Infrared imaging method for flyby assessment of solar thermal panel operation in field settings

• We describe a remote method to find non-operational solar thermal collector panels.
• Long-wave infrared imaging is a robust primary diagnostic.
• The method is suitable for aerial flyby inspection of residential solar systems.
• Identification reliability is tested for several commonly used solar thermal panels.
• Same method might be used to detect non-functional photovoltaic panels.

We describe a remote, non-intrusive method of identifying whether a solar thermal collector panel is operational. This method is tested for several commonly used solar thermal panels. Suitability of the proposed method for aerial flyby inspection of residential solar systems is discussed. It is found that non-operating panels are easily identifiable, as their temperature is appreciably higher than that of panels in operation, and that the expected variability of lighting, weather conditions, and distance between the panel and the imaging device do not significantly impede the diagnostic. Suitability of a similar method for identification of non-working photovoltaic collectors is also discussed.