On 16th October, the IKEA Wembley store was evacuated by the London Fire Brigade due to a fire involving the building’s solar panels. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
This incident is a stark reminder of the critical importance of regular solar panel inspections — not just for performance, but for safety.
Using thermal imaging drones, we can detect a wide range of faults that may otherwise go unnoticed, including:
– Hotspots – often caused by shading, dirt, or internal cell damage
– Microcracks – tiny fractures that reduce efficiency and can lead to failure
– Delamination – separation of panel layers, which can cause overheating
– PID (Potential Induced Degradation) – voltage leakage that reduces output
– Connector faults – loose or corroded connections that pose fire risks
– Bypass diode failures – leading to uneven power generation
– Water ingress – which can short-circuit internal components
– Pest activity – nesting under panels can damage wiring and insulation
Our drone inspections are non-invasive, fast, and highly accurate, capturing high-resolution thermal and visual data from above — all without setting foot on your roof.
– Early fault detection
– Reduced downtime
– Improved system performance
– Enhanced fire prevention
– Cost-effective maintenance planning
Don’t wait for a fault to become a fire. Proactive inspections protect your investment and your property. Visit ViaTrium.co.uk to find out how we can help.
SolarInspection ThermalImaging DroneTechnology FirePrevention SolarEnergy AssetManagement Sustainability FacilitiesManagement
