Public-Data Facility Dossier
Built from public USPVDB/EIA data; this is not a client engagement. Aerial Accuracy is not affiliated with or endorsed by this facility's owners or operators. We already know the site's published footprint and operating context before we arrive.
Facility Dossier: Texas Solar Nova 1 (Kent Co., TX)
Public-data context for a 252 MW utility-scale solar facility, paired with the screening method we would propose at this scale. Methods would align with the applicable IEC TS 62446-3 framework; this is not certification or accreditation.
Facility Overview
Status: Operating
Commissioned: February 2024
252 MW
AC Nameplate
~1.1M
Modules
5,000
Acres
70.2 mi
From Base
59/100
Priority Score
Technology: Utility-scale solar PV
Grid: ERCOT via WETT (Wind Energy Transmission Texas)
IEC TS 62446-3 Thermal Inspection Capabilities
Utility-scale solar installations of this magnitude require professional thermographic inspection capabilities to maintain performance screening and traceable evidence for warranty evaluation. Acceptance and financial outcomes depend on the reviewer and project. Our program is purpose-built around facilities of this scale, following IEC 62446-3 protocols specifically designed for photovoltaic systems.
What the Proposed Screening Would Flag
Hot Cell Defects
Individual cells operating 5-20°C above normal consistent with bypass diode failures or cell cracks
String-Level Failures
Entire strings showing elevated temperatures due to connection issues or inverter problems
PID Degradation
Potential-induced degradation patterns across modules reducing power output
Soiling & Shading
Dust accumulation and shading patterns causing localized heating and performance loss
Our Technology & Methodology
Equipment Specifications
- Thermal Sensor: 640×512 radiometric with manufacturer specified thermal sensitivity accuracy
- Positioning: RTK positioning for precise defect location mapping
- Flight Altitude: Optimized for perpendicular viewing angle
- Irradiance Monitoring: Ground-based measurements ensure minimum 600 W/m² during inspection
Deliverables
- Georeferenced Thermal Imagery: GeoTIFF with documented processing and measured project accuracy where available
- Defect Report: CSV export with GPS location, temperature delta, severity classification
- KML Overlay: Import directly into Google Earth or site management systems
- Professional PDF Report: Summary statistics, warranty documentation
Local Response Capability
Based 70.2 mi from Texas Solar Nova 1 in Hale Center, TX, we could mobilize quickly for an authorized thermal inspection. When weather windows open for inspections meeting IEC standards (600+ W/m² irradiance), our local position enables responsive scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Facility Dossiers
Related Resources
Plan an Authorized Solar Thermal Inspection
Contact us to discuss our IEC TS 62446-3 thermal inspection capabilities for utility-scale solar installations. For an authorized project, we would build a scoped field plan and georeferenced deliverables around the facility's actual layout and evidence needs.