Drone Powered by Solar Energy

Maxon Group provides the high-performance propulsion expertise underpinning SolarXOne, an innovative solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle developed by French startup XSun.

Founded by Benjamin David, who brings over a decade of experience from Airbus Defence & Space, XSun was built on a clear vision: adapting space-grade technologies for reliable operation at lower altitudes. That philosophy led to SolarXOne, a fully electric, energy-independent UAV capable of executing long-endurance, fully automated missions powered entirely by solar energy.

Featuring a distinctive tandem wing, dragonfly-inspired design, SolarXOne offers exceptional aerodynamic efficiency and a large solar collection surface. Weighing 25 kg with a 4.5-meter wingspan, the aircraft combines the simplicity of drone operations with the performance standards of certified aviation platforms. It can be deployed in under 30 minutes, fly silently for up to 12 hours, operate day or night, and carry payloads of up to 5 kg, including EO/IR cameras, LiDAR, and advanced communication systems.

To achieve this level of autonomy and reliability, XSun partnered with maxon for mission-critical propulsion components, including the motor, controller, and propulsion system. maxon’s proven expertise ensures high efficiency, redundancy, and durability, enabling SolarXOne to meet stringent aeronautical standards and support applications ranging from infrastructure inspection and precision agriculture to large-area mapping and surveillance.

Find out more on the Maxon website.