📋 Regional Asset Profile
Aerial Accuracy is not affiliated with or endorsed by this facility's owners or operators. This profile uses publicly available information to illustrate how we design inspection programs for utility-scale assets of similar size and design.
Regional Asset Profile: Frye Solar (Swisher Co., TX)
Public profile of a 637 MW utility-scale solar facility—illustrating how our thermal inspection program is designed around assets of this scale, with capabilities meeting IEC 62446-3 standards.
Facility Overview
Owned by Repsol Renewables North America and operated/managed by RES Group, Frye Solar is located near Kress in Swisher County (8495 FM 145, Kress, TX 79052). Announced operational April 2024, this facility ranks #2 nationally by annual net generation (~1.3 TWh/year) and #1 among Texas solar plants—representing one of the largest solar installations in the United States.
500 MW
AC Nameplate
632 MW
DC Capacity
~1 Million
Bifacial Modules
The facility interconnects at 345 kV into Oncor Electric's ERCOT transmission system using single-axis trackers with bifacial crystalline silicon modules. O&M is provided by RES (Renewable Energy Systems), which handles preventive/corrective maintenance, remote monitoring, and diagnostic testing. This represents the scale and complexity our IEC 62446-3 thermal inspection program is designed to support.
IEC 62446-3 Thermal Inspection Capabilities
Utility-scale solar installations of this magnitude require professional thermographic inspection capabilities to maintain optimal performance, detect potential warranty-qualifying defects, and maximize return on investment. Our thermal inspection program is purpose-built around facilities of this scale, following IEC 62446-3 protocols specifically designed for photovoltaic systems.
What We Detect
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 (−20°C to +60°C environment)
- 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 format with exact coordinates
- 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 in West Texas, we're prepared to provide rapid mobilization for thermal inspection services. When weather windows open for inspections meeting IEC standards (600+ W/m² irradiance), our local position enables responsive scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Professional Solar Thermal Inspection Services
Contact us to discuss our IEC 62446-3 thermal inspection capabilities for utility-scale solar installations. Our program is purpose-built around facilities of this scale, delivering professional thermographic services with georeferenced deliverables meeting industry standards.