Solar panel inspection by drone, on rooftops and solar farms

Drone photography for solar panel inspection

ORBITCINE surveys rooftop solar panels and solar farms from the air by drone, showing dirt, shading and visible damage on the panels without anyone having to climb onto the roof. Use the images for installation reports and panel cleaning plans. Free estimate within the same day.

Get a quote on LINE +66 97 159 9690
NBTC registeredEvery aircraft properly registered
CAAT registeredCivil Aviation Authority of Thailand
Air Force trained pilotsUnmanned aircraft pilot
Nationwide serviceWe travel to every province
What you get

What can a drone solar inspection show?

High-resolution aerial images you can zoom into panel by panel, ready for maintenance planning and owner reports.

Panel condition survey from above

Spot dust, bird droppings, shading from trees or nearby buildings, and cracked or loose panels — without sending someone to check each spot.

Before-and-after cleaning images

The same set of shots before and after panel cleaning, ready to hand over as proof of work to the system owner or client.

Pre-installation site survey

Check the roof layout, sun direction, shadows at different times of day and the real usable area — for system design and quoting.

Post-storm and emergency records

Assess damage quickly without waiting for a crew to go up on the roof — useful for insurance claims and repair planning.

Compare project types

What do you get, and what do you need to prepare, for each type of survey?

Tell us the purpose of the job first, and we'll frame the shots to match the report you need: whole-system overviews, row-by-row shots and close-ups.

Survey typeWhat you getWhat to prepare
Panel condition survey from aboveWhole-system overview and row-by-row shotsConsent from the property owner
Before-and-after cleaning imagesPanel condition comparison from the same positionsTwo shooting rounds from the same angles
Pre-installation site surveyRoof shots and open space for panel layoutA coordinator to give site access
Post-storm condition recordsAerial images of visible damageTell us where you suspect damage
Why choose us

Why no one has to risk climbing onto the roof

Every trip onto a roof carries risk and cost. A drone lets you check panel condition as often as you like, then send a crew only to the spots with real problems — saving time and labor.

If the job requires thermal imaging to find hot spots in cells, tell us in advance so we can arrange suitable equipment and a suitable team. We'll be upfront about the scope we can deliver before starting. We work nationwide; see area-specific flight rules at Rayong · Chonburi, Pattaya · Bangkok and surrounding provinces
  • NBTC and CAAT registeredEvery drone is legally registered
  • Air Force trained pilotsPilots trained in remote aircraft operation
  • Liability insuredCover on every job we film
  • Nationwide serviceWe travel to every province, with a free quote the same day
How it works

How do you hire a drone solar inspection?

From your first message to file delivery, our team looks after every step.

1. Send the location and system size

Tell us where the roof or farm is, how big the area is and what you want inspected. We'll estimate the number of flights and the time needed.

2. Schedule flights around the light

We choose times when the light makes dirt and shading clearly visible, so the images are useful for analysis — not just good-looking.

3. Shoot day

Our pilots shoot the stills and video on site according to plan.

4. Ready-to-use files

High-quality photo and video files, ready for brochures and sales materials.

Pre-flight checklist

What needs to be prepared before a drone solar inspection?

Every job goes through these 5 checks before booking a flight date, so we fly legally, keep people and systems on site safe, and capture images that can actually be used to assess panel condition. If anything needs time for permission, we'll tell you on the day we give the estimate.

  • Site coordinates vs. no-fly zonesWe check distances from airports, controlled zones and restricted areas. If extra permission is needed, our team applies for it.
  • Consent from the property ownerConfirm the panel areas to survey, takeoff and landing points, and areas that must not be filmed, such as production lines or other tenants' spaces
  • The right light for panel surfacesWe choose a time and angle with minimal reflection on the panels, so dirt and marks on the surface show as clearly as possible
  • Weather and windWe check the forecast before the shoot day and reassess on site before takeoff. If the wind exceeds safe limits, we reschedule the flight.
  • Site safety rulesWe follow the factory's or solar farm's requirements, such as no-entry zones and required protective equipment
Frequently asked questions

