Solar-Powered UAVs: A systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Solar-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (SPUAVs), commonly known as solar drones, are an innovative and eco-friendly category of aircraft that rely on solar energy as their primary power source. Outfitted with solar panels, these drones capture and convert sunlight into electricity, substantially extending their flight durations. SPUAVs have garnered significant attention across a diverse array of applications, spanning surveillance, environmental monitoring, agriculture, disaster management, communication, weather tracking, and fire detection. By harnessing solar power, they offer compelling advantages, including greatly prolonged flight endurance, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and cost-effectiveness. Capable of reaching altitudes exceeding 70,000 feet, they are well-suited for both civilian and military purposes. Transitioning away from non-renewable energy sources, SPUAVs present a sustainable and economically attractive alternative, uniting traditional aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Advances in renewable technologies, particularly in solar cells, rechargeable batteries, and electric motors, are revolutionizing the UAV landscape, enabling SPUAVs to achieve hitherto unattainable flight capabilities. The future portends transformative changes in aerial operations, marked by reduced environmental impact and heightened efficiency through solar-powered innovation.