Hot spots
A warmer area may be linked to shading, soiling, or a panel issue. Further evaluation is needed to identify the cause.
the basics
What is a thermal solar inspection?
We use an infrared camera to scan your panels while they’re running.
The images show surface temperature patterns. An unusually warm area may be caused by shading, soiling, or an equipment issue.
Thermal imaging can flag unusual temperature patterns for further evaluation. It doesn't replace an electrical diagnosis, confirm output is on spec, or guarantee warranty eligibility. Your installer or manufacturer may require further tests.
"Thorough job inspecting all my panels, including before/after thermal imaging. The best way to check if your panels are working well."
Ron P. · Google Review
how it works
How thermal cameras read solar panels.
Every object emits infrared radiation proportional to its temperature. An infrared camera measures that radiation and renders it as a false-color image, with hotter areas brighter and cooler areas darker.
- Panels must be under load and in direct sun. That's when defects reveal themselves.
- We shoot from the roof, not the ground, so each module fills the frame and shows cell-level detail.
- Every flagged panel gets a matched visual photo so you see exactly which one we're talking about.
- Reports go out the same day, straight to your phone.
what we catch
What thermal imaging can flag.
These patterns may warrant a closer look. Thermal images don't establish the cause by themselves.
Failing & cracked cells
Temperature differences can suggest a cell issue, but don't confirm a crack or establish warranty coverage.
Damaged modules
Unusual module temperatures can warrant a closer look. Visual inspection and electrical testing may be needed to confirm damage.
Faulty electrical connections
Accessible connections may show unusual heat. A qualified installer should evaluate electrical connections and confirm any fault.
Bypass diode failures
A warmer cell group can have several causes, including shading or diode issues. Electrical testing is needed for diagnosis.
Performance loss documentation
We share flagged images and panel locations. Your installer or manufacturer decides what evidence is needed for diagnosis or a warranty claim.
better together
Why cleaning and thermal inspection belong on the same visit.
Dirt hides defects
Dirt and shading can affect temperature patterns. Cleaning helps reduce these factors before interpreting the scan.
Production losses get misdiagnosed
A drop in output can have several causes. Cleaning, thermal images, and monitoring data can guide further evaluation, but don't replace electrical testing.
One trip, one price
Because we're already on the roof, there's no separate inspection fee, no second appointment, and no extra trip charge.
Real maintenance, not just curb appeal
Cleaning removes surface buildup. Thermal images add a temperature check and can help you discuss next steps with your installer.
Saturn's Standard
Free with every Saturn maintenance plan.
A thermal inspection is included with every Saturn cleaning.
We include it with every service. No add-on fees.
- Infrared thermal scan of every panel
- Temperature anomaly screening
- Before & After Photos
- Same-day delivery to your phone
- Included with every cleaning
real scans
Real thermal scans from San Diego roofs.
Every image below is from an actual Saturn Solar Cleaning inspection. No stock photos, no marketing renders.
Hotspot streak
Half-and-half panelMulti-cell hot spotsHealthy panelHealthy arrayIrregular heatLearn more
Residential solar cleaning
Rooftop arrays for San Diego homes. Cleaning plus thermal in one visit.
Learn moreCommercial solar cleaning
Warehouse, retail, and HOA arrays. Scheduled maintenance with full reporting.
Learn moreService plans
Biannual and quarterly plans. Thermal inspection included every visit.
Learn morequestions, answered
Thermal inspection FAQ
What San Diego solar owners ask us about infrared thermal inspections.
No. An infrared thermal scan is included free with every Saturn solar cleaning, annual visits and all service plans. You get a written report with photos and no upsell.
About 10 to 20 minutes for a typical residential array, done alongside the cleaning. Commercial sites scale with system size. Because we're already on the roof cleaning, there's no extra trip charge or scheduling.
Thermal images of flagged panels, a plain-English explanation of the temperature patterns, and suggested next steps. Your installer or manufacturer determines whether electrical testing or a warranty claim is appropriate.
Not directly. Some cracks may contribute to temperature anomalies, but a thermal image alone can't confirm a microcrack. An installer may need electrical testing or other imaging to establish the cause.
No. As long as we have roof access and the system is running, we handle everything. We send before/after cleaning photos and the thermal report directly to your phone.
Thermal inspections need solid sunlight and the system under load to expose hot spots. If conditions don't allow an accurate scan, we'll reschedule the thermal portion at no charge. The cleaning still happens.
Thermal imaging can flag unusual temperature patterns for further evaluation. It doesn't replace an electrical diagnosis, confirm output is on spec, or guarantee warranty eligibility. Your installer or manufacturer may require further tests.
Thermal images can flag temperature anomalies for further evaluation. They don't prove a fault, measure electrical output, or determine warranty eligibility. Your installer or manufacturer may need additional tests.