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IEC IAF TÜRKAK ILAC MRA

IEC 62446-3 Accredited Solar Energy Inspection by MapperX

Compliant. Accredited. Globally Reliable.

MapperX delivers full compliance with international standards in solar inspections, powered by drone-based analyses accredited under IEC 62446-3.

Every stage from flight planning and data processing to reporting and validation is conducted according to IEC, ISO, and ASTM standards.

A globally recognized, repeatable, and auditable quality assurance system.

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IEC 62446-3 MapperX Visual

The Technical Framework of IEC 62446-3

IEC 62446-3 is the core standard that defines how thermographic inspection should be conducted in photovoltaic sites. It technically regulates under which conditions, with which sensors, and with what accuracy the temperature distribution on PV modules should be measured. The purpose of this standard is to ensure that all thermal inspections are carried out in a consistent scientific language.

  • The scope of thermal inspection is clarified
  • Sensor and camera requirements are defined
  • The technical basis for ΔT measurement is established
  • Image capture formats are standardized
  • Principles of thermal data interpretation are explained
  • Fundamental criteria for photovoltaic module behavior are defined
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Implementation of the Thermal Inspection Process According to IEC 62446-3

This standard defines, through specific clauses, how thermal field data should be collected. Every step of the process from drone flight to environmental limits and imaging angles is described with mathematical precision. This ensures that all measured temperature values are considered reliable.

  • The drone camera angle is positioned perpendicular to the module
  • Scheduling is arranged to ensure irradiance is at least 600 W/m²
  • Cloud coverage is maintained at a maximum level of 2 oktas
  • Wind speed should not exceed 28 km/h
  • GSD is set to 3 cm
  • Calibration data is verified before image acquisition
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The Strategic Importance of IEC 62446-3 for the PV Sector

This standard is essential for the accurate classification of faults encountered in PV plants and for establishing an internationally accepted reporting structure. Without IEC 62446-3, it would be impossible to compare thermal analyses with one another. Therefore, it is used as a reference in all major solar power plants.

  • Reduces the risk of false positive anomalies
  • Increases data comparability
  • Provides a common inspection language for EPC and O&M teams
  • Enables early detection of performance degradation
  • Reduces safety risks
  • Strengthens the international validity of thermographic reports
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iec-62446-3

MapperX’s IEC 62446-3 Compliant Automation Infrastructure

MapperX automatically analyzes and validates all requirements of this standard. The system processes flight data, normalizes temperature differences, and performs anomaly classification through algorithms. This automation makes thermal inspection complete from an engineering standpoint.

  • Automatically generates CoA 1, 2, and 3 classifications
  • Calculates emissivity correction
  • Checks flight data, wind, and irradiance conditions
  • Provides GPS-based anomaly marking
  • Generates final reports in IEC-compliant format
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Professional Groups Using the IEC 62446-3 Framework

The implementation of this standard has become a requirement for many technical teams with different levels of expertise. Both field and office based technical professionals operate in accordance with IEC 62446-3.

  • Thermography engineers
  • O&M field teams
  • EPC quality control units
  • Insurance inspectors
  • Technical consulting firms
  • Investor and asset management teams
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Types of PV Facilities Where IEC 62446-3 Is Applied

The standard provides a universal framework for measuring and assessing the thermal behavior of solar energy systems. Therefore, it can be applied to both small and large scale PV installations.

  • Utility scale ground mounted solar power plants
  • Industrial rooftop PV systems
  • Commercial building installations
  • Hybrid or microgrid PV sites
  • Off-grid solar power systems
  • Module based distributed PV installations
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IEC 62446-3 Accredited Inspection

MapperX ensures full compliance with the international IEC 62446-3 standard in all solar energy plant inspections.
Every analysis and report is fully aligned with global verification and quality systems.

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What exactly is the IEC 62446-3 standard?

IEC 62446-3 is an international standard that defines the methods for thermographic inspection and reporting of photovoltaic (PV) systems.
This standard requires that drone based thermal inspections be conducted in accordance with specific criteria regarding flight altitude, GSD value, sensor calibration, temperature accuracy, and data processing procedures.
The goal is to achieve repeatable and auditable results worldwide.

