Solar Powered UAV Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis, By Type (Fixed Wing Drones, Multirotor Drones), By Component (Propulsion System, Airframe), By Range, By Mode of Operation, By Application, By Region - Industry Forecast 2025-2032

Global Solar Powered UAV Market size was valued at USD 1.32 billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 1.48 billion in 2024 to USD 3.66 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 12.0% during the forecast period (2025-2032).

Solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is defined as drones that use solar cells powered directly from the sun to power its operations. In solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the solar cells are installed on the UAVs. These solar cells capture solar energy during daylight. The captured energy generates the power which is used to operate the drone and other onboard electronics. Moreover, the power is used to recharge the battery on board which provides power during darkness. The solar-powered UAV market applications include surveillance, search & rescue operations, pollution monitoring, security, disaster management, attack missions, and intelligence gathering. Several companies are working on the possibility of using such UAVs for delivering goods, which can reduce the cost of using drivers for door-to-door service.

Factors such as the increase in the development of solar-powered drones for defence applications and the rise in demand for drone services are anticipated to boost the growth of the global solar-powered UAV market during the forecast period. Solar-powered UAVs offer extended flight endurance compared to traditional battery-powered drones, making them ideal for applications requiring prolonged aerial surveillance, monitoring, and data collection missions. This increased endurance is especially valuable in sectors such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and telecommunications infrastructure inspection. Solar-powered UAVs can significantly reduce operational costs by harnessing solar energy for propulsion and onboard systems. They eliminate the need for frequent refuelling or battery replacements, leading to lower operating expenses over the long term. The use of solar energy as a renewable power source aligns with environmental sustainability goals, reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. This aspect makes solar-powered UAVs attractive to environmentally conscious industries and government agencies seeking eco-friendly solutions for aerial surveillance and data collection.

However, expensive integration of technology & low operational efficiency, and cybersecurity issues associated with drones are expected to hinder the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Moreover, technological advancement in drones and rise in demand for drones across emerging nations is expected to create opportunities for the market in the future.