Switzerland has embarked on a pilot project to install solar panels between active railway tracks. The initiative, led by Swiss startup Sun-Ways, involves placing 48 photovoltaic panels along a 100-meter stretch of railway near Buttes in the canton of Neuchâtel.
This project aims to harness the untapped potential of railway infrastructure for renewable energy generation. The solar panels, each rated at 385 watts, collectively offer an 18 kW capacity and are projected to generate approximately 16 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity annually. This output is sufficient to power four to six average households per year. The energy produced will be fed into the local power grid, contributing to the region’s renewable energy supply.
What sets this project apart is the innovative approach to panel installation. Unlike traditional fixed solar installations, Sun-Ways has developed a removable system that allows for easy maintenance and minimal disruption to railway operations. The panels can be swiftly installed and removed using specialized machinery developed in collaboration with Swiss track maintenance company Scheuchzer, capable of handling up to 1,000 square meters of panels in a single day. The Federal Office of Transport (FOT) granted approval for this pilot after rigorous safety assessments. Initially, concerns were raised regarding the impact of the panels on train operations and maintenance. However, comprehensive studies and engineering evaluations demonstrated that the system posed no significant risks, leading to the project’s green light.
Sun-Ways envisions a broader application of this technology across Switzerland’s extensive railway network. With approximately 5,320 kilometers of railway lines, the potential for solar energy generation is substantial. Estimates suggest that nationwide implementation could produce up to one billion kilowatt-hours annually, meeting the electricity needs of around 300,000 households and accounting for about 2% of Switzerland’s total electricity consumption. The versatility of the generated solar power is another highlight of the project. The electricity can be utilized in multiple ways: powering railway infrastructure such as signals and stations, feeding into the local electricity grid, or directly supplying energy to the trains themselves. This multifaceted approach underscores the project’s potential to enhance energy efficiency within the transportation sector.
International interest in the project is growing, with countries like France, Spain, Romania, South Korea, China, and the United States expressing keen interest in similar implementations. Collaborations and discussions are underway to explore the feasibility of adopting this technology globally, positioning Switzerland as a leader in sustainable railway innovation. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and the urgent need for renewable energy solutions, initiatives like Sun-Ways’ solar railway project exemplify the innovative approaches required to transition towards a more sustainable future. By leveraging existing infrastructure for clean energy generation, Switzerland is setting a precedent for environmentally conscious transportation systems worldwide.
Switzerland Tests Solar Panels on Railway Tracks
