IR thermography applies to the detection of solar panel

Solar panels with photovoltaic cells that generate solar power for inclusion in the electricity grid have been installed in the south-facing wall of the Science and Technology Building in the University of Oviedo (Spain) in order to generate clean energy. We describe the application of infrared thermography to the monitoring and detection of defects in the solar panels, based on measurements made in situ between January and May 2011. The results show temperature differences in the panels attributable to panel defects, poor panel functioning or defects in panel assembly and arrangement.