Drone-based Workflows for the Solar Sector
- Arpit Shah
- Sep 28, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 8, 2025
SECTION HYPERLINKS
1. ESTIMATING ROOFTOP SOLAR POWER POTENTIAL
Beyond the power of technology itself, what many of you may find compelling about this workflow is the way a specific, fairly complex problem statement is tackled using a structured approach. It’s similar in spirit to those classic interview questions – “What is the market size for shaving blades in India?” – where you’re given only macro-level information and are evaluated on your critical thinking and problem-solving process.
So here’s my question for you:
Estimate the annual solar power generation potential from rooftop installations in your locality.
Take a couple of minutes to think it through before watching the four-minute workflow below.
What information would you need?
Which parameters would you consider?
Is your approach pragmatic and implementable?
Credits: Esri Learn ArcGIS tutorials and ArcGIS Pro software
In the video demonstration below, I address the problem statement using:
a Digital Surface Model dataset captured using a drone (A DSM is a digital representation of the bare earth along with elevation values for natural and man-made features above it)
A Building Footprint layer (outlines of building exteriors) for the entire locality, also captured using a drone
A powerful Location Analytics platform (GIS) to compute and aggregate the solar power generation potential
Videos are best viewed in YouTube’s HD mode, either on PC or in landscape mode on a mobile phone. You can adjust the playback speed to suit your viewing preference.
I hope you found the methodology used to arrive at the solution interesting.
The answer (not shown in the video) is:
The electricity generation potential from rooftop solar panels in the locality is 20,710 MWh annually.
This model can be refined further by:
Including additional suitable surfaces beyond building rooftops, such as parks and other public spaces
Relaxing or tightening assumptions and parameters, for instance by factoring in detailed weather patterns or solar irradiance forecasts
There is a wide range of geoprocessing tools available for solar radiation computation and analysis within advanced Location Analytics platforms, commonly known as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
You can refer to the GIS technology page here to learn more about how it can benefit the renewables sector.
2. THERMAL INSPECTION OF SOLAR FARM
Have a look at this footage of my vendor’s drone, equipped with a radiometric thermal payload, inspecting solar panels at an industrial solar farm:
Thermal imagery helps to:
Detect malfunctioning modules and hotspots
Identify strings or sections under-performing
Prioritize maintenance activities and reduce downtime
3. WET CLEANING OF SOLAR PANELS
Here’s another footage from one of my own projects, involving a drone equipped with a tank and spraying nozzle performing wet cleaning of solar panels at an industrial farm:
Regular, efficient cleaning helps:
Improve panel efficiency by removing dust and grime
Reduce manual labour risks and effort
Access difficult-to-reach or large-scale installations more safely and quickly
Useful, isn’t it?
ABOUT US - OPERATIONS MAPPING SOLUTIONS FOR ORGANIZATIONS
Intelloc Mapping Services, Kolkata | Mapmyops.com offers a suite of Mapping and Analytics solutions that seamlessly integrate with Operations Planning, Design, and Audit workflows. Our capabilities include — but are not limited to — Drone Services, Location Analytics & GIS Applications, Satellite Imagery Analytics, Supply Chain Network Design, Subsurface Mapping and Wastewater Treatment. Projects are executed pan-India, delivering actionable insights and operational efficiency across sectors.
My firm's services can be split into two categories - Geographic Mapping and Operations Mapping. Our range of offerings are listed in the infographic below-
A majority of our Mapping for Operations-themed workflows (50+) can be accessed from this website's landing page. We respond well to documented queries/requirements. Demonstrations/PoC can be facilitated, on a paid-basis. Looking forward to being of service.
Regards,
