Scanifly’s Top Articles from 2022
In 2022, Scanifly shared articles covering everything from survey tips and design best practices, to interviews with some of the nation’s leading solar contractors, to our experts’ opinions on the best drones for solar surveying work.
Throughout this year, we hope these articles helped professionals in the solar industry stay informed and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.
Below are our reader’s favorite articles from 2022. To make sure you don't miss out on the valuable information and updates we have to offer in 2023 - follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things drones + solar.
When you’re forced to climb up on the roof and measure by hand, even an hour per roof isn’t enough in all cases. Here’s what you’re missing out on, the risks you’re incurring, and how to get the whole roof measured in 15 minutes or fewer—for real.
#9: How CMTA Uses Scanifly for Commercial Solar Projects
Carson Stewart, a mechanical engineer on the CMTA Energy Solutions team, is a member of the eight-person team who helps with surveys and designs. In a Q&A interview with Scanifly, Carson explained more about his own journey into solar and how CMTA uses Scanifly for large commercial projects.
#8: Clouds Can’t Stop Solar Growth in the PNW
Solar contractors across Washington and Oregon shared their perspectives on what’s going on now and their predictions for what the future of solar looks like in their region.
#7: An Independent Spirit: The Growth of Solar in the Midwest
Hear how four solar contractors explained how folks in the midwest think about solar energy today and why the natural industry evolution is perfect for the region.
#6: How SunBug Built a Solar Drone Program
SunBug was initially hesitant to try drones for site surveying but decided it was worth a small test. After a successful trial and rollout, SunBug now has a thriving solar drone program that helps them get accurate site context in a safer, faster way.
#5: Move Over, Oil and Gas: Why Texas is a Unique Market for Solar Energy
Five solar contractors - Josh Meade from Freedom Solar, Brandon de la Torre from Tac Solar, Brad Stutzman from O3 Energy, Jim Coffee from Texas Solar, and Omar Elnomrosy from Good Faith Energy - explained why Texas is unique for solar, the challenges of operating in the state, and the future of Texan solar power.
#4: The Future of Solar in California: “It’s like the new gold rush”
Speaking with Scanifly, five contractors—Jim Jenal, co-founder of RunOnSun Solar; Kurt Ames, President of KW HOUR ENERGY; Micah Breeden, CFO, and Alyssa Traub, Project Development Manager, both at Allterra Solar; and Jennifer Kemme, the Owner of Vision Civil Engineering—explained the complex landscape of solar energy in California.
#3: 3 Reasons Why Top-Down Drone Photos Don’t Eliminate Human Error in Solar Designs
For solar surveyors with a drone, there are two common methods: (1) fly a Point of Interest (POI) flight path taking 100+ images from all perspectives of the property, or (2) take a top-down photo with a drone to create an updated map. The latter approach seems like the best of both worlds; unfortunately though, it ends up causing a host of new problems.
#2: Is it still safe to buy DJI drones for solar surveying?
In this article, we sorted through the key information about the Pentagon and the US Department of Defence (DoD) banning the procurement of DJI drones, how it impacts individuals in solar, and what impact it could have on the solar industry at large.
#1: DJI Mini 3 Pro: Drone Review
Scanifly tested the new Mini 3 Pro drone with over 20 flights in as many weather conditions as we could: windy, sunny, cloudy, and at night. In this review, we cover key information: the good, the bad, and our official opinion on this drone for solar surveyors.