Abstract The usage of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) for infrared (IR) imaging of PV systems for health status monitoring of PV modules has been identified as a cost-effective approach which offers 10–15 fold lower inspection times than conventional techniques. It provides easy access to PV systems irrespective of plant capacity and location of installation and is capable of performing a rapid analysis of the system. Reliable IR image is important for accurate assessment to detect and locate defects and defective modules effectively and analyze the impact on power generation. This paper describes the importance of RPA based IR imaging for identifying solar PV systems defects. It also addresses the opportunities that can be achieved through the adoption of RPA based IR imaging technology which can add value to social, economic and environmental performance of the PV systems.