In fixed-tilt photovoltaic installations, gradual terrain changes — known as differential settlement — can occur due to subsidence, compaction, or natural ground shifts. Even minor settlement may affect panel alignment, structural integrity, and long-term system performance. That’s why regular, reliable monitoring is essential.
What the service does
This service uses repeatable drone photogrammetry surveys to detect and visualize elevation changes over time with high reliability. It typically includes three measurement campaigns:
Zero measurement immediately after construction
Interim measurement around two years later
Final measurement before the end of the system warranty period (≈ five years)
By comparing elevation differences between scans, asset owners can identify early settlement trends and take proactive measures before issues escalate.
Deliverables you receive
Each campaign produces outputs designed for engineers, asset managers, and decision-makers:
Settlement visualizations showing where and how much elevation has changed
Structured, easy-to-use reports supporting transparent assessment
CAD- and GIS-ready files for direct integration into engineering workflows
Clean elevation models and heatmaps for site-wide analysis
All results are generated using industry-standard processing tools and a reinforced control-point and benchmark system, ensuring consistent, repeatable accuracy. The methodology reliably detects settlements greater than 5 cm between surveys.
Why we built this
We developed this service in response to recurring client needs:
high-quality insights, a clear process, and outputs that are immediately usable — not just technically correct.
By combining precise drone data with a structured, long-term measurement approach, this service turns raw aerial imagery into actionable infrastructure insights.
Conclusion
Whether you’re managing warranties, monitoring performance, or planning long-term maintenance, solar panel settlement measurement with drone photogrammetry adds clarity where uncertainty can become costly.
Learn more about the service and its deliverables here: