1. The use of drones and advanced aerial imagery has revolutionized residential solar design and installation by ensuring accurate measurements, improving safety, and saving time for installers.
2. Having drones in-house can benefit solar contractors by allowing them to quickly assess roof health, document safety protocols, track installation progress, and detect system performance issues with thermal drones.
3. Solar design software has evolved to include sophisticated 3D modeling, LiDAR data integration, virtual viewshed technology, and automation that streamlines the design process, improves accuracy, and enhances collaboration between field teams and designers. Future advancements in machine learning, AI, and augmented reality are expected to further automate design processes and improve onsite shading and production estimates.
Solar Power World’s March 2024 coverage focuses on installation tips for solar contractors, with an emphasis on using drones and advanced aerial imagery to improve efficiency and accuracy in design and installation processes. By utilizing photogrammetry-derived measurements from geotagged drone data, solar contractors can ensure that final designs are accurate, reducing the need for change orders or revisions during the build process. Drones and aerial imagery also allow installers to conduct safety walk-throughs, plan for projects before arriving on site, and compare preliminary designs to onsite designs for better context.
Having drones in-house enables solar contractors to address issues such as roof health, safety protocol compliance, and system performance monitoring efficiently. Design software has evolved to incorporate LiDAR data for more efficient remote designs, but onsite shading analysis remains crucial for accuracy. Advances in machine learning, AI, and augmented reality are expected to further automate the design process and improve visualization tools for PV systems. These developments not only enhance the efficiency and accuracy of solar projects but also reduce insurance premiums and increase confidence in financial providers regarding production estimates. Overall, the integration of drones, advanced aerial imagery, and evolving design software is essential for streamlining solar installation processes and ensuring success in the industry.