Case Study: Softbank Energy Standardizes Solar Asset Inspections with DroneDeploy

How Softbank Energy Standardizes Asset Inspections with DroneDeploy

Softbank Energy, a utility-scale solar developer, faced major inspection and reporting challenges across projects spanning thousands of acres and 3–5 miles end to end. To help monitor construction more efficiently and improve contractor communications, Softbank Energy adopted DroneDeploy in 2021, using its enterprise drone platform for aerial mapping, site scans, and progress tracking.

With DroneDeploy, Softbank Energy expanded from one to six trained drone pilots and now flies sites every ten days to capture maps, panoramas, and 3D models. DroneDeploy’s AI also counts holes, stockpiles, and solar panels, helping catch issues like boundary overruns and broken panels early; Vincent Kot said the program has saved thousands of labor hours and reduced rework by identifying problems before they escalate.

Softbank Energy

Vincent Kot

Director of Project Management