Problem

A growing demand for sunroofs is now well known. In order to meet this demand, more people need to be hired who can measure these roofs. Our client was looking for a solution to process more sunroofs in one day. For this purpose, we were able to offer him the right drone with software, which allows us to work up to four times faster and thus provide many more measurements in one day.

Solution

Customdrone has proven, with several customers across the country, that drones with 3Dscan software can do it faster and better. The drone flies over the roof within minutes. Next, an AutoCAD drawing is extracted. You can then see where to place the solar panels. Also shadows and possible obstacles on the roof can be mapped.

Approach

Customdrone has worked in a short period of time to deliver a fully operational solution for measuring roofs for the installation of solar panels.

PHASE 1 Customer question / knowledge session

This phase focuses on putting together the right hardware and software for the specific client and situation. By equipping different drones with different cameras and sensors it becomes clear what the best combination is for each case and client. This depends on their desires, requirements, budget, system requirements and the environment in which to fly. Because of our years of experience in this market we know the best independent solution.

Phase 2 training and data collection

The current employees within the organisations are trained to become drone pilots, allowing them to work internally and act quickly on various projects. The employees then get the right drone papers and extra flight training in practice. The employees can then know exactly how to collect the right data. After this phase, the data collection and processing in AutoCAD will be examined, allowing the employees to carry out the entire process independently.

PHASE 3 Procedure

Before we proceed to roll out, we work out the business case together with the client. In doing so, we also highlight, for example, operational and cultural consequences. How do we ensure that a new employee learns to rely on a drone? And what does this mean for the organisation?

Simply measuring a roof in a few minutes results in a working drawing, that's it. There are no more people on the roof.

The 3D scan from the drone gives us a clear picture of the location. Also insights into all possible obstacles, along with shadow and sun positions. You can then know where most of the sun comes from for the ideal yield of the panels. After the scan, it can be processed in various software packages: including AutoCAD.

After each flight, the drone charts the following points.

• Dimensions of the roof and possible surroundings
• Data for the installation of solar panels via, for example, AutoCAD
• Additional information that may be sent to the customer
• Shadows and obstacles on the roofs

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Because the scans work up to four times faster, there are far more results yielded than with current methods. This allows you to map out the situation much faster, and with a lot more data and extra input, so that you can discuss with your client where the solar panels need to be installed.