Overview
During a planned thermographic inspection of a commercial rooftop solar PV installation, TI Thermal Imaging identified a critical thermal anomaly within the site’s associated solar PV distribution equipment.
The inspection was completed on 29 June 2026 at a commercial warehouse site. The finding related to Solar PV DB 2, located at roof level.
The Finding
A localised irregular elevated-temperature profile was identified at the main isolator,
L1 brown phase, within the solar PV distribution board.
The thermal image recorded an apparent temperature of 195.0°C at the highlighted point.
At the time of inspection:
- Ambient temperature: 24.0°C
- Recorded apparent temperature: 195.0°C
- Temperature difference above ambient: 171.0°C
- Fault rating: Critical
- Operational priority: Essential to operation
- Problem status at reporting: Open
The anomaly was recorded on the supply cables associated with the main isolator within a
Square D three-pole, seven-way distribution board.
Assessment
The irregular thermal signature indicated a higher-than-expected temperature at the connection area.
The inspection report identified the likely cause as a suspected loose, deteriorated or inadequate connection.
Thermography identifies abnormal temperature patterns in operating equipment.
Confirmation of the underlying electrical condition requires inspection and corrective work by a competent electrical contractor.
Recommended Action
The report recommended that the connection be checked, cleaned and re-made to the prescribed standard.
At the time of reporting, no corrective work order had been issued and the fault remained open.
Why This Matters
Commercial solar PV systems involve more than the visible rooftop array. Associated distribution equipment,
isolators, supply cables and electrical connections form part of the wider system supporting generation
and connection to the building electrical infrastructure.
This finding demonstrates how thermographic inspection can identify localised abnormal heat patterns
within associated PV electrical equipment and help direct further electrical investigation.
Inspection Details
| Site type | Commercial warehouse |
|---|---|
| Asset | Solar PV DB 2 |
| Location | Roof level |
| Component | Main isolator / L1 brown phase |
| Equipment | Square D three-pole, seven-way distribution board |
| Inspection date | 29 June 2026 |
| Apparent max. temperature | 195.0°C |
| Ambient temperature | 24.0°C |
| Delta T above ambient | 171.0°C |
| Fault rating | Critical |
| Suspected cause | Loose, deteriorated or inadequate connection |
| Recommended remedial action | Check, clean and re-make connection to prescribed standard |
| Repair status | Open |
| Inspection carried out by | James, L3 Thermographer |
| Camera used | FOTRIC Ti7 thermal camera |