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Status and Development Prospects of Solar-Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles—A Literature Review

Author

Listed:
  • Krzysztof Sornek

    (Department of Sustainable Energy Development, Faculty of Energy and Fuels, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza Av. 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

  • Joanna Augustyn-Nadzieja

    (Department of Physical Metallurgy and Powder Metallurgy, Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza Av. 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

  • Izabella Rosikoń

    (AGH Solar Plane Student Research Group, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza Av. 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

  • Róża Łopusiewicz

    (AGH Solar Plane Student Research Group, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza Av. 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

  • Marta Łopusiewicz

    (AGH Solar Plane Student Research Group, AGH University of Krakow, Mickiewicza Av. 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

Abstract

Solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles are fixed-wing aircraft designed to operate solely on solar power. Their defining feature is an advanced power system that uses solar cells to absorb sunlight during the day and convert it into electrical energy. Excess energy generated during flight can be stored in batteries, ensuring uninterrupted operation day and night. By harnessing the power of the sun, these aircraft offer key benefits such as extended flight endurance, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and cost efficiency improvements. As a result, they have attracted considerable attention in a variety of military and civil applications, including surveillance, environmental monitoring, agriculture, communications, weather monitoring, and fire detection. This review presents selected aspects of the development and use of solar-powered aircraft. First, the general classification of unmanned aerial vehicles is presented. Then, the design process of solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles is discussed, including issues such as the structure and materials used in solar-powered aircraft, the integration of solar cells into the wings, the selection of appropriate battery technologies, and the optimization of energy management to ensure their efficient and reliable operation. General information on the above areas is supplemented by the presentation of results discussed in the selected literature sources. Finally, the practical applications of solar-powered aircraft are discussed, with examples including surveillance, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and wildfire detection. The work is summarized via a discussion of the future research directions for the development of solar-powered aircraft. The review is intended to motivate further work focusing on the widespread use of clean, efficient, and environmentally friendly unmanned aerial vehicles for various applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Krzysztof Sornek & Joanna Augustyn-Nadzieja & Izabella Rosikoń & Róża Łopusiewicz & Marta Łopusiewicz, 2025. "Status and Development Prospects of Solar-Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles—A Literature Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-31, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:8:p:1924-:d:1631692
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Qing Guo & Minghao Qiu & Xiaoqiang Li & Wen Sun & Zihua Guo, 2023. "Integrated Design and Flight Validation of Solar-Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Structure and Propulsion System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-20, October.
    2. Bowen Zhang & Zaixin Song & Fei Zhao & Chunhua Liu, 2022. "Overview of Propulsion Systems for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-25, January.
    3. Krzysztof Mateja & Wojciech Skarka & Magdalena Peciak & Roman Niestrój & Maik Gude, 2023. "Energy Autonomy Simulation Model of Solar Powered UAV," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-31, January.
    4. Ayamga, Matthew & Akaba, Selorm & Nyaaba, Albert Apotele, 2021. "Multifaceted applicability of drones: A review," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    5. Joana Engana Carmo & João Paulo Neto Torres & Gonçalo Cruz & Ricardo A. Marques Lameirinhas, 2021. "Effect of the Inclusion of Photovoltaic Solar Panels in the Autonomy of UAV Time of Flight," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-19, February.
    6. Hailong Huang & Andrey V. Savkin, 2020. "Energy-Efficient Autonomous Navigation of Solar-Powered UAVs for Surveillance of Mobile Ground Targets in Urban Environments," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-17, October.
    7. Zhang, Chaoyu & Zhang, Chengming & Li, Liyi & Guo, Qingbo, 2021. "Parameter analysis of power system for solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 295(C).
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