diy solar

diy solar

Using FLIR to find microfractures and other solar problems

svetz

Works in theory! Practice? That's something else
Joined
Sep 20, 2019
Messages
7,201
Location
Key Largo
Just found out you can use a FLIR to see if there's any microfractures from installers walking over your panels or delivery misadventures.

Anyone know anything about these that can say what sort of features to look for or make a model recommendation?

solar-panel-hot-spot.jpg
6242080ac97d1e5051c317e9404d4d19.png


Mike-rycroft-118-04-2019-drfat1-600x409.jpg
 
I wonder how accurate an Iphone FLIR (small unit that plugs into the phone) is compared to a professional level FLIR.

I would also imagine that pixel density and accuracy varies depending on cost.

I want to run a FLIR over some flex panels. They love to fail after a couple months. I have some flex panels I am testing right now for degradation (for over six months in full sun and open circuit for maximum degradation). I wonder how the traditional bus bar cell designs degrade vs sunpower copper backed cell. Would probably show up on a FLIR.

Another fun application would be solar panels mildly damaged from torsional stress. I have seen large panels mounted to vehicle roofs in less than ideal ways. I am sure they are getting twisted a tiny bit. So many fun ideas!
 
Don't have one :cry: bu it's my understanding the thermal sensitivity is the same on the inexpensive ones, it's the resolution that's not good. The FLIR unit is supposed to overlay the thermal image on the camera's image - so it appears higher resolution.
 
Nice... I'd play the lotto so I can afford it, but after looking into SPDs I realize I realize I'd get hit by lightening long before I'd win.
 
I've always wanted a FLIR, but just didn't have a real reason to buy one. Today I started looking again, thinking of the Android phone attach unit. Cost is low. Turns out the one made by FLIR has a very limited battery life between charge and experiences a lot of failures and software glitches. Still looking.

Also tripped over an ad from Home Depot. They apparently rent a handheld imager, but I couldn't find a single store that had one to rent.
 
That must be why if you buy them from Flir directly they're handing out free battery packs.
Capture.PNG
 
Last edited:
I bit the bullet and ordered one. It should arrive before my panels.
 
Android has one built-in, it's the Cat S60 (like Caterpillar construction). Super rugged, great battery life, waterproof. As an android phone its ok, not break neck fast, camera kinda weak, wifi is ok. But as a tool it is great. FLIR camera works awesome, FLIR range as about 100ft I think, has helped around the house, found a potential fire hazard in a clogged dryer exhaust vent. Also has a built-in FM tuner for an emergency radio. plus you get to take cool pictures like this.
 

Attachments

  • flir_20161001T184327.jpg
    flir_20161001T184327.jpg
    39.9 KB · Views: 3
Point it at your rim joists and the top of your walls where it meets the ceiling.
This is my next project...insulate my rim joists....curious how it will affect my energy consumption this winter.

20190905-032656.jpg
20190905-123836.jpg
 
This is cool, Jehu is doing a video and discovers (completely unrelated to the video) a hot spot on a panel from a connector that isn't even connected to anything by accident ...

 
I bought a Seek Thermal camera module when they first came out years ago. It plugs into an Android phone micro USB port. It worked pretty good back in the day but now I have a heck of a time finding a phone that it still works with. Won't work with many of the new phones. For $200 it was a pretty good deal and I still have a tablet that it works with. Low res but good for finding dog poop in the yard in the winter. Took this today, it's an Australian Shepherd

img_thermal_1569299748682.jpg
 
Last edited:
Here are a few more I just took of my Sinopoly 60Ah pack running 1500W through the inverter. Nothing heating up much.

img_thermal_1569385960491.jpgimg_thermal_1569385994885.jpg20190924_223459.jpg
 

one more option for arduino oriented folks

MLX90640 32x24 pixels thermal camera​

  • Field of View: 55°x35°
  • Measurement Range: -40°C-300°C
  • Resolution: ±1.5°C
< 100 usd

supporting component needed: microcontroller, cost: 5-20 usd
 
I just use a Thermal weapon scope... I have a Pulsar Thermion that can detect even the slightest change in thermal gradients.. It will even pick up the warmer water a duck leaves behind as it paddles forward.


Here's a rabbit next to my grape vines at about 150 yards.
 

Attachments

  • Rabbit.jpg
    Rabbit.jpg
    113.4 KB · Views: 10
I will try this tomorrow that is really interesting, glass blocks my thermal but I'm curious to try. I just hope they are in good shape.
 
It's 9:30am 13 degrees but was curious to see, this is a bering optics r35. Wait till it gets warmer and try again.
 

Attachments

  • P1210263.JPG
    P1210263.JPG
    68.7 KB · Views: 9
  • P1210264.JPG
    P1210264.JPG
    60.3 KB · Views: 9
  • P1210265.JPG
    P1210265.JPG
    84.9 KB · Views: 9
  • P1210266.JPG
    P1210266.JPG
    55 KB · Views: 9
Back
Top