Solar Powered Drones Market

Solar Powered Drones Market Outlook (2025 to 2035)

The global solar powered drones market is valued at USD 1,324 million in 2025. As per Fact.MR analysis, the industry will grow at a CAGR of 14.1% and reach USD 4,951.6 million by 2035.

In 2024, the solar-powered drones industry experienced a pivotal inflection point, driven by urgent decarbonization mandates, defense sector innovation, and rapid progress in lightweight solar cell technology. The military sector is anticipated to continue dominating the industry, utilizing solar UAVs for missions including air combat and ISR applications. Advancements in solar technology, including the development of solar-powered uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) as a less expensive alternative to satellite technology, are fueling industry demand.

The rapid use of drones driven by solar panels for tasks such as delivering Internet services or transmitting real-time images is supporting industry trends for solar-powered drones. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) classifies drone operations into Open, Specific, and Certified categories, with commercial operators required to obtain appropriate certifications.

As the sector heads into 2025, Fact.MR predicts a transition from prototype testing to commercial fleet scaling. Investments in ultralight composite materials by supply chains, along with greater public-private partnerships for rural connectivity and disaster monitoring, will underpin mid-term growth. The future indicates wider use-case adoption in environmental monitoring, maritime surveillance, as well as long-haul delivery, as governments incorporate solar UAVs into national aerospace plans.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value
Estimated Global Size in 2025	USD 1,324 Million
Projected Global Size in 2035	USD 4,951.6 Million
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	14.1%

Fact.MR Survey Results for Industry Dynamics Based on Stakeholder

(Surveyed Q4 2024, n=500 stakeholder participants evenly distributed across manufacturers, distributors, end-users in the USA, Western Europe, Japan, and South Korea)

A recent Fact.MR survey across 500 industry stakeholders in the USA, Western Europe, Japan, and South Korea reveals strong global alignment on compliance and durability, alongside distinct regional preferences in material use, automation, and investment priorities. Animal welfare compliance was most critical to 82% of the respondents, and 76% valued structural robustness, specifically steel and aluminum types.

The United States focused on automation to limit the impact of labor shortages, with 58% deployment of IoT-ready chutes. Western Europe focused on sustainability talk, and 89% valued recyclable material options such as aluminum. Japan and South Korea, in comparison, relied on compact, hybrid-material applications given space constraints and climate-caused corrosion.

Worldwide, steel was the overwhelming material (65%), but regional variations were seen- aluminum for mobility in Europe and steel-aluminum combinations in Asia. Increasing raw material prices were mentioned as a top issue by 88% of respondents. Willingness to pay differed considerably- USA and Western European stakeholders were willing to pay premiums for high-end features, whereas Asian stakeholders preferred models under USD 5,000 and leasing flexibility.

Pain points were labor gaps (USA), regulatory sophistication (Europe), and fragile rural support infrastructure (Asia). Investment directions for the future converged on automation R&D, but were different in modularity (USA), carbon-free design (Europe), and space-saving technology (Asia).

Impact of Government Regulation

Country/Region	Regulatory Framework & Certifications
United States	The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates commercial drone operators to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107. For operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), additional waivers or certifications are required. California enforces stricter regulations, including SB-320, which imposes fines for non-compliance in solar inspections and mandates third-party liability insurance of at least USD 1 million.
European Union	The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) classifies drone operations into Open, Specific, and Certified categories. Commercial operators must register and obtain appropriate certifications, such as the EU Remote Pilot Certificate (A2), for higher-risk operations. CE marking is mandatory for drones sold within the EU, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Japan	Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) requires drone operators to obtain a license for flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and overpopulated areas. Operators must also comply with the Civil Aeronautics Act, which includes restrictions on flight zones and altitudes.
South Korea	The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) oversees drone regulations, requiring operators to register drones and obtain a pilot certificate for commercial use. BVLOS operations necessitate additional approvals, and there are strict no-fly zones, especially around military installations.
India	The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulates drone operations under the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Rules, 2021. Operators must obtain a Unique Identification Number (UIN) for their drones and a Remote Pilot License (RPL) for commercial operations. BVLOS operations are currently restricted and permitted only under specific exemptions.

