London, UK — 1 July 2026
TI Thermal Imaging Ltd has identified a critical thermal anomaly within electrical distribution equipment serving a commercial rooftop solar PV installation, during a planned thermographic inspection at a warehouse facility.
The finding related to Solar PV DB 2, located at roof level and associated with the site’s rooftop photovoltaic installation.
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195°C Apparent temperature recorded |
171°C Delta T above ambient |
Critical Fault classification |
During the inspection, an irregular elevated-temperature profile was identified at the main isolator on the L1 brown-phase supply connection. The thermal image recorded an apparent temperature of 195.0°C at the highlighted point, against an ambient temperature of 24.0°C at the time of inspection.
The inspection report classified the issue as Critical and recorded the asset as essential to operation. The finding remained open at the time of reporting. The report described the anomaly as a higher-than-expected temperature with an irregular thermal signature at the connection area. A loose, deteriorated or inadequate connection was identified as the suspected cause.
The recommended remedial action was to check, clean and re-make the connection to the prescribed standard. The finding was issued for further electrical assessment and any required corrective work by the responsible maintenance team.
Left unaddressed, abnormal heating at an electrical connection can contribute to progressive damage to cables, terminations or isolating equipment. Depending on the underlying condition and installation, it may also result in unplanned outages, reduced availability of the PV system, and an increased risk of arcing or fire.
“Commercial rooftop solar is often discussed in terms of panels, inverters and generation performance. However, the supporting electrical infrastructure is also part of the operational system. This inspection identified an abnormal thermal pattern within associated distribution equipment, giving the maintenance team a clear area for further investigation.”
“The abnormal heat pattern was highly localised around the connection area. Thermography gave the site team a clear point for further electrical investigation.”
The warehouse setting is relevant because rooftop solar is increasingly installed across logistics, manufacturing and industrial facilities where electrical infrastructure supports wider site operations.
Thermographic inspection allows qualified personnel to assess surface-temperature patterns in energised electrical equipment while it is operating. It can identify areas showing abnormal heat profiles and help focus subsequent electrical investigation. It does not, by itself, confirm the underlying cause of an anomaly; confirmation and remedial work require assessment by a competent electrical contractor.
The inspection was completed by TI Thermal Imaging’s L3 thermographer, James, using a FOTRIC Ti7 thermal camera.
For commercial solar asset owners, facilities managers and O&M providers, the finding is a practical reminder that inspection scopes can include more than the visible rooftop array. Associated isolators, cables, terminations and distribution equipment may also form part of the electrical path supporting the PV system.
For more information about commercial solar PV thermography inspections, contact TI Thermal Imaging Ltd.
About TI Thermal Imaging
TI Thermal Imaging Ltd is a UK-based thermographic consultancy specialising in electrical, mechanical and building thermography. The company supports facilities teams, asset owners and maintenance providers with inspection services designed to identify abnormal thermal patterns in operational assets. Based at The Atrium Business Centre, Curtis Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1XA.
Media and Enquiries
Rachael Browning
TI Thermal Imaging Ltd
Email:
sales@thermalimaging.co.uk
Phone:
+44 (0) 203 089 3222
Website:
www.thermalimaging.co.uk