Solar-Powered Drones: The Future of Sustainable UAVs?
Solar power has become the leading renewable energy source due to its wide availability and favourable environmental effects. As the solar sector expands, the demand for effective maintenance and inspection procedures rises. Drones have evolved to play a crucial part in this. With their capacity to collect solar energy, these drones provide a new and environmentally friendly method of improving solar energy systems. Solar-powered drones date back to the 1970s when the first solar-powered aircraft completed a flight. Substantial developments have since paved the way for this technology. Prominent advances include NASA's establishment of the first solar-powered drone in 1997 and the introduction of lightweight materials and cutting-edge energy efficiency techniques. Solar-powered drones with cameras have revolutionized the way solar panels are maintained. Technicians perform these operations manually, which takes time and resources. Integrating solar panels onto drone platforms has made it possible to mechanize these procedures, making them quicker and less expensive.