Please Wait.....
Report
Solar-Powered UAV Market Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis, and Forecast 2025 - 2034
Market Report I 2024-11-14 I 220 Pages I Global Market Insights
The Global Solar-Powered UAV Market, valued at USD 356.3 million in 2024, is projected to grow at 9.2% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. Increasing environmental concerns and the global shift toward sustainability are major factors driving the demand for solar-powered UAVs. As industries focus on reducing their carbon footprint, these eco-friendly alternatives to traditional fuel-powered UAVs are gaining popularity, helping both companies and governments meet their sustainability goals.
Technological advancements in solar panels have significantly improved their efficiency, making them more suitable for UAV applications. Modern, lightweight, and high-efficiency solar panels are now capable of generating more power from a smaller surface area, allowing UAVs to stay airborne for longer periods without relying on large batteries. These developments have expanded the potential for solar-powered UAVs in various sectors, including surveillance and environmental monitoring.
However, one of the key challenges in the solar-powered UAV market is the reliance on favorable weather conditions, as varying sunlight can constrain flight durations. This has led to the development of hybrid UAVs, which combine solar power with battery or fuel systems to ensure more reliable performance. In addition, regulatory hurdles, such as airspace management and certification requirements for high-altitude UAVs, particularly for commercial applications, present challenges. As governments continue to develop UAV-friendly policies, these regulations are expected to become more supportive, enabling broader adoption of solar-powered UAV technologies.
The solar-powered UAV market is divided into two main operational modes: semi-autonomous and autonomous. In 2024, semi-autonomous UAVs dominated the market, accounting for a 74.7% share. These UAVs operate with a combination of human oversight and autonomous systems. They can handle tasks such as navigation and energy management independently while being monitored by a human operator for strategic decisions. This hybrid approach enhances safety and allows for more complex missions, reducing the need for constant human intervention.
In terms of range, the market is segmented into UAVs with a range of less than 300 km and more than 300 km. The segment with a range exceeding 300 km is expected to be the fastest-growing, with a CAGR of 11.3% during the forecast period. Solar-powered UAVs with extended ranges can conduct long-duration missions, such as remote surveillance and environmental monitoring, without frequent recharging.
North America holds the largest share of the solar-powered UAV market, with a 32.5% share in 2024. The U.S. is a key player, driven by strong demand across sectors such as defense, agriculture, and telecommunications. Government support and investments in research and development, combined with an evolving regulatory environment, are accelerating innovation in the solar-powered UAV market.
Report Content
Chapter 1 Methodology & Scope
1.1 Market scope & definitions
1.2 Base estimates & calculations
1.3 Forecast calculations
1.4 Data sources
1.4.1 Primary
1.4.2 Secondary
1.4.2.1 Paid sources
1.4.2.2 Public sources
Chapter 2 Executive Summary
2.1 Industry synopsis, 2021-2034
Chapter 3 Industry Insights
3.1 Industry ecosystem analysis
3.1.1 Factor affecting the value chain
3.1.2 Profit margin analysis
3.1.3 Disruptions
3.1.4 Future outlook
3.1.5 Manufacturers
3.1.6 Distributors
3.2 Supplier landscape
3.3 Profit margin analysis
3.4 Key news & initiatives
3.5 Regulatory landscape
3.6 Impact forces
3.6.1 Growth drivers
3.6.1.1 Rising demand for sustainable drone technologies
3.6.1.2 Technological advancements in solar panel efficiency
3.6.1.3 Longer flight durations for remote monitoring tasks
3.6.1.4 Growing adoption in agriculture for precision farming
3.6.1.5 Increase in government support for green technologies
3.6.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges
3.6.2.1 Weather dependency limits solar UAV effectiveness
3.6.2.2 High initial costs hinder market widespread adoption
3.7 Growth potential analysis
3.8 Porter's analysis
3.9 PESTEL analysis
Chapter 4 Competitive Landscape, 2024
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Company market share analysis
4.3 Competitive positioning matrix
4.4 Strategic outlook matrix
Chapter 5 Market Estimates & Forecast, By Mode of Operation, 2021-2034 (USD Million & Units)
5.1 Key trends
5.2 Semi-autonomous
5.3 Autonomous
Chapter 6 Market Estimates & Forecast, By Type, 2021-2034 (USD Million & Units)
6.1 Key trends
6.2 Fixed wing drones
6.3 Multirotor drones
6.4 Hybrid
Chapter 7 Market Estimates & Forecast, By Range, 2021-2034 (USD Million & Units)
7.1 Key trends
7.2 Less Than 300 KM
7.3 More Than 300 KM
Chapter 8 Market Estimates & Forecast, By End Use, 2021-2034 (USD Million & Units)
8.1 Key trends
8.2 Government & defense
8.3 Commercial
8.4 Agricultural
8.5 Others
Chapter 9 Market Estimates & Forecast, By Region, 2021-2034 (USD Million & Units)
