Hot Spots on Solar Panels: What They Mean
Hot spots are the early-warning sign of failing panels — and a thermal camera is the only way to catch them.
A 'hot spot' is a region of a solar panel running significantly hotter than the rest. It's a serious warning sign — and the panel-warranty implications are why we do thermal scans free.
What causes hot spots
The most common causes are a cracked or bypassed cell, a failing bypass diode, persistent localized shading, or a manufacturing defect that's progressed over time. Each one shows a distinct heat pattern under a thermal camera.
How thermal cameras detect them
A FLIR thermal camera reads the infrared signature of every cell on a panel. A 15–40°F delta between adjacent cells is the giveaway. We do the scan during a normal cleaning visit — it takes about 10 minutes for a typical residential array.
What to do when you find one
First, confirm the system is still in the panel-warranty window (usually 10–25 years depending on manufacturer). Then file the claim with the thermal image and serial number. We supply the homeowner with a written report suitable for warranty submission.