An infraed roof moisture survey is necessary to ensure the roof is dry prior to panel installation. Infrared electrical surveys confirm proper installation of electrical connections.

Before installing solar arrays on flat roofs it is critically important to ensure the roof substrate is dry and free of any trapped moisture!

Installing panels on top of a roof which contains trapped moisture is a recipe for problems. Ideally, a roof should last at least as long as the panels placed on it and no building owner wants the nightmare of a solar array teardown to do a roof job after the solar installation!

The life expectancy of an array can be 15-20 years or more, if the roof has a latent moisture problem it may require repair in just a few years.. If the leak is in the area of the array, fixing it it may require the removal of the solar panels.

The big questions: Did a leak occur because of the solar installation, or was the insulation wet prior to the installation? Who will make that determination? Will the panels have to be removed to facilitate the roof repair? Who pays the extra costs for the removal and re installation? Should a panel become damaged during the removal process, who pays for the replacement? And, who was responsible to confirm the roof was completely dry in all areas and under the panels prior to installation?

These are all tough questions which can be avoided by having an Infrared roof moisture survey prior to panel installation. An infrared RoofScan is the first step in ensuring roof and panel warranty coverage.

Infrared can be used for the commissioning of commercial arrays as well as residential PV installations. A failure anywhere in the electrical distribution chain can cause problems ranging from reduced efficiency to damage of the system and/or structure. In addition to an electrical scan of the power generating and distribution components, a pre installation Infrared roof scan is required to detect moisture and other latent defects when the panel array is to be mounted on a flat roof, as is the case on most commercial buildings.

A thermographic commissioning scan uses a high resolution, infrared camera to inspect the power carrying connections of your PV system for excess heat which is a leading indicator of a poor or failing connection. The scan is done immediately after installation once the system is operational and generating power. A report is created showing an infrared image and visible light picture of any component which with an abnormal thermal signature. This report can be given to the installing electrician to be used as a guide for making immediate repairs.

To find out more contact Infrared Imaging Services LLC at 845-641-5482 to ensure your PV power is being delivered efficiently and safely.