9.1 Key trends
9.2 North America
9.2.1 U.S.
9.2.2 Canada
9.3 Europe
9.3.1 UK
9.3.2 Germany
9.3.3 France
9.3.4 Italy
9.3.5 Spain
9.3.6 Russia
9.4 Asia Pacific
9.4.1 China
9.4.2 India
9.4.3 Japan
9.4.4 South Korea
9.4.5 Australia
9.5 Latin America
9.5.1 Brazil
9.5.2 Mexico
9.6 MEA
9.6.1 South Africa
9.6.2 Saudi Arabia
9.6.3 UAE
Chapter 10 Company Profiles
10.1 AeroVironment Inc.
10.2 Airbus SE
10.3 Atlantik Solar
10.4 Aurora Flight Sciences
10.5 Avy
10.6 BAE Systems
10.7 Chinese Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics
10.8 DJI
10.9 Elektra
10.10 Eos Technologie
10.11 Kea Aerospace
10.12 Korea Aerospace Research Institute
10.13 QinetiQ
10.14 Silent Falcon UAS Technologies
10.15 Skydweller Aero
10.16 Sunbirds SAS
10.17 Uav-instruments
10.18 Xsun
- Not Sure / Need Reassuring
- Confirm Content
-
Content is provided by our partners and every effort is made to make Market Report details as clear as possible. If you are not sure the exact content you require is included in this study you can Contact us to double check. To do this you can:
Use the ‘? ASK A QUESTION’ below the license / prices and to the right of this box. This will come directly to our team who will work on dealing with your request as soon as possible.
Write to directly on support@scotts-international.com with details. Please include as much information as possible including the name of report or link so our staff will be able to work on you request.
Telephone us directly on 0048 603 394 346 and an experienced member of team will be on hand to answer.
-
- Sample Pages
-
With the vast majority of our partners we can obtain Sample Pages to support your decision. This is something we can arrange without revealing your personal details.
It is important to note that we will not be able to provide you the exact data or statistics such as Market Size and Forecasts. Sample pages usually confirm the layout or the Categories included in Charts and Graphs, excluding specific data.
To ask for Sample Pages by contact us through ‘? ASK A QUESTION’, support@scotts-international.com, or by telephoning 0048 603 394 346.
-
- Check for Alternatives
-
Whilst we try to make our online platform as easy to use as possible there is always the possibility that a better alternative has not been found in your search.
To avoid this possibility Contact us through ‘? ASK A QUESTION’, support@scotts-international.com, or by telephoning 0048 603 394 346 and a Senior Team Member can review your requirements and send a list of possibilities with opinions and recommendations.
-
- Confirm Content
- Prices / Formats / Delivery
- Prices
-
All prices are set by our partners and should be exactly the same as those listed on their own websites. We work on a Revenue share basis ensuring that you never pay more than what is offered elsewhere.
Should you find the price cheaper on another platform we recommend you to Contact us as we should be able to match this price. You can Contact us though through ‘? ASK A QUESTION’, support@scotts-international.com, or by telephoning 0048 603 394 346.
