Strategies and Challenges for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Continuous Inspection and Predictive Maintenance of Solar Modules

The integration of solar energy into the global energy mix is more prevalent owing to its sustainability and ecological advantages. With the fast expansion of large-scale solar farms, the necessity for efficient and dependable maintenance and monitoring of solar modules has grown significantly. This study advocates for the utilization of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) outfitted with thermal imagers and visible-light cameras as an efficient method for identifying flaws in solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. In contrast to conventional inspection techniques, UAV-based photography provides continuous, real-time surveillance, facilitating the rapid detection of potential defects such as cell malfunctions, fractures, shading, and string failures, which may result in substantial financial losses. The choice to prioritize thermal and visual imaging above mathematical modeling or optimization algorithms arises from the necessity of delivering practical, scalable inspection solutions that can be readily implemented in the field. Our review paper emphasizes instant functionality and practical insights for predictive maintenance, without necessitating complex computing resources or optimization tools. This study emphasizes the significance of early defect identification on solar farm efficiency and delineates a strategy for improving the reliability and cost-effectiveness of photovoltaic module inspections via UAV technology.