Daytime Thermal Imaging for Solar and Industrial Sites

Thermal imaging shows temperature differences you can't see in a normal photo, such as a hot cell on a solar panel or a component running warmer than its neighbors. STWDS captures and documents what the camera shows and flags the anomalies. It is observation only: nothing is automatically "detected," and a qualified professional confirms what each anomaly means.
Who it's for
- Plants, terminals, midstream and solar sites: the Annual Industrial Thermal Program
- Solar installers, O&M crews and homeowners with panels
What you get
- Thermal and visual image pairs of the agreed area
- A PDF report listing flagged thermal anomalies with locations and matching visual photos, reported as a temperature difference against a reference area (no exact temperatures)
- Radiometric thermal files when requested in the scope
What this is not
- STWDS does not provide thermography diagnoses or severity ratings. Findings go to a qualified professional, such as an electrician, solar technician or your reliability team, to confirm.
- Electrical equipment is imaged from at least 50 ft away (100 ft for transmission lines). Small-component temperatures are out of scope.
Pricing: call for a quote. If your site requires an NDAA-compliant aircraft, tell us when you request the quote; we will confirm whether one can be arranged before any date is set.
How it works
1. Scope: what you want checked, site rules and access, NDAA requirements, and the equipment load level from your facility.
2. Pick the window: solar imaging needs steady, strong sun, and results depend on the weather. Flights are rescheduled when conditions are poor.
3. Fly: site safety briefing, permits and JSA where required.
4. Report: anomalies flagged with locations and photos, reviewed before delivery and shared only with you.
Who does the work
Every STWDS flight is flown by an FAA Part 107 remote pilot under the company's safety and capture standards. Founder Jimmie Hill, a licensed private pilot with about 12 years in offshore drilling and 10+ years in chemical plant operations, sets those standards. Your site rules, permits, JSAs and safety briefings come first.
Do you provide thermography ratings?
No. STWDS provides thermal imaging and flags anomalies for a qualified professional to confirm. If your site requires a credentialed thermographer, tell us up front.
Does the drone detect defects automatically?
No. We document what the thermal camera shows. People, not software, make the call.
Can you work at plants and terminals?
Yes, with written site authorization, subject to your site's contractor-prequalification requirements. Plant sites are quoted individually.
Next step
Tell us your sites and how often you need them captured. A single visit is welcome too, and it sets the baseline for an ongoing program.
Pricing: call for a quote.