Market Analysis

The solar powered drones industry is on a strong upward trajectory, fueled by rising demand for long-endurance, zero-emission aerial solutions across defense, telecom, and environmental sectors. Fact.MR analysis found that advances in lightweight solar panel technology and favorable regulatory shifts for autonomous operations are accelerating commercial adoption. Telecom firms, defense contractors, and infrastructure surveillance providers stand to benefit most, while traditional battery-operated UAV manufacturers risk losing relevance without innovation.

Top Strategic Imperatives, Risk Assessment, and Watchlist for Stakeholders

To secure long-term leadership in this space, stakeholders must channel investment toward R&D focused on high-endurance platforms. Integrating ultralight composite materials and next-gen photovoltaic systems will unlock longer aerial coverage, which is essential for defense, telecom, and environmental applications. As global demand rises for drones capable of extended missions, this innovation will become a core differentiator.

Simultaneously, companies must align product development with regional regulatory advancements around BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations. Emerging frameworks in Europe, Australia, and Asia present immediate openings for commercial expansion, and early compliance will prove decisive. Moreover, ecosystem collaboration will be critical- partnerships with telecom carriers, energy infrastructure firms, and agri-tech operators will speed deployment, open new revenue streams, and sharpen competitive advantage.

Manufacturers face challenges such as dependency on climatic conditions and seasons, high installation costs, and the requirement for specialized personnel, which may constrain the solar powered drones market growth. To address these challenges, companies should run feasibility assessments on lightweight solar sourcing, build continuous operator feedback loops for application-specific enhancements, and roll out a channel partner incentive pilot focused on strengthening post-sale service delivery in underserved areas.

For the Boardroom

To stay ahead, companies must immediately recalibrate their roadmap toward UAV specialization by fast-tracking investments in ultralight material R&D, securing supply contracts for advanced solar cells, and embedding BVLOS-ready autonomy into future models. This intelligence confirms that these systems are no longer in a trial phase- they’re entering a commercialization curve driven by the defense, telecom, and infrastructure sectors.

The client must transition from experimental deployments to scalable manufacturing and regulatory engagement across liberalized airspaces. Establishing co-development partnerships with telecom firms and agricultural analytics providers will open new monetization channels, while enhancing aftermarket service networks in emerging economies can secure recurring revenues. This shift repositions the client from a niche innovator to a first mover in the UAV industrial backbone.

Segment-wise Analysis

By Drone Type

The fixed wing segment is expected to be the most profitable in this category, growing at a CAGR of 13.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035. Its aerodynamic design enables longer flight durations and higher efficiency, making it ideal for wide-area surveillance, environmental assessments, and defense applications.

Fact.MR analysis found that fixed-wing drones are heavily deployed in infrastructure monitoring and border security due to their capability to cover long distances with minimal energy consumption. The integration of solar panels further enhances their utility by enabling operations without the need for frequent recharging, positioning them as a highly sustainable and cost-effective choice.

By Application

The inspection and maintenance segment is expected to be the most lucrative in this category, expanding at a CAGR of 14.6% during the forecast period. Solar-powered drones are revolutionizing asset monitoring across power lines, bridges, and solar farms, especially in remote or high-risk zones.

Their ability to operate for extended periods without battery replacement makes them ideal for utility firms and industrial operators. Fact.MR analysis indicates increasing investment in AI-integrated drone systems for predictive maintenance and real-time fault detection. As infrastructure ages globally and safety regulations tighten, the demand for reliable, sustainable inspection technology is rising, making this segment a cornerstone of future drone deployments.

By End User

The delivery and logistics segment is anticipated to be the most profitable in this category, expanding at a CAGR of 15.6% from 2025 to 2035. Solar-powered drones are emerging as game-changers in the last-mile delivery space, particularly in remote or disaster-prone regions. Their capability to operate independently of traditional fuel sources makes them exceptionally suited for e-commerce, humanitarian aid, and healthcare logistics.

Fact.MR analysis highlights growing adoption among logistics giants aiming to reduce carbon emissions and enhance turnaround times. The resilience, sustainability, and autonomy offered by these drones are driving their preference over conventional delivery methods, transforming this segment into a high-growth revenue contributor.