Why is IEC 62446-3 accreditation important?

This accreditation demonstrates that inspections have international validity.
An IEC 62446-3 compliant inspection is officially recognized by investors, EPC companies, and insurance organizations, and its reports are accepted as a reliable source of data.
MapperX fully complies with this standard, ensuring measurement reliability and data accuracy.

What makes MapperX inspections different from others?

MapperX does not only collect drone imagery; it standardizes the entire process according to IEC 62446-3.
Thermal and RGB images are captured using calibrated sensors, processed through automated analysis systems, and reported with IEC references.
A scientifically verified and accredited inspection.

In which types of facilities can IEC 62446-3 inspections be applied?

This standard applies to photovoltaic plants of all scales:

  • Utility-scale solar power plants
  • Rooftop solar energy systems
  • Industrial and commercial PV installations

MapperX creates an inspection workflow tailored to the technical structure of each facility through various GSD and flight modes.

Are MapperX reports internationally recognized?

Yes. Reports prepared by MapperX are produced in compliance with IEC 62446-3, ISO 9712, and ASTM E1934 standards.
This ensures that the reports are recognized as official inspection documents by EPC companies, investors, and insurance institutions in regions such as Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.

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Drone Thermal?

Or Handheld Thermal?

GSD (Ground Sampling Distance) represents the real-world size of a single pixel. In MapperX drone inspections, this value typically ranges between 3–10 cm/pixel, allowing detailed module and cell-level analysis.

With handheld thermal cameras, variations in angle, distance, and operator cause inconsistent results. Drone-based inspection, on the other hand, is fully automated and repeatable.

  • Constant flight altitude ensures uniform GSD and temperature accuracy
  • RGB + Thermal data captured simultaneously
  • Repeatable analysis enables long-term performance monitoring

The IEC 62446-3 standard endorses the use of drones for PV thermographic inspections. MapperX’s automated flight plans and AI-driven modules are fully compliant with this standard.

IEC 62446-3 Drone Thermal Inspection
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is thermographic inspection in solar power plants?

Thermographic inspection is a technique used to detect the temperatures of equipment in solar power plants. This inspection allows for early detection of potential faults and preventive maintenance.

2. Why is thermographic inspection important?

Thermographic inspection helps improve the efficiency of equipment in solar power plants. Early detection of faults and preventive maintenance can reduce operating costs.

3. How is thermographic inspection performed?

Thermographic inspection is performed using thermal cameras. The cameras detect the temperatures of the equipment, and this data is processed and reported by MapperX.

4. Does thermographic inspection damage the site?

Thermographic inspection is a non-destructive process and is applied without making any physical changes to your plant. It does not damage your site and helps maintain the safe operation of your plant.

5. Why is a thermal camera important?

Thermal cameras are used to accurately detect the temperatures of equipment in solar power plants. These cameras help with early detection of faults and preventive maintenance.

6. How is thermographic inspection reported?

Thermographic inspection data is processed by our software, and a comprehensive report is created. These reports are used to improve the efficiency of solar power plants and reduce operational costs.

The MapperX Help Center is a comprehensive documentation resource designed to make the MapperX platform easier to use and increase efficiency. It allows users to access the information they need quickly and effectively.

Help Center

Follow the steps of region selection, route creation and data collection for the drone flight planning process on the MapperX platform. If you encounter any problems, you can contact our technical support team.

Technical Support

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You can find articles about the latest technology news, sectoral developments and global energy trends regarding solar energy systems.
Get solar energy tips and information about the future of solar systems from our industry experts.

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IEC IAF TÜRKAK ILAC-MRA

With our AI-powered software MapperX, we have automated thermographic inspection processes. Accredited under IEC 62446-3 as a Type A inspection body, our organization represents a first in the sector with this distinction.

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MapperX is an AI-driven analysis and reporting software that enhances the efficiency of solar power plants while reducing carbon emissions. By digitalizing maintenance and repair processes, it increases operational efficiency, minimizes financial losses, and prevents fire risks.

Analysis, Management and Reporting Platform in Solar Power Plants.

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