Why Drone Surveys Make Going Solar Easier, Faster & More Accurate
At Maine Solar Solutions, drone surveys have become an essential part of how we design accurate, efficient solar electric systems. By capturing precise site data from the air and pairing it with advanced 3D modeling software, we can streamline the entire process—from your first consultation to installation day.
Launched two years ago, our drone program has grown from a safety-first tool into a powerful design resource that improves turnaround time, pricing accuracy, and overall customer experience. To give you a behind-the-scenes look, we sat down with Drone Program Manager Keith Carlon to talk about how the program works, what it’s accomplished, and what it means for Mainers going solar.
Q&A with Keith Carlon, Drone Program Manager
Q: Keith, two years in—what’s been the biggest surprise about launching MSS’s drone program?
A: Honestly, how much fun it has been to fly drones and manage a team of drone pilots. With something like drones, there are always big questions and concerns surrounding liability and safety, but we have a solid team to help navigate any hurdles, so the fun is never far away.
Q: Why does MSS use drones for site assessments?
A: There are a bunch of reasons, really. At the onset, we recognized that drones provided a great way to manage some risk and liability around roof line surveys. Regardless of how well trained and adherent to OSHA standards we were, having our solar consultants climb on roofs presented some valid concerns around safety. And we don’t take safety lightly. Additionally, utilizing drones allows us to open a lot of doors when it comes to accuracy and efficiency in our process. Our solar consultants can focus on doing what they do best —educating customers about solar —while the drone survey team can hone in on delivering extremely accurate roofline measurements using a truly cutting-edge technology.
Q: Why wouldn’t you use a drone on some homes or businesses?
A: While drones are ideal for most sites, there are a few situations where we may not fly. If the property is heavily wooded, has a limited line of sight, or is located near restricted airspace (such as near airports), flying a drone may not be safe or effective.
Q: What kind of certification is required to fly drones professionally?
A: Under Title 14 of the US Code of Federal Regulations, a person can achieve the FAA’s Part 107 license to operate sUAS platforms in a professional or commercial capacity. That license will allow an aspiring drone pilot to fly professionally for Maine Solar Solutions.
Q: What does a typical drone survey look like?
A: For most homes, the survey takes about 10 minutes, closer to 20 for commercial sites. We fly 2 “Orbits” around the property, capturing over 100 high-resolution images from every angle. We then process the photos using photogrammetry software to develop a geo-located 3D model of the home. Within a few hours, our design team is working with that model to create a customized solar design.
Q: Can you fly in winter?
A: Yes—we fly year-round. Our drones are built to operate in cold temperatures, so winter surveys are no problem. The only exception is severe weather—if we’re dealing with heavy snow, high winds, or lightning, we’ll reschedule to keep things safe for our pilots, equipment, and the homes we are flying.
Q: What are some benefits most customers might not think about when using drones?
A: Quite a few—but faster surveys, fewer surprises, and a smoother experience are at the top. Drones allow us to capture highly accurate measurements and imagery in a fraction of the time, so customers can meet with their solar consultants sooner. That level of precision means designs are more accurate from the start, and pricing is more upfront, helping avoid surprises during installation or last-minute work order changes. It also lets us show you exactly what your system will look like before it’s installed, giving you confidence in the plan and helping keep your project on track.
Q: How many homes and businesses have we surveyed by drone since 2023?
A: Since coming online with the drone program in the spring of 2023, we have completed roughly 3000 drone surveys.
Q: Speaking of confidence… do neighbors ever get concerned about the drone flying?
A: They can, and it makes sense. There is a lot of misinformation about drone technology, as well as heightened concerns about privacy in the world. The beauty of our process, though, is that we will always take an educational and informative approach with anyone we talk to. It’s important to us that we stay transparent, hence why we notify neighbors when we survey a home. It is certainly fun having conversations with folks about drones and the technological edge they can provide.
Q: Any fun facts or unexpected moments from the past two years?
A: There have been a few times in the last year that a curious neighbor came to say Hi, and we ended up surveying their home and scheduling an appointment for them with one of our solar consultants. That’s always fun. Our team has also encountered a few curious birds, namely hawks and osprey.
Q: What’s next for the drone program or technology?
A: Really, for us, it’s about supporting the business in as safe and flexible a way as possible. We aim to grow in any way that our industry demands, and for us, that looks like achieving new levels of expertise, taking on new training where we can, and keeping an open mind about how drones can serve the larger mission at Maine Solar Solutions.
Locally Flown. Expertly Designed.
We’ve been designing and installing high-performing solar systems in Maine for over 13 years. Our drone program is the latest way we’re continuing to innovate—improving safety, streamlining design, and giving customers an even more accurate and personalized experience.
As one of the first local solar installers in Maine to adopt drone-assisted design, we’re proud to combine cutting-edge tools with the personal service our customers have come to expect from us. From capturing complex rooflines to modeling full system layouts, our FAA-certified drone pilots are helping deliver faster, more accurate, and more customized solar solutions—right here in Maine.
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule your drone site assessment today to receive a custom solar design tailored to your property, energy goals, and budget. Call us at (207) 871-7191 or click here to get started.
