Writer: Stacie Yeung

In recent years, drones have gained popularity as a tool for monitoring the environment and climate change, and now solar-powered drones, a new generation of drones, are taking to the sky. The development of drone technology has fundamentally changed how we observe and research our world.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) fuelled primarily by solar energy are known as solar-powered drones. Unlike traditional drones, motors and onboard devices of solar-powered drones are powered by solar panels that convert solar energy into electricity, enabling them to fly for extended periods of time without refuelling or landing. It collects information on anything from environmental monitoring to climate change owing to its cutting-edge features like GPS, sensors, and cameras. 

Environmental surveillance is one of the primary uses of solar-powered drones. These drones gather data on a wide variety of environmental factors including the quality of water and air, and vegetation conditions which is vital for identifying pollution and keeping track of ecosystems. It can also track variations in temperature, precipitation as well as the effects of climate change on animal populations. This information is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect our environment. 

Despite their many benefits, there are also some challenges associated with the use of solar-powered drones. Solar-powered drones must receive a lot of sunshine in order to produce enough power to function, particularly during periods of inclement weather. Due to their lightweight design, solar-powered drones can only carry a finite amount of freight, which can restrict their functionality. 

Solar-powered drones are promising new environmental monitoring tools because they provide a practical and effective way to gather vital information about the condition of our planet. It is expected that their use is likely to become widespread in the future. 

Story Source:
https://thesolarlabs.com/ros/solar-powered-drones-environmental-monitoring/
https://ts2.space/en/solar-powered-drones-harnessing-the-suns-energy-for-sustainable-flight/

Story Source:
Republic of Solar