Drone Surveys Maximize ROI in Distributed Generation Solar + Storage Projects

Drone surveys are powerful tools that help maximize the return on investment (ROI) in Distributed Generation PV systems. They offer unmatched precision in the design process, which can significantly increase a solar + storage project’s system performance. Pure Power Engineering collaborates with Drone Drafting to optimize the design of PV systems on commercial & industrial rooftops for the benefit of developers, EPCs, and system owners. This article dives into how drone surveys are transforming the landscape of commercial solar installations, by improving the accuracy and efficiency of PV system design. It shows the specific benefits Drone Drafting brings to Pure Power's rooftop solar projects and the potential of drone technology in maximizing the ROI of commercial solar installations.

Drones Save Time During PV System Design

Traditional methods of surveying commercial rooftops often involve manual measurements and on-site inspections, which can be time-consuming, costly, and prone to human error. These inefficiencies can lead to design flaws, suboptimal panel placement, and delayed project timelines, all of which negatively affect ROI.

Drone surveys are drastically changing how PV systems are designed. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors, drones capture precise aerial imagery and data, that provide a detailed overview of the installation site. The technology can accurately map the rooftop, identify obstacles, and optimize panel layout, all within a fraction of the time it takes using traditional methods.

Precise Measurements for Informed Decision-Making

Each commercial or industrial building tends to have its own, uniquely complex roof. By integrating advanced drone technology, expert piloting, and an experienced technical team, Drone Drafting provides Pure Power with the accurate and detailed data needed for a successful PV design. The approach significantly increases the efficiency of project planning and execution while lowering costs and hazards.

Drafting's seasoned operators carry out thorough flights, capturing thousands of images and comprehensive 2D and 3D data, which are then processed by their technical team. Precision technology allows them to create a model with a margin of error as small as one inch. The data is transformed into a Stitched Orthomosaic TIFF 2D AutoCAD file, which identifies exact rooftop measurements, all possible obstructions, and differing roof angles and slopes. The process ensures that Pure Power’s engineers receive a deliverable that maximizes design efforts without worrying about potential rework or issues.

Increased Project ROI for Owners

The design and layout of a PV system directly impacts its efficiency, performance, and, ultimately, its return on investment. By using drones to gather comprehensive data, designers can create more accurate and effective system layouts. Solar panels can be positioned to maximize sunlight exposure and energy production, leading to better performance once the system is up and running. In addition, drones enable solar projects to move forward faster, reducing labor costs and minimizing the possibilities of delays. Drone technology can significantly reduce project risk and losses; costly modifications or repairs after installation become highly unlikely, further safeguarding the project's ROI.

Collaborating to Drive Innovation

The partnership between Drone Drafting and Pure Power Engineering is a testament to how collaboration can drive innovation and efficiency in the solar industry. Drone Drafting’s expertise in drone technology, combined with Pure Power’s engineering acumen, creates a powerful synergy that improves every aspect of commercial solar installations.

Drone Drafting has specialized in C&I rooftop solar mapping, meaning their drafters know exactly what to look for when analyzing the data. The ability to precisely identify all roof anomalies is a significant advantage, as missing even a small detail can lead to costly errors and delays during installation. Drone Drafting applies a refined mapping process, which combines fast data collection with advanced computational abilities. Their efficient process usually produces the deliverable within five to seven business days of the flight.

The process begins with experienced drone operators creating and executing flight plans, typically spending about two hours per site for comprehensive image capture. Once the images are collected, the technical team processes them to create a 3D Point Cloud. This 3D model is then used by the team of drafters to locate and classify all rooftop objects, including 3D data such as heights, slope lines, and ridge lines.

Benefits of Drone Surveys for Commercial Solar Installations

Using drone surveys in commercial solar installations comes with a few key advantages that can improve a project’s ROI.

Faster Data Collection

• Efficiency: Drone surveys can cover large areas quickly, significantly reducing the time required to gather data compared to manual measurements.
• Safety: By minimizing the need for on-site personnel, drones reduce the risk of accidents in potentially hazardous environments, such as high rooftops.

High-Resolution, Accurate Data

• Comprehensive Data Capture: During pre-planned and manual flights, Drone Drafting’s operators collect different types of data. This allows for precise capture of all roof obstructions from multiple angles.
• Verification: Survey-grade equipment ensures that the final deliverable is accurate to within one inch, providing a level of precision that is critical for proper PV system design.

Precision Over Public Mapping Software

• Superior Detail: Unlike public mapping software like Google Maps, which provides broad aerial views, drone surveys offer detailed and precise measurements necessary for accurate site preparation.
• Error Reduction: Public data is prone to errors and can be out of date, potentially omitting critical roof features such as drains, HVAC systems, and subtle features like slopes and ridge lines. Drone surveys eliminate these issues, ensuring no unexpected obstructions during construction.

Optimized PV System Layout

• Maximized ROI: The precise data collected by drones allows for the accurate positioning of solar panels, ensuring maximum sunlight exposure and energy production.
• Cost Savings: By reducing the likelihood of errors during installation, drone surveys help avoid costly rework and project delays.

Looking Ahead

As drone technology continues to advance, its role in solar installations is likely to expand even further. Trends such as artificial intelligence integration and real-time data analysis could offer even more precise and efficient methods for surveying and mapping commercial rooftops. For companies looking to stay ahead of the curve, adopting these advanced surveying methods is essential for maximizing ROI and achieving long-term success of their solar projects.

Drone Drafting and Pure Power Engineering are at the forefront of this movement, demonstrating how the integration of advanced technology and expert knowledge can lead to better outcomes for clients and the industry as a whole. As the technology continues to evolve, the partnership is poised to set new benchmarks in the field of commercial rooftop solar installations.

Pure Power Engineering has completed hundreds of commercial solar rooftop installations with Drone Drafting as supplier of choice in all things drone technology. Reach out to our experts with any of your questions on the use of drone surveys in commercial and industrial solar projects.

For more information on our engineering services please visit www.PurePower.com or email info@Purepower.com.

For more information on Drone Drafting's Surveys please contact Emmett Witmer at ewitmer@dronedrafting.com or call (203) 832-4388.