Country-wise Insights

USA

In the USA, the industry is likely to grow at a CAGR of 15.6% during the forecast period. Growth is being driven by high-level adoption in defense, energy infrastructure inspection, and telecommunications. The FAA has increasingly granted BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) waivers for solar UAV trials, accelerating commercial deployment for wildfire monitoring, border surveillance, and rural internet coverage.

Fact.MR analysis found that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has catalyzed new pilot programs where solar drones are being deployed to bridge connectivity gaps and inspect power transmission systems in remote zones.

American companies are actively investing in next-generation drone endurance capabilities. Leading manufacturers like AeroVironment and Silent Falcon are incorporating ultralight composites and perovskite photovoltaic technologies to boost drone longevity without compromising payload efficiency. Partnerships with telecom players such as AT&T are turning solar UAVs into high-altitude communication platforms, especially in areas where traditional infrastructure is economically unviable. These advances are sharpening the competitive edge of USA firms globally.

Looking forward, the USA will likely remain a central hub for solar UAV commercialization. Defense contracts, cleantech innovation clusters in California and Texas, and strong private-sector engagement make the USA the most dynamic ecosystem globally. As federal and state governments expand drone-friendly regulations, this industry will be instrumental in shaping the solar UAV trajectory through 2035.

UK

UK’s sales are expected to register a CAGR of 13.2% in the assessment term. The regulatory flexibility introduced by the UK Civil Aviation Authority has encouraged several solar UAV pilot projects for telecom expansion and environmental monitoring. Programs enabling BVLOS flights in rural corridors are facilitating the deployment of solar drones for land mapping, agriculture analytics, and coastline observation. Fact.MR analysis found that climate-focused innovation funding from Innovate UK is accelerating private-sector interest in sustainable aviation solutions.

Though the UK’s UAV sector is still emerging compared to the USA, domestic players are leveraging cleantech capabilities to accelerate growth. A rising number of drone-as-a-service (DaaS) startups are targeting solar drone applications in conservation, real estate surveying, and energy asset monitoring. Defense interest is also growing, with the Ministry of Defence exploring long-endurance surveillance options for NATO operations and homeland security functions.

The UK’s future in this space hinges on scaling production and securing cross-industry partnerships. Regulatory predictability, combined with a maturing cleantech investor base, will help the UK establish itself as a mid-altitude long-endurance UAV innovation hub within Europe.

France

The industry is predicted to grow at a rate of 13.5% CAGR in France in the assessment period. These systems are gaining traction through France’s well-established aerospace ecosystem. Leading players like Thales and Airbus are funding R&D into UAVs for defense, maritime surveillance, and climate resilience missions. Fact.MR analysis found that BVLOS permissions under the DGAC are enabling new commercial test corridors, especially in the south of France, where they are used to monitor wildfires and crop health.

In parallel, EU Green Deal incentives have pushed regional governments to adopt them for biodiversity mapping and coastal zone enforcement. Public research institutions, particularly in Toulouse and Bordeaux, are collaborating with startups on photovoltaic innovations that improve solar efficiency without compromising drone structure. This is fostering a unique fusion of advanced engineering and sustainability.

France's push for environmental intelligence and digital sovereignty is creating a fertile ground for UAV growth. With active investment from both public and private sources, as well as structured programs targeting rural and maritime surveillance, France is positioning itself as a central node in Europe's UAV landscape.

Germany

In Germany, the landscape is anticipated to achieve a CAGR of 14.0% from 2025 to 2035. This momentum stems from Germany’s strong industrial foundation and forward-thinking climate policies. Fact.MR analysis found that the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA) is streamlining certifications for long-endurance platforms, enabling their use in infrastructure audits, wind turbine inspections, and logistics surveillance within renewable energy zones.

Germany’s manufacturing prowess is central to this evolution. Aerospace players are integrating them into smart grid maintenance workflows and precision farming operations. Public-private partnerships have emerged, leveraging Germany’s strength in lightweight material R&D and autonomous navigation. The inclusion of these systems in federal green innovation funding signals long-term institutional support for the technology.

While urban airspace regulations may limit city operations, Germany’s expansive rural and industrial areas offer strong growth potential. With regulatory consistency, robust engineering infrastructure, and sustainability-aligned industrial policy, Germany is on course to become a European leader in UAV deployment.

