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Solar-Powered UAV Market Size

Report ID: GMI12272
Published Date: Nov 2024
Report Format: PDF

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Solar-Powered UAV Market Size

The global solar-powered UAV market was valued at USD 356.3 million in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2025 to 2034.

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The global focus on sustainability is a primary driver for solar-powered UAV adoption. As concerns about carbon emissions and environmental impact increase, industries are seeking eco-friendly alternatives to traditional fuel-powered vehicles. Solar-powered UAVs offer a cleaner solution by reducing fossil fuel dependence, helping companies and governments meet sustainability targets.

For instance, In October 2024, AeroVironment (AV) successfully tested its upgraded solar-powered aircraft, Horus A, marking a major advancement in high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) flight. Developed in partnership with SoftBank, this latest version of the Sunglider platform enhances stratospheric payload capabilities, positioning it for key government and commercial applications such as surveillance and telecommunications.

Sectors such as agriculture, surveillance, and telecommunications require long-duration flights, which solar UAVs can provide without frequent recharging or fuel consumption. This demand for sustainable, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly technologies positions solar-powered UAVs as a viable solution in the evolving drone market.

Solar-Powered UAV Market Report Attributes
Report Attribute	Details
Base Year:	2024
Solar-Powered UAV Market Size in 2024:	USD 356.3 Million
Forecast Period:	2025 – 2034
Forecast Period 2025 – 2034 CAGR:	9.2%
2025 – 2034 Value Projection:	USD 845.1 Million
Historical Data for:	2021 – 2024
No. of Pages:	220
Tables, Charts & Figures:	280
Segments covered:	mode of operation, type, range, end-user
Growth Drivers:	Rising demand for sustainable drone technologies Technological advancements in solar panel efficiency Longer flight durations for remote monitoring tasks Growing adoption in agriculture for precision farming Increase in government support for green technologies
Pitfalls & Challenges:	Weather dependency limits solar UAV effectiveness High initial costs hinder market widespread adoption

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Advancements in solar panel technology have improved the efficiency and energy conversion rates of solar cells, enhancing their suitability for UAV applications. Lightweight, high-efficiency solar panels now generate more power from the same surface area, enabling UAVs to fly for extended periods without large batteries. For instance, A 4-gram solar-powered drone, the smallest of its kind, has successfully flown using an electrostatic motor and tiny solar panels generating high voltages. While the hummingbird-sized prototype flew for just an hour, its developers believe this technology could lead to insect-sized drones capable of staying airborne indefinitely.

These innovations have made solar-powered drones more practical for long-duration missions including surveillance, environmental monitoring, and remote sensing. As solar cells become more efficient and cost-effective, they will continue to drive the growth of the market, offering enhanced performance and reduced operational costs for commercial and industrial applications.

Authors: Suraj Gujar, Partha Paul

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :

The global market size for solar-powered UAV was valued at USD 356.3 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 845.1 million by 2034, driven by a CAGR of 9.2% from 2025 to 2034.

The segment with a range of more than 300 KM is expected to be the fastest-growing, with a CAGR of 11.3% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

North America market held the largest share of 32.5% in 2024 and is projected to exceed USD 250 million, driven by strong demand in sectors like defense, agriculture, and telecommunications.

Major players in the industry include AeroVironment Inc., Airbus SE, Atlantik Solar, Aurora Flight Sciences, Avy, BAE Systems, Chinese Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics, DJI, and Elektra.