Can photovoltaic technology be used in drones & UAVs?

Photovoltaic technologies can be used to produce solar power systems that can be integrated into drones and UAVs. Below is a selection of these technologies. A large portion of the existing solar cell industry is centred around the manufacture of crystalline silicon wafers.

Can solar power be used to power a drone?

Recent developments in photovoltaic (PV) technology have made solar power a viable alternative for powering drones. There are now many proven autonomous vehicle and aircraft designs that incorporate solar power technology. Solar power is a viable alternative for powering unmanned aircraft (UAV, UAS, RPAS), as well as ground and marine based autonomous platforms USVs, ASVs.

Can solar cells be used in a UAV?

Solar cells can be integrated into the wings of a UAV, but it may require structural adjustments and protective encasing to ensure they survive the demanding environments of a solar drone. There may also be additional weight due to interconnects and cabling.

Is solar technology suitable for a drone application?

The suitability of solar technology for a drone application depends on several factors, including the size of individual solar cells compared to the wing size, as smaller cells allow for higher packing densities. Considering the size of solar cells in isolation may not be sufficient to make an informed decision.

Should drones use amorphous silicon cells?

Amorphous silicon cells have several advantages – they are inexpensive and easy to integrate into structures – but they have low efficiencies, meaning that most drones will not have enough area to mount enough cells to meet their power needs. Amorphous silicon cells are also insensitive to moisture and air, and the technology is mature.