How precise are the aerial photos taken by drones?

The future of PV planning: 3D drone simulations compared to traditional methods

In today's world of renewable energy, the planning and installation of photovoltaic systems (PV systems) is becoming increasingly important. Precise and efficient planning is crucial in order to exploit the full potential of a PV system and thus ensure maximum energy yield. Various methods are available, ranging from traditional, manual approaches to state-of-the-art technologies such as 3D drone simulations. This article looks at the accuracy of 3D drone simulations (approx. 3 cm) and compares them with satellite planning and manual methods such as tile counting.

3D drone simulations: A technological advance

3D drone simulations use high-resolution cameras and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to create detailed and precise 3D models of buildings and terrain structures. These models enable precise planning of PV systems as they can take into account all relevant parameters, from the roof pitch and shading to the exact dimensions of the roof surface. The accuracy of this method is around 3 cm, making it one of the most precise planning methods on the market.

Satellite planning: a broad perspective

Satellite images offer a large-scale view and are particularly useful for quickly analyzing large areas. They are well suited for an initial assessment of potential areas for PV systems. However, the resolution of satellite images is limited compared to drone data. Even high-resolution satellite images often only achieve an accuracy of around 30 to 50 cm. This can lead to inaccuracies, especially when it comes to detailed planning of smaller structures or taking into account shading from nearby objects.

Manual brick counting: Tradition meets limits

The manual method, in which roof tiles are counted and roof surfaces are measured, is a traditional approach. It requires a lot of time and manpower and is also prone to human error. This method does not provide the ability to accurately account for complex shading or irregular roof structures. It is also less safe, as working on roofs always involves a certain degree of risk.

Comparison of accuracies

Accuracy is a crucial factor in the planning of PV systems, as it has a direct impact on the efficiency and cost of the system. While 3D drone simulations offer an accuracy of around 3 cm, the accuracy of satellite images is around 30 to 50 cm and with manual methods it can vary greatly depending on the experience and precision of the person carrying out the work.

These differences in accuracy mean that 3D drone simulations are able to capture even the smallest details and therefore enable optimal alignment and positioning of the solar modules. This leads to maximum energy yield and better profitability of the PV system. In contrast, the inaccuracies of satellite images and manual methods can lead to modules not being optimally placed, which reduces the efficiency of the system.

Time and cost efficiency

In addition to accuracy, time and cost efficiency also play an important role. Creating a 3D model with drones can be completed in a few hours, while manual surveying often takes days. Satellite images are available quickly, but often require additional work steps to refine the data.

The cost of drone flights and subsequent data processing has fallen significantly in recent years, making this technology attractive for smaller projects too. At the same time, they offer the advantage that they are repeatable and can therefore be used for regular inspections and maintenance of the PV system.

Safety and sustainability

Another important aspect is safety. Drone operations minimize the risk for workers as they no longer have to climb onto roofs. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents and makes the entire planning process safer. The use of drones is also more environmentally friendly, as it is less resource-intensive than the production and operation of satellites.

Conclusion: The future of PV planning is up in the air

3D drone simulations offer an impressive accuracy of around 3 cm and combine this with high efficiency and safety. They enable more precise planning of PV systems than traditional methods such as satellite images and manual tile counting. While satellite images provide a good initial estimate and manual methods add a personal touch and experience, drone simulations are the most modern and effective solution.

The combination of high accuracy, time and cost efficiency and increased safety makes 3D drone simulations the preferred method for PV planning. At a time when renewable energy is becoming increasingly important, it is crucial that we use the best available technologies to maximize the efficiency and profitability of our installations. The future of PV planning is undoubtedly in the air - in the form of drones.