Drone solar inspection FAQ

Can you inspect for hot spots with a thermal camera?
Thermal imaging uses specialist equipment that has to be arranged separately. Let us know in advance and we'll tell you honestly whether it's possible for your shoot and on what conditions. Standard visual surveys already show dirt, shading and physical damage clearly.
The factory roof is very high. Can you fly there?
Yes. The legal ceiling is 90 meters above ground, far higher than a typical factory roof, so there's plenty of room. We just need to check first that the area isn't in a no-fly zone or an airport control zone.
Do we need to shut down the system during the flight?
No. A visual survey doesn't affect the system's operation. If your plant has specific safety requirements, we follow them and coordinate with your safety officer before take-off.
How much detail can you zoom in on each panel?
We deliver high-resolution files you can zoom into to see each panel's surface — dirt, cracks and misaligned mounting rails. They can't show electrical values inside the cells, which requires measurement instruments.
Can it be done as an annual inspection?
Yes, and it's more useful than a one-off shoot because you can compare images over time to see how quickly dirt builds up or which panels are degrading. Pre-booked recurring inspections cost less per visit than single call-outs.
When do we get the files?
The full set is delivered within 3–7 business days. If we find damage that needs urgent attention, we'll tell you on the day of the shoot without waiting for the files.
How is a drone solar inspection different from sending technicians onto the roof?
A drone can see the whole system in a short time without anyone risking the roof, so it's ideal for overview surveys and finding spots that need further checks. Electrical measurements and panel repairs still need technicians on site.
What permissions are needed to fly over a factory roof or solar farm?
Before accepting a job, we always check the coordinates against no-fly zones, controlled zones and airport radiuses. If extra permission is needed, our team applies for it; the property owner only needs to confirm consent to fly. See more details on the page Drone no-fly zones
Can the building or factory owner ask to see our flight documents?
Yes. We can show proof of remote pilot registration with CAAT and drone registration with the NBTC to the property owner or relevant authorities before the flight day.
What if it rains or is too windy on the shoot day?
We check the weather before every shoot. If rain or wind exceeds safe flying limits, we'll let you know in advance and reschedule together. Clear skies and even light also help dirt on the panel surface show more clearly.
Can the images support insurance claim documents?
Yes. Aerial images record visible damage after an incident and can be attached to claim documents. Acceptance requirements vary by insurer, so check the list of required items before the shoot day.
Do you take solar farm jobs in other provinces?
We work nationwide. Travel costs are based on the actual distance and stated in the quote from the start, with no hidden costs added later. For the Eastern region, see more details on the page Drone photography in Rayong
What do I need to prepare before the shoot day?
Send the coordinates or address, the panel layout if you have it, the times we can access the site, and the name of the site coordinator. If the factory has an entry permit process, let us know in advance and we'll prepare all documents before the flight day.
Can you shoot before and after panel cleaning on the same day?
Yes. If the cleaning team finishes on the same day, we shoot the first round before cleaning starts, then return for a second round from the same positions after cleaning, so the two sets can be compared row by row.
What information does a pre-installation roof survey provide?
You get the roof layout, roof orientation and condition, shadows cast by neighboring buildings or trees, and the area where panels can actually be placed, to support the installer's system design and quote. Tell us when you want to see the shadows and we'll schedule the shoot accordingly.
Can drone images tell which panels are producing less power?
They only show what's visible, such as dirt, shading, cracks or panels that have come off their rails. Reduced output must be checked with monitoring system data or on-site measurements by technicians. Our images help point out where to check next, faster.

Last updated 17 Oct 2026 · Information by the ORBITCINE pilot team

Want to know the condition of your solar panels without going on the roof?

Send us the location and system size on LINE and we'll assess it and send a free quote the same day.

LINE @orbitcine +66 97 159 9690 Fill in the quote form
Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top
+66 97 159 9690 Chat on LINE