The global market for Solar-powered UAVs was estimated at US$1.4 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$2.3 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.7% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Solar-powered UAVs market.
The solar UAVs market is being driven by the rising demand for UAVs with long-endurance capabilities across various sectors such as defense, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. In the defense sector, solar UAVs are crucial for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions because they can remain airborne for long periods, providing continuous coverage and minimizing the need for frequent landings and recharging. In agriculture, solar drones support precision farming by offering real-time data on crop health, soil conditions, and irrigation needs, helping farmers optimize resources and increase yields. Additionally, the focus on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions is promoting the use of solar-powered UAVs as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuel-powered drones. Moreover, advancements in solar technology and UAV design, alongside increased investment in research and development, are enhancing the capabilities and applications of these drones, making them more efficient and cost-effective.
Significant trends in the solar UAV market include the growing use of hydrogen fuel cells in combination with solar power, which further extends flight times and improves operational efficiency. Innovations in solar panel efficiency, energy storage solutions, and lightweight materials are continually improving the performance and reliability of solar UAVs. Another important trend is the incorporation of advanced autonomous flight control systems, which ensure high precision and stability even in challenging conditions, thus boosting the reliability of these drones. The market is also seeing increased deployment of solar UAVs in remote sensing and environmental monitoring, where they collect critical data on air and water quality, vegetation health, and the effects of climate change. Additionally, regulatory support for eco-friendly technologies and the expanding infrastructure for solar energy are further encouraging the adoption of solar UAVs. These trends, coupled with the growing need for efficient and sustainable aerial surveillance and data collection methods, are expected to drive substantial growth in the solar UAV market in the coming years.
Solar-powered UAVs - Key Trends and Drivers
Solar-powered UAVs, also referred to as solar drones, represent a notable advancement in unmanned aerial vehicle technology. These autonomous vehicles utilize solar energy to power their functions, enabling them to fly for extended periods without the need for frequent battery recharging. This ability makes them ideal for a variety of applications, including environmental monitoring, infrastructure surveillance, and search and rescue operations. The solar panels on these UAVs capture sunlight, converting it into electricity to power the motors and onboard systems, which allows continuous operation during daylight hours and stores energy for use at night. Their lightweight construction, along with features like GPS, sensors, and cameras, enhances their versatility and effectiveness across different environments.The solar UAVs market is being driven by the rising demand for UAVs with long-endurance capabilities across various sectors such as defense, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. In the defense sector, solar UAVs are crucial for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions because they can remain airborne for long periods, providing continuous coverage and minimizing the need for frequent landings and recharging. In agriculture, solar drones support precision farming by offering real-time data on crop health, soil conditions, and irrigation needs, helping farmers optimize resources and increase yields. Additionally, the focus on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions is promoting the use of solar-powered UAVs as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuel-powered drones. Moreover, advancements in solar technology and UAV design, alongside increased investment in research and development, are enhancing the capabilities and applications of these drones, making them more efficient and cost-effective.
Significant trends in the solar UAV market include the growing use of hydrogen fuel cells in combination with solar power, which further extends flight times and improves operational efficiency. Innovations in solar panel efficiency, energy storage solutions, and lightweight materials are continually improving the performance and reliability of solar UAVs. Another important trend is the incorporation of advanced autonomous flight control systems, which ensure high precision and stability even in challenging conditions, thus boosting the reliability of these drones. The market is also seeing increased deployment of solar UAVs in remote sensing and environmental monitoring, where they collect critical data on air and water quality, vegetation health, and the effects of climate change. Additionally, regulatory support for eco-friendly technologies and the expanding infrastructure for solar energy are further encouraging the adoption of solar UAVs. These trends, coupled with the growing need for efficient and sustainable aerial surveillance and data collection methods, are expected to drive substantial growth in the solar UAV market in the coming years.
SCOPE OF STUDY:
The report analyzes the Solar-powered UAVs market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:- Segments: Application (Filming & Photography Application, Inspection & Maintenance Application, Mapping & Surveying Application, Surveillance & Monitoring Application, Precision Agriculture Application, Other Applications)
- Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific; Rest of World.
Key Insights:
- Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Filming & Photography Application segment, which is expected to reach US$693.2 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of a 9.5%. The Inspection & Maintenance Application segment is also set to grow at 7.2% CAGR over the analysis period.
- Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $380.1 Million in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 8.3% CAGR to reach $371.2 Million by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.
Why You Should Buy This Report:
- Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Solar-powered UAVs Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
- Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
- Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Solar-powered UAVs Market.
- Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.
Key Questions Answered:
- How is the Global Solar-powered UAVs Market expected to evolve by 2030?
- What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
- Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
- How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
- Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?
Report Features:
- Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
- In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
- Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as AeroVironment, Inc., Airbus Sas, Atlantik Solar, Aurora Flight Sciences, Autonomous Robots Lab and more.
- Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.
Some of the 38 companies featured in this Solar-powered UAVs market report include:
- AeroVironment, Inc.
- Airbus Sas
- Atlantik Solar
- Aurora Flight Sciences
- Autonomous Robots Lab
- Avy
- BAE Systems PLC
- Chinese Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics
- Elektra Solar GmbH
- Eos Technologie
- KEA Aerospace
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Prades Imasd, S.L.
- Skydweller
- XSUN
This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts as of June 2025 into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include:
- Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs.
- Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes segmentation by product, technology, type, material, distribution channel, application, and end-use, with historical analysis since 2015.
- Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends.
- Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape.
- Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025, competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players.
- Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities.
- Complimentary Update: Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with finalized tariff impacts, new trade agreement effects, revised projections, and expanded country-level coverage.
Table of Contents
I. METHODOLOGYII. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERSIV. COMPETITION
1. MARKET OVERVIEW
3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS
4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE
III. MARKET ANALYSIS
Companies Mentioned (Partial List)
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:
- AeroVironment, Inc.
- Airbus Sas
- Atlantik Solar
- Aurora Flight Sciences
- Autonomous Robots Lab
- Avy
- BAE Systems PLC
- Chinese Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics
- Elektra Solar GmbH
- Eos Technologie
- KEA Aerospace
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Prades Imasd, S.L.
- Skydweller
- XSUN
Table Information
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Pages | 134 |
| Published | July 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2024 - 2030 |
| Estimated Market Value ( USD | $ 1.4 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value ( USD | $ 2.3 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 8.7% |
| Regions Covered | Global |