-
- Discounts
-
As we work in close partnership with our Partners from time to time we can secure discounts and assist with negotiations, this is part of our personalised service to you.
Discounts can sometimes be arranged for speedily placed orders; multiple report purchases or Higher License purchases.
To check if a Discount is possible please Contact our experienced team through ‘? ASK A QUESTION’, support@scotts-international.com, or by telephoning 0048 603 394 346.
-
- Available Currencies
-
Most Market Reports on our platform are listed in USD or EURO based on the wishes of our Partners. To avoid currency fluctuations and potential price differentiations we do not offer the possibility to change the currency online.
Should you wish to pay in a different currency to that advertised online we do accept payments in USD, EURO, GBP and PLN. The price will be calculated based on the relevant exchange rate taken from our National Bank.
To pay in a different above currency to that advertised online please Contact our team and a quotation will be sent within a couple of hours with payment details.
-
- Licenses
-
License options vary from Partner to Partner as is usually based on the number of Users that will benefitting from the report. It is very important that License ordered is not breached as this could have potential negative consequences for you individually or your employer.
If you have questions or need confirmation about the specific license we recommend you to Contact us and a detailed explanation will be provided.
-
- Global Site License
-
The Global Site License is the most comprehensive license available. By selecting this license, the Market Report can be shared with other ‘Allowed Users’ and any other member of staff from the same organisation regardless of geographic location.
It is important to note that this may exclude Parent Companies or Subsidiaries.
If you have questions or need confirmation about the specific license we recommend you to Contact us and a detailed explanation will be provided.
-
- Formats
-
The most common format is PDF, however in certain circumstances data may be present in Excel format or Online, especially in the case of Database or Directories. In addition, for certain higher license options a CD may also be provided.
If you have questions or need clarification about the specific formats we recommend you to Contact us and a detailed explanation will be provided.
-
- Delivery
-
Delivery is fulfilled by our partners directly. Once an order has been placed we inform the partner by sharing the delivery email details given in the order process.
Delivery is usually made within 24 hours of an order being placed, however it may take longer should your order be placed prior to the weekend or if otherwise specified on the Market Report details page. Additionally, if details have been not fully completed in the Order process a delay in delivery is possible.
If a delay in delivery is expected you will be informed about it immediately.
-
- Shipping Charges
-
As most Market Reports are delivered in PDF format we almost never have to add additional Shipping Charges. If, however you are ordering a Higher License service or a specific delivery format (e.g. CD version) charges may apply.
If you are concerned about additional Shipping Charges we recommend you to Contact us to double check.
-
- Prices
- Ordering
- By Credit Card
-
We work in Partnership with PayU to ensure payments are made securely in a fast and effortless way. PayU is the e-payments division of Naspers.
Naspers operates in over 133 International Markets and ranks 3rd Globally in terms of the number of e-commerce customers served.
For more information on PayU please visit: https://www.payu.pl/en/about-us
-
- By Money Transfer
-
If you require an invoice prior to payment, this is possible. To ensure a speedy delivery of the Market Report we require all relevant company details and you agree to maximum payment terms of 30 days from receipt of order.
With our regular clients deliver of the Market Report can be made prior to receiving payment, however in some circumstances we may ask for payment to be received before arranging for the Market Report to be delivered.
-
- By Credit Card
- Security
- Website security
-
We have specifically partnered with leading International companies to protect your privacy by using different technologies and processes to ensure security.
Everything submitted to Scotts International is encrypted via SSL (Secure Socket Layer) and all personal information provided to Scotts International is stored on computer systems with limited access in controlled environments.
-
- Credit Card Security
-
We partner with PayU (https://www.payu.pl/en/about-us) to ensure all credit card payments are made securely in a fast and effortless way.
PayU offers 250+ various payment channels and eWallet services across 4 continents allowing buyers to pay electronically, whether on a computer or a mobile device.
-
- Website security