Inspecting and Servicing Solar Arrays:

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How Drones are Transforming the Industry for Lancaster, Pennsylvania Businesses and Investors.

In the world of renewable energy, efficiency is key, especially for investments in solar arrays across Pennsylvania.

Why is There a Need to Inspect a Solar Array?

Solar panels, also known as modules, face constant natural wear and tear from the elements: rain, snow, debris, and extreme temperatures. Over time, these factors can impact the performance of the module, leading to inefficiencies that reduce the financial return of your renewable energy investment. Routine inspections are necessary in order to:

  • Identify Faults Early:
  • Detect cracked modules, hot spots, micro cracks, faulty optimizers, shading issues, or malfunctioning cells before they escalate and impact production.
  • Ensure Maximum Efficiency:
  • Keep solar arrays producing energy at peak capacity.
  • Save on Maintenance Costs:
  • Prevent small issues from turning into costly repairs and lost production revenue.


The traditional method for inspecting solar arrays is a manual on-foot check by a technician; this is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly for businesses managing large solar arrays.

Thanks to advancements with drone technology, inspecting solar arrays has never been more efficient. Our MVE Group drones are equipped with thermal imaging and high-resolution cameras, provide a bird’s-eye view of commercial rooftops and ground-mounted arrays.


Here’s how drones are transforming the MVE Group service team’s solar inspections:

  • Speed and Efficiency:
  • Traditional inspections take hours or days, especially for large solar arrays. Our drones complete the same task in a fraction of the time, covering large areas swiftly and without interrupting operations.
  • Precision with Thermal Imaging:
  • Equipped with thermal cameras, our drones can detect “hot spots”, areas of underperforming or damaged cells, by identifying temperature variations across the modules. This level of precision is impossible to achieve with manual inspections alone.
  • Reduced Costs:
  • Drones eliminate the need for expensive scaffolding, lifts, or lengthy on-site labor. They offer a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to maximize returns from their solar energy investment.
  • Enhanced Safety:
  • For large rooftop systems or multi-acre ground-mounted arrays, manual inspections can pose safety risks. Drones eliminate the need for technicians to climb heights or traverse hazardous areas, improving safety for our service team.
  • Faster Repairs and Restored Output:
  • By identifying specific faults quickly and accurately, drones allow our service team to respond faster and make repairs. This minimizes system downtime and ensures that your solar arrays are producing at full capacity sooner. The faster issues are resolved, the quicker you can return to generating maximum energy and revenue.

Whether you’re running a manufacturing plant in Lancaster County or managing a solar farm in rural Pennsylvania, our drone inspections deliver unparalleled value:

  • Agricultural Producers:
  • Solar modules on barns, fields, or rooftops can be quickly evaluated without disrupting farm operations.
  • Commercial Businesses:
  • Large industrial rooftops, often an ideal location for solar, can be inspected without accessing the roof, which creates a safer environment.
  • Solar Developers:
  • MVE Group offers long-term O&M plans which can include drone flights, this ensures you receive top-tier service with your operations and maintenance plan.

Optimizing Solar Panels with Net Metering and Drone Efficiency
Pairing drone inspections with Pennsylvania’s net metering laws is a game-changer for businesses. Net metering allows businesses to sell excess energy back to the grid, turning solar arrays into revenue-generating assets. But to maximize those earnings, your system must operate at peak efficiency, and that’s where our MVE Group drones shine.

Learn more here: The Origins and Meaning of Net Metering

Are you ready for our Team to inspect your array?
Drones are not just the future, they’re the present solution for smarter, safer and more efficient solar inspections. You have already made the smart move to invest in solar energy, now allow our drones and service team to ensure you get the most out of every module, every day.


Get in touch with the MVE Group team today to learn more about drone-based solar inspections and how we can help your Pennsylvania business shine brighter.

Contact us here: MVE Group

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