RENEWABLES
Renewable Energy Inspections
RPAS, thermal and visual inspection services supporting wind and solar asset reliability across Alberta.
Renewable energy assets operate in demanding environments where weather, electrical loading, mechanical stress and normal equipment ageing can gradually affect performance. Small defects that are difficult to identify from the ground can develop into larger reliability issues, unexpected outages or costly repairs.
Helios Infrasight provides RPAS, thermal and visual inspection services for wind and solar energy assets across Alberta. Our inspections help owners, operators and maintenance teams understand asset condition, identify visible and thermal anomalies, and prioritize follow-up work based on clear field evidence.
We focus on collecting useful inspection data safely and efficiently, with deliverables designed to support practical maintenance decisions rather than simply provide large volumes of images.
Solar Energy Inspections
Solar facilities contain large numbers of modules, strings, connectors and electrical components. A single defect may appear minor, but repeated issues across an array can reduce production and increase maintenance costs.
Our solar inspection services can help identify:
- Module hotspots and abnormal thermal patterns
- Possible cell, diode or interconnection issues
- Underperforming strings or groups of modules
- Visible module damage, contamination and surface deterioration
- Loose, damaged or misaligned components
- Vegetation or site conditions affecting equipment access and performance
- Thermal anomalies in combiner boxes, inverters, transformers and other electrical equipment
Wind Energy Inspections
From initial inspection to long-term asset management, we provide end-to-end support for renewable energy infrastructure, ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability.
- Rotor blades, including leading edges, trailing edges, tips and visible surface areas
- Blade erosion, cracks, coating deterioration and possible lightning-related damage
- Nacelles, hubs and external turbine components
- Towers, platforms, ladders and visible structural areas
- Transformers, switchgear and electrical balance-of-plant equipment
- Collection-system components and accessible electrical connections
- Thermal anomalies associated with electrical resistance, loading or cooling performance
RPAS inspections can reduce the need for unnecessary climbing and provide detailed imagery of elevated or difficult-to-access components. Ground-based thermal inspections can also be used to examine energized electrical equipment where operating conditions, safe access and inspection requirements allow.
SAFETY FIRST. IN EVERY OPERATION
People
Certified pilots with ongoing training and a strong safety culture across all operations.
Process
Defined operational procedures and risk management protocols at every stage of every mission.
Standards
Aligned with Transport Canada, SFOC, and industry best practices. Fully insured and compliant.
Technology
Enterprise UAV platforms, calibrated sensors, and inspection technologies designed for safe, reliable operations in critical infrastructure environments.
Qualified and Safety-Focused Operations
Our renewable energy inspections are conducted by Transport Canada-certified RPAS pilots using the certification, planning procedures and operational controls appropriate to each mission.
Every operation is planned in accordance with applicable Canadian RPAS regulations, airspace requirements, site procedures and mission-specific risks. Work is coordinated with facility personnel to minimize interference with ongoing operations and maintain safe separation from turbines, electrical equipment, structures and personnel.
Thermal inspections are completed by personnel with appropriate infrared training and an understanding of recognized industrial thermography practices. During data collection and analysis, we consider factors such as:
Thermal inspections are completed by personnel with appropriate infrared training and an understanding of recognized industrial thermography practices. During data collection and analysis, we consider factors such as:
- Equipment loading
- Solar exposure
- Ambient temperature
- Wind and humidity
- Reflected apparent temperature
- Camera-to-component distance
- Viewing angle
- Emissivity
- Asset operating condition
Wind turbine blades, electrical balance-of-plant equipment, solar modules and energized electrical components each require different imaging methods and inspection techniques. Our procedures are adapted to the asset and the purpose of the inspection.
This combination of qualified personnel, appropriate technology and structured procedures helps ensure that collected data is consistent, traceable and useful for maintenance planning.
Better Information for Maintenance Decisions
The purpose of an inspection is not only to locate anomalies. It is to provide information that maintenance teams can use.
Depending on the scope of work, Helios Infrasight can provide:
- High-resolution visual and thermal imagery
- Georeferenced observations
- Component identification and image organization
- Recorded temperature measurements
- Defect descriptions and condition classifications
- Annotated images showing areas of concern
- Prioritized findings for review and follow-up
Where engineering review, electrical testing or hands-on investigation is required, findings are documented clearly for the appropriate qualified personnel.
