Evaluating autonomous perovskite solar drones for use in remote areas

Maurer, Matias Alegre and Sirvent, Alex (2025) Evaluating autonomous perovskite solar drones for use in remote areas. Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances, 22 (2). pp. 145-161. ISSN 2582-5003

This paper investigates the integration of perovskite solar cells into lightweight drones, aiming to improve their flight duration and efficiency. The integration of advanced drone technologies with cutting-edge perovskite solar cells presents unique opportunities for exploration in remote environments such as jungles, high-altitude regions, and extraterrestrial terrains like Mars. This paper investigates the potential of combining advancements in drone design and materials, with the high-efficiency, lightweight perovskite solar cells being developed, such as the super thin design recently created at Kepler University. Through a detailed analysis, and a prototype 3D-printed solar drone, we research how advancements in the operational capabilities, energy efficiency, and durability of drones, combined with perovskite innovations enable sustained missions in challenging and energy-scarce environments. We focus on the efficiency, weight impact, and operational benefits of using perovskite cells for extending drone flight times in various environmental conditions. This paper concludes by outlining the future directions and research opportunities necessary to overcome current limitations and enable the widespread adoption of these advanced drones in remote explorations.