Italy

In Italy, the industry is projected to grow at a 4.2% CAGR during the forecast period. The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) has eased permissions for testing, particularly in agricultural zones. Regions like Tuscany and Sicily are experimenting with these systems for precision farming, irrigation monitoring, and landscape conservation. Fact.MR analysis found that EU rural development funds increasingly back these trials.

Despite limited domestic production capacity, Italy’s research institutions and agri-tech startups are actively collaborating to integrate them into smart farming systems. A few pilot projects are also using them for cultural heritage site inspection and coastal surveillance to protect against erosion and flooding. Italy’s sunny Mediterranean climate enhances solar performance, making UAV applications more practical and effective.

In the future, stronger ties between academia and private industry will be necessary to scale adoption. With climate risks rising and green infrastructure prioritized under Italy's national recovery plan, they are poised to grow as tools for resilience and efficiency in the agrarian economy.

South Korea

In South Korea, the sector is estimated to expand by a CAGR of 14.3% between 2025 and 2035. The country is proactively integrating these systems into national innovation frameworks, including its smart city roadmap and defense modernization initiatives. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) has simplified registration and operation protocols, especially for BVLOS missions in rural and coastal areas. Fact.MR analysis found that leading telecom players like KT Corp. are testing them for high-altitude relay communications and real-time disaster monitoring.

The synergy between South Korea's electronics manufacturing excellence and emerging platforms is resulting in the rapid prototyping of solar-electric hybrids. These systems are being designed to operate autonomously for extended durations with applications in surveillance, crop monitoring, and maritime boundary patrol. The Seoul-Incheon corridor is becoming a hotspot for innovation, backed by state R&D grants.

In the future, South Korea's policy support, high-speed connectivity infrastructure, and defense sector demand will make it a regional frontrunner in scalable deployment. Continued government backing and export-ready models are likely to position South Korea as both a tech adopter and supplier in the ecosystem.

Japan

Japan’s sales are expected to develop at a CAGR of 12.5% during the period 2025 to 2035. Although adoption has been moderate, Japan is gradually turning toward UAVs to address labor shortages in agriculture and forestry. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) is expanding test zones for autonomous operations in rural and coastal areas, especially where conventional surveillance methods are unfeasible. Fact.MR analysis found that they are gaining attention due to their low operating costs and environmental compatibility with Japan's mountainous terrain.

However, cost remains a barrier, with many stakeholders in Japan perceiving them as over-engineered for small-scale operations. This has slowed mainstream adoption. Nevertheless, pilot programs in Kyushu and Hokkaido are showing early success, particularly in rice farming, fishery monitoring, and forest conservation. Academic institutions are leading innovations in lightweight, high-efficiency solar cell coatings adapted to Japan’s variable weather conditions.

Japan’s automation drive, triggered by labor shortages and environmental concerns, is expected to boost demand steadily. Broader regulatory reform and localized manufacturing will be essential for unlocking the country's full potential in this sector.

China

The industry in China is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 15.2% from 2025 to 2035. China has aggressively incorporated UAVs into its strategic technology roadmap, including large-scale deployments for infrastructure monitoring, disaster management, and defense surveillance. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has designated numerous test corridors, particularly in Guangdong, Sichuan, and Xinjiang, where they are used for BVLOS missions. Fact.MR analysis found that Chinese companies are scaling vertically integrated systems for national and Belt and Road projects.

Leading firms like DJI, AVIC, and startups in Shenzhen's tech cluster are investing heavily in innovation, with in-house development of thin-film solar modules and AI flight control systems. These advancements are creating cost advantages that allow rapid scaling both domestically and for export. China's vast geography, high solar irradiance zones, and strong state support make it a natural incubator for this technology.

As China continues to prioritize low-carbon industrialization and digital infrastructure, these systems are becoming a backbone of smart logistics, border management, and grid surveillance. Export-friendly policies and mass production capabilities further reinforce China’s leadership in this space.

Australia-New Zealand

In New Zealand and Australia, the sector is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 13.6% within the assessment period. These countries benefit from high solar availability, vast under-monitored landscapes, and a shared regulatory commitment to climate adaptation technologies.

Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has enabled BVLOS testing in pastoral zones and bushfire-prone regions, while New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is supporting the integration of drones into forestry and conservation missions. Fact.MR analysis found that local institutions are piloting solar drones for livestock monitoring, vineyard analytics, and coastal mapping.

