This solar-powered drone can fly without batteries

Technology Nov 09, 2025

Luke Bell and his dad Mike have built a drone that runs entirely on solar power—no batteries, no backup.
Inspired by their record-breaking Peregrine series, this new design looks like a flying solar panel and aims to show what's possible when you ditch batteries altogether.

A prototype for greener aircraft

The drone uses a lightweight carbon fiber frame, powerful motors, and 27 slim solar panels wired together for about 150W of power.
In real-world tests, it took off and flew using only sunlight.
While this prototype isn't ready for everyday use yet, it's a big step toward eco-friendly drones—and hints at a future where aircraft could fly lighter and greener without relying on heavy batteries.