper maintenance, they may last much longer.

    Regular solar panel surveys can extend the lifespan of your solar panels by 10 - 20 years, saving you thousands in electricity bills. Most solar panels from reputable suppliers come with a 25-year warranty. Additionally, the terms of your warranty may require you to have surveys or maintenance of your solar panels.

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    Locations

    Full View Limited © .
    Unit 2, Bampton Business Centre North, Weald, Bampton
    Oxfordshire, OX18 2ET
    Company No. 12976689

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