IEC 62446-3:2017 Compliant Solar Panel Thermal Imaging Surveys
Certified PV Solar Inspections for Optimal Performance & Safety
Ensure Your Solar System Meets IEC 62446-3:2017 Standards with Expert Thermal Imaging Surveys
Solar panel systems require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure optimal efficiency, safety, and longevity. The IEC 62446-3:2017 standard outlines the correct procedures and environmental conditions required for thermal imaging inspections of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
This ensures that faults such as hotspots, defective cells, connection issues, and performance degradation are identified before they impact energy output or lead to costly failures.
At Thermography Services UK, we provide IEC 62446-3:2017 compliant thermal inspections for residential and commercial rooftop solar installations. Using advanced infrared thermography and certified Level 3 Master Thermographers, we detect faults early, prevent system failures, and help homeowners and businesses maximise their solar investment. Our fully compliant reports meet insurance, warranty, and safety requirements, ensuring your solar PV system operates efficiently and safely.
Schedule Your Solar PV Inspection Early – Book Now!
Ensure your solar system is efficient, safe, and IEC 62446-3:2017 compliant. Avoid peak-season delays by scheduling your thermal inspection early this year. Our certified Level 3 Thermographers provide accurate, insurance-approved reports for homeowners and businesses.
Understanding IEC 62446-3:2017 & Why It Matters
The IEC 62446-3:2017 standard was introduced to regulate and formalise the process of solar panel thermal imaging inspections. It ensures that inspections are carried out consistently, accurately, and under proper environmental conditions to prevent false readings and misdiagnosed faults.
Key Principles of IEC 62446-3:2017
- Standardised Inspection Process – Ensures all PV systems are evaluated using reliable thermographic methods.
- Correct Environmental Conditions – Requires stable sunlight conditions, minimal wind interference, and specific temperature thresholds for accurate thermal readings.
- Certified Thermographers & Equipment – Mandates the use of high-resolution infrared cameras and qualified inspectors to guarantee accurate results.
- Compliant Reporting – Defines the structure and content of inspection reports, including thermal imagery, analysis, and recommended actions.
By following IEC 62446-3:2017, homeowners and businesses receive verified, high-quality assessments, ensuring their solar investment is protected and performing optimally.
Why Choose Thermography Services (UK) Ltd for Your Solar PV Inspection?
By choosing Thermography Services (UK) Ltd, you benefit from expert knowledge, industry-compliant reporting, and advanced inspection techniques, helping you maximise your solar investment and maintain peak system performance. Book your solar PV thermal inspection today!
Schedule Your Solar PV Inspection Early – Book Now!
Ensure your solar system is efficient, safe, and IEC 62446-3:2017 compliant. Avoid peak-season delays by scheduling your thermal inspection early this year. Our certified Level 3 Thermographers provide accurate, insurance-approved reports for homeowners and businesses.
Ensuring the efficiency, safety, and compliance of your solar PV system is essential for maximising energy output and preventing costly failures. The IEC 62446-3:2017 standard sets the benchmark for thermal imaging inspections, ensuring that all assessments are conducted under optimal environmental conditions using certified thermographers and high-quality infrared equipment.
At Thermography Services (UK) Ltd, we offer comprehensive, IEC-compliant thermal imaging inspections for homeowners and businesses, detecting hotspots, bypass diode failures, string mismatches, and Potential Induced Degradation (PID) before they impact performance or become a safety hazard. Using drone-mounted and handheld infrared cameras, our surveys are non-invasive, highly accurate, and insurance-approved.
Our fixed-price inspections provide clear, detailed reports that support warranty claims, insurance applications, and ongoing maintenance planning. With solar systems requiring regular maintenance to prevent power loss and fire risks, booking an IEC-compliant inspection early in the year ensures that any necessary repairs or adjustments can be made before peak energy demand periods.
📅 Book your IEC 62446-3:2017 solar PV inspection today and safeguard your solar investment!
FAQ’s
Thermal imaging identifies hotspots, cracked cells, faulty bypass diodes, delamination, water ingress, loose electrical connections, and Potential Induced Degradation (PID). These issues can reduce energy output, increase fire risks, and lead to expensive repairs if left unaddressed. Early detection helps homeowners and businesses optimise performance and prevent costly failures.
A typical residential solar PV inspection takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the system size and complexity. Commercial installations may take longer, especially if multiple arrays need surveying. After the inspection, a detailed IEC-compliant report with thermal images and fault analysis is typically delivered within 24 to 48 hours.
IEC 62446-3:2017 is the international standard for thermal imaging inspections of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. It ensures that all thermal assessments are conducted using certified thermographers, calibrated infrared cameras, and optimal environmental conditions. This standard helps detect hotspots, electrical faults, and degradation, preventing energy losses and safety hazards such as fire risks and overheating components.
PID is a gradual performance degradation in solar panels caused by voltage leakage within the system. It leads to electrical losses and reduced efficiency. Thermal imaging detects PID by identifying uneven temperature gradients across the panel surface, indicating areas where electrons are migrating incorrectly, causing energy loss and long-term system failure.
For accurate results, the IEC 62446-3:2017 standard requires:
- Clear sunny sky conditions with at least 600W/m² of solar irradiance.
- Minimal wind speeds to avoid heat dissipation from convection cooling and affecting thermal readings.
- No Rain, Moisture, Dew, Snow, Mist to avoid heat dissipation from convection cooling and affecting thermal readings.
These conditions ensure precise thermal imaging and prevent false readings due to environmental interference.
Yes. Shading and dirt accumulation cause temperature variations across the panel surface, reducing overall performance. Thermal imaging can highlight areas of underperformance, allowing homeowners to take corrective actions such as cleaning, repositioning, or replacing affected panels to restore maximum energy generation.
Yes, an IEC 62446-3:2017 compliant thermal inspection provides documented proof of faults such as hotspots, cracked cells, or manufacturing defects. Many solar panel warranties require thermal imaging evidence to support claims, allowing homeowners to secure free repairs or replacements from manufacturers.
Insurance providers require thermal imaging reports to assess the risk of fire hazards, electrical faults, and system degradation in solar PV installations. Without a certified inspection, some insurance companies may increase premiums or deny coverage due to the potential for undetected safety risks. An IEC-compliant survey ensures regulatory compliance and helps protect your investment.
Industry recommendations suggest annual solar panel inspections, particularly for commercial installations and high-performance systems. According to UK government guidelines, regular maintenance, including thermal imaging assessments, helps extend the lifespan of PV systems and maintain peak efficiency. Some manufacturers require inspections every 1-2 years to maintain warranty coverage.
Booking is easy! Simply contact us via our website or call our team to schedule a fixed-price IEC-compliant thermal inspection. We will arrange an inspection at a suitable time with optimal conditions, providing you with a detailed thermal analysis and report to ensure your solar system remains safe, efficient, and fully insured.
