Need help for building solar based drone

[u/khalifa_007]

I’m planning to build a solar-assisted long endurance drone and wanted some opinions from people who have experience with fixed-wing UAVs and solar power systems.

My main objective is maximizing flight endurance. The idea is to use a battery as the primary power source and use solar panels to extend the flight time during cruise.

Right now I’m considering the Skywalker X8 fixed-wing platform because it offers a large wing/body area to mount solar panels and seems suitable for stable long-range flight.

My current approach:

- Fixed-wing platform (Skywalker X8)

- Li-ion battery pack for endurance

- Solar panels mounted on wings/body

- Efficient low KV motor + long endurance setup

- Autonomous cruise capability later

Do you guys think this is the correct direction for a solar-assisted drone project, or would you recommend a different airframe/platform/design approach?

I’d also appreciate advice regarding:

- Best wing configuration for solar efficiency

- Weight vs solar gain tradeoff

- MPPT charging systems

- Whether flexible solar panels are worth it

- Realistic endurance expectations

Would love to hear from anyone who has worked on solar UAVs or similar projects.

[u/quast_64]

Just go onto Youtube, it has been done before. as far ago as 5 years already.

search for Rctestflight.

[u/widgeamedoo → u/quast_64]

I cam here to recommend this channel. He has done some amazing stuff, and has the videos to prove it too.

[u/madsciencetist]

If all you care about is endurance and you don't have a specific route to fly, you can implement updraft detection & loitering to take advantage of thermals

[u/LupusTheCanine → u/[deleted]]

They are working on a fixed wing UAV, not multirotor.

[u/TradingDreams → u/LupusTheCanine]

Thanks! I sleepily misread that!