Quick answer
A spraying drone’s payback is simple to calculate: total investment ÷ net annual benefit = payback in years. The result depends mainly on how much land you spray each year and whether you also work for others. There’s no single figure for everyone, so run the calculation with your own data.
“How many years until it pays for itself?” is the first question every farmer asks about a spraying drone. In this guide you’ll find the formula, what goes into each line and the costs people usually forget.
The formula
Payback (years) = Total investment ÷ Net annual benefit
The net annual benefit is what the drone saves or earns you each year, minus its annual running costs. For example, if the net annual benefit is one third of the investment, the drone pays back in three years.
What you pay up front
- The drone: DJI AGRAS T100, T70P, T55 or T25P, depending on your acreage. Ask for a quote for a complete working set, not a bare-drone price.
- Batteries and charger: continuous work needs enough batteries for one to charge while another flies, plus the right charger. You also need mains power or a generator in the field.
- Work vehicle: delivery from FLYDROPS is free, but for field work you need a vehicle that carries the drone, batteries, charger and water.
- Training: a FLYDROPS purchase includes free two-day training (one day of theory, one day of practice).
- Permits: HCAA flight authorisation and a special aerial-spraying permit from the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.
- Insurance: drone and third-party liability insurance.
What you gain each year
- Savings on your own spraying: what you pay today to contractors or in tractor costs (fuel, labour, wear), for your land and number of applications.
- Less water and fewer trips: drone spray volumes are usually much lower, so fewer refills. Ask your agronomist about the right rate.
- Applications you would otherwise miss: when the tractor can’t enter after rain, the drone can spray. See our guide on spraying after rain.
- Contract work: spraying for neighbours is income, not just savings, provided you hold the necessary permits.
What you subtract each year
- Electricity or generator fuel for charging.
- Consumables and parts: propellers, nozzles and, eventually, replacement batteries.
- Servicing, insurance and an RTK subscription.
- The cost of your own or the operator’s time.
Calculation worksheet
Fill in the table with your own numbers. For drone, battery and charger prices, request a quote.
| Line | What goes in |
|---|---|
| A. Investment | Drone + batteries + charger + permits (minus funding, only if approved). Training and delivery: free with a FLYDROPS purchase. |
| B. Annual savings | Current spraying cost per stremma × stremmata × applications per year |
| C. Annual contract income | Local price per stremma × contract stremmata |
| D. Annual drone costs | Energy + consumables + servicing + insurance + RTK + operator time |
| Payback (years) | A ÷ (B + C − D) |
Funding: only once it’s confirmed
Funding reduces the investment directly, and with it the payback. There are programmes for precision-farming equipment, such as farm improvement plans, ESPA and LEADER. Whether spraying drones are eligible is not a given, because of the aerial-spraying rules. Run two scenarios, with and without funding, and only include funding once a consultant or agronomist has confirmed it. We can also tell you about a preferential-rate loan through a partner bank.
When it doesn’t pay back quickly
If you spray a small area each year and don’t do contract work, payback can take a long time. In that case it may be better to start by hiring a licensed contractor and to buy a drone once your workload grows. Choosing the right size matters too: a smaller model such as the T25P costs less and may suit small farms better. See the buying guide for which model fits your field.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a spraying drone cost in Greece?
It depends on the model (T100, T70P, T55 or T25P) and on how many batteries and which charger you need for your acreage. Ask FLYDROPS for a quote for a complete working set and we will help you choose the right size.
How many years does a spraying drone take to pay back?
It depends on how much land you spray, applications per year, your current spraying cost and whether you do contract work. Calculate it with the formula: investment ÷ net annual benefit.
Does funding help?
Yes. When a programme is open and the drone is eligible, funding reduces the cost and speeds up payback. Eligibility of spraying drones is not a given, so check with a funding consultant before buying.
Can I spray for other farmers?
Some operators spray for others, but the right permits are required: HCAA flight authorisation and a special aerial-spraying permit from the Ministry, granted by derogation. Check the requirements before planning income from contract work.
