Aerial Inspectors Take Flight: Drones Give Rooftop PV Systems a Full Checkup

Recently, the renewable energy operations and maintenance team from State Grid Wenzhou Dongtou Power Supply Company visited Zhejiang Fengdeng Valve Industry Co., Ltd. to conduct drone-based inspections of the company's rooftop distributed photovoltaic system. By applying digital inspection technologies to identify potential equipment faults, the team helped ensure stable green power generation and supported the enterprise in reducing energy costs and advancing its green development.

At the site, drones served as agile aerial inspectors, scanning the entire photovoltaic array along pre-planned flight routes. Equipped with high-definition visible-light cameras and infrared thermal imaging devices, they performed close-range, multi-angle inspections of the PV modules. The drones could detect visible defects such as cracked panels and dust accumulation, while also identifying hidden issues including hotspots and overheated junction boxes. Images and temperature data were recorded simultaneously to quickly generate inspection records. Tasks that once took several hours can now be completed in just a few dozen minutes.

"In the past, we had to climb onto the rooftops for inspections, which was risky. It was also difficult to detect subtle faults, and we often experienced power generation losses without knowing the cause. The power supply company provided free on-site inspections and practical guidance. They helped us analyze generation losses and offered optimization suggestions. Their service was both thoughtful and practical," said a representative from Zhejiang Fengdeng Valve Industry. During the visit, the power supply team provided proactive, targeted support. They held face-to-face technical discussions with the company's operations and maintenance staff, sharing expertise on routine maintenance and fault identification for photovoltaic equipment. The team answered questions, guided the rectification of identified issues, and established closed-loop management for safety hazards. These efforts helped the enterprise strengthen its independent operations and maintenance capabilities, reduce downtime losses, and better secure its green power benefits.

Going forward, State Grid Wenzhou Dongtou Power Supply Company will continue to promote an integrated operation model combining "drone aerial inspection with ground verification." It will further improve full-cycle services for distributed photovoltaics and expand the application of smart inspection technologies. Under the "Supervision Plus" working mechanism, the company will regularly provide hazard screening and technical assistance for enterprises, striving to ensure the efficient and stable operation of photovoltaic facilities and support Dongtou Island's green and low-carbon transition.（Lin Xiaozhi）