Find the panels that aren't pulling weight

It depends on what you book: a visual inspection, a thermal inspection, or both. A visual inspection gives you clear close-ups of the whole array, with anything visible, like cracks, debris, soiling or shading, pointed out. A thermal inspection finds hot spots, failing cells and strings that aren't producing, with the issues marked in a thermal report. Everything we deliver is an observation from aerial imagery, not a diagnosis. Thermal changes the price significantly, so it's always quoted.

Many owners check every year or two, after major storms, and whenever production drops for no clear reason. Commercial arrays are often inspected yearly. It's also worth a check before your installer or panel warranty runs out, so problems are found while they're still covered.

A visual inspection of a residential array starts at $199. Thermal inspections are quoted by array size and the report you need, since they take more flight planning and analysis. Commercial arrays are quoted per job. Travel is free within 30 miles of Johnson City; farther out, travel costs are included in your quote.

Problems only show up on thermal when the panels are working hard. In strong sun, a failing cell or dead string runs hotter or cooler than the panels around it, so it stands out. On cloudy days the differences fade, so we schedule thermal flights for strong sun and reschedule at no charge if the weather doesn't cooperate.

It's a good idea. A visual inspection points out visible damage, and a thermal inspection finds panels or strings that may not be producing, before you own them. Share the photos or thermal report with the seller, your agent or a solar installer to decide what needs a closer look.

No. We find and point out issues; a licensed installer or electrician confirms them and does the repairs. Knowing which panels and strings to check can save them time on the roof, so share the photos or thermal report with whoever services your array.

Ask them first. A visual inspection gives you close-up photos with visible issues pointed out, and a thermal inspection adds a thermal report with issues marked. Lenders and insurers set their own requirements for inspection reports, so confirm what they accept before you rely on it.