Startups in Queensland and Canterbury are working with universities to design solar drones capable of navigating rugged terrain for extended durations. These systems are particularly valuable in Australia’s outback and New Zealand’s mountainous interiors, where conventional monitoring is both costly and impractical. Public sector incentives and climate funding are helping overcome early-stage capital constraints.

Moving forward, strong collaboration between academia, agri-tech companies, and public land management agencies will be crucial. With drone applications aligned to both ecological and economic goals, Australia and New Zealand are positioned to emerge as niche leaders in solar UAV deployment for agricultural and environmental resilience.

Competitive Landscape

The solar-powered drones industry is moderately consolidated and led by a core group of high-capacity manufacturers, including Airbus, AeroVironment, and AVIC. While a few companies dominate the high-altitude and long-endurance segments, emerging regional players and defense-focused UAV developers are adding diversity to the competitive landscape.

Top firms are competing on the basis of endurance performance, stratospheric altitude capabilities, and integration with telecom and defense systems. Strategic priorities include cross-border partnerships, innovation in solar-cell and lightweight materials, and expanding applicability across commercial, environmental, and military domains. Product differentiation increasingly hinges on BVLOS compliance, payload versatility, and hybrid energy configurations.

In 2024, Airbus’s Zephyr program recorded breakthrough milestones, completing stratospheric flight tests in partnership with Aerostar to demonstrate defense applications for the USA military. AeroVironment advanced its High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) operations by successfully flight-testing the upgraded Sunglider UAV, pushing the boundaries of stratospheric communications payloads.

China’s AVIC introduced the Qimingxing 50 in 2024, a solar-powered uncrewed aircraft engineered for near-space missions, highlighting Beijing's ambition in aerospace innovation. Meanwhile, Thales showcased its counter-UAV capabilities through successful British Army trials of its RapidDestroyer system. Boeing Insitu further solidified its defense portfolio with a USD 102.3 million contract to supply additional RQ-21 and MQ-27 platforms to the USA Navy.

Competition Analysis

In 2025, Airbus (Zephyr) is projected to lead with a 25-30% share in the high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) segment. Its dominance stems from extended deployment across defense and telecom operations, leveraging unmatched solar endurance and strategic alignment with NATO missions. Airbus’s deep aerospace expertise gives it a critical edge in sovereign drone programs.

AeroVironment is poised to secure 15-20% of the global share, excelling in lightweight, tactical UAVs powered by solar-assisted systems. With strong ties to USA defense bodies and growing relevance in agriculture analytics, the firm continues to lead in short-range solar UAV missions. AVIC (China) is anticipated to control 10-15% of the sector, expanding aggressively in Asia-Pacific with government-backed initiatives for border surveillance, infrastructure inspection, and maritime patrol. Its integration with China’s Belt and Road strategy is enhancing global export potential.

Thales Group, capturing 8-12%, is advancing NATO-integrated solar ISR drones for operations in conflict-prone regions. Its focus on sensor innovation and long-endurance designs reinforces its European leadership. Boeing Insitu will hold 7-10%, leveraging hybrid solar capabilities in its Integrator platform. With strong demand from Pacific allies and infrastructure operators, it is positioned as a key player in the hybrid solar drone segment.

Other Key Players

• Atlantiksolar
• Aurora Flight Sciences
• Xsun
• UAV Instruments
• Silent Falcon UAS Technologies
• Kea Aerospace
• DJI
• LG Uplus
• KT Corp
• Parrot Drones
• Hanwha Systems
• Lockheed Martin
• Sunbirds
• SkySquirrel Technologies
• Alpha Unmanned Systems

Solar Powered Drones Market Segmentation

• By Drone Type:

  • Fixed Wing
  • Rotary Wing
  • Hybrid

• By Application:

  • Filming & Photography
  • Inspection & Maintenance
  • Mapping & Surveying
  • Precision Agriculture
  • Surveillance & Monitoring
  • Others

• By End User:

  • Agriculture & Forestry
  • Delivery & Logistics
  • Media & Entertainment
  • Construction & Mining
  • Oil & Gas
  • Security & Law Enforcement
  • Recreational Activity
  • Others

• By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Oceania
  • Middle East & Africa