As more solar cells appear in the Danish landscape, the debate is divided: Many believe that green energy is important, but few are willing to let solar parks spoil a beautiful view.
Researchers from DTU have found a solution to ensure that existing solar cell installations are used to their full potential.
"To know what is going on in the solar cell plants, we must regularly check the modules: Are they properly connected, is the glass intact, is there dirt blocking it, is safety optimal? With drone inspections, we can quickly get the full overview," says senior researcher at DTU Electro Gisele Benatto.
In collaboration with the company UXV Technologies she has developed a specially designed camera that is attached to a drone. When the sun sets, the drone is sent up and power is supplied to the solar modules.
As the drone flies over the modules, it takes a kind of X-ray image from the air on which the solar cells glow using electroluminescence imaging technology. Cells that glow less, or totally dark spots on the otherwise illuminated images, reveal if the electricity production is low – or has come to a complete standstill.
