On 16th October, the IKEA Wembley store was evacuated by the London Fire Brigade due to a fire involving the building’s solar panels. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
This incident is a stark reminder of the critical importance of regular solar panel inspections, not just for performance, but for safety.
Using thermal imaging drones, we can detect a wide range of faults that may otherwise go unnoticed, including:
Hotspots – often caused by shading, dirt, or internal cell damage
Microcracks – tiny fractures that reduce efficiency and can lead to failure
Delamination – separation of panel layers, which can cause overheating
PID (Potential Induced Degradation) – voltage leakage that reduces output
Connector faults – loose or corroded connections that pose fire risks
Bypass diode failures – leading to uneven power generation
Water ingress – which can short-circuit internal components
Pest activity – nesting under panels can damage wiring and insulation
Our drone inspections are non-invasive, fast, and highly accurate, capturing high-resolution thermal and visual data from above, all without setting foot on your roof.
Early fault detection
Reduced downtime
Improved system performance
Enhanced fire prevention
Cost-effective maintenance planning
Don’t wait for a fault to become a fire. Proactive inspections protect your investment and your property. https://www.3way.co.uk/drone-technology/
#SolarInspection #ThermalImaging #DroneTechnology #FirePrevention #SolarEnergy #AssetManagement #Sustainability #FacilitiesManagement
