Switzerland to Introduce World-First Solar Panels on Railway Tracks
Switzerland is always ahead of the curve when it comes to innovation, and now it’s leading the charge in clean energy. In a groundbreaking move, the country is set to install removable solar panels directly onto its active railway tracks—making use of an infrastructure that’s already in place. This revolutionary project is being spearheaded by Swiss start-up Sun-Ways, in collaboration with the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland’s renowned federal technology institute.Slated for a pilot launch in 2025, this initiative could be the game-changer the world’s energy systems need. By placing solar panels between railway tracks, this project allows trains to run as usual, while generating power. No new land or infrastructure is required, making it an incredibly scalable, eco-friendly solution to the ever-growing demand for renewable energy.A Solar Carpet for Trains: An Ingenious DesignThe sleek, shiny surface between the rails aren’t just ordinary panels, but a high-tech solar carpet developed by Sun-Ways. This system has been designed to allow trains to pass over the panels without disruption. A specially developed train, courtesy of Scheuchzer, a Swiss track maintenance company, will lay down up to 1,000 square meters of these panels every day.One of the standout features of this innovation is its removability. Unlike traditional solar installations, which are often difficult to repair or remove, these panels can be easily detached for maintenance. This solves a critical challenge that had previously hindered the widespread adoption of solar panels in such active environments.Pilot Project to Illuminate NeuchâtelThe excitement builds as the first pilot project is set to launch in 2025 on a 100-meter stretch of railway track near Buttes Station in Neuchâtel. The project will kick off with 48 solar panels, which are expected to generate around 16,000 kWh of electricity annually—enough to power several homes in the area.However, due to the current complexities in rail operations, the generated electricity will not be used for the trains themselves. Instead, the power will be fed into the local power grid, benefiting homes and businesses in the region. This marks the first step toward harnessing the potential of railway-based solar power, and could pave the way for similar projects around the world.The Neuchâtel project is only the beginning. Sun-Ways has global ambitions, with over a million kilometers of railway lines worldwide presenting an untapped opportunity for renewable energy generation. The company believes that up to 50% of the world’s railway network could one day be equipped with solar panels, producing as much as 1 Terawatt-hour (TWh) of electricity annually in Switzerland alone. That’s enough energy to meet 2% of Switzerland’s total energy needs—a big contribution to the country’s clean energy goals.Already, Sun-Ways is expanding its reach. Feasibility studies are underway for larger installations on private railways in Aigle, and the company is exploring international opportunities in Spain, Romania, South Korea, and Australia. This means the potential for solar-powered railways is truly global, and the project could soon be a reality on continents across the world.Source: Google ImagesOvercoming Hurdles: Tougher, Smarter PanelsWhile the project has generated excitement, it hasn’t been without its share of skepticism. Concerns have been raised about the durability of the solar panels, the risk of micro-cracks, and the potential for fire hazards. Additionally, the reflective nature of the panels raised alarms about distracting train drivers.But Sun-Ways is no stranger to challenges. In response, the company has improved the resilience of its panels, reinforcing them with tougher materials. They’ve also added an anti-reflection surface, addressing concerns from the International Union of Railways about glare. Even weather-related challenges like snow and ice are being tackled, with Sun-Ways developing a system to prevent the accumulation of frozen precipitation on the panels.TSun-Ways co-founder Baptiste Danichert believes that this innovative approach could revolutionize the way energy is generated worldwide. “This project contributes not only to energy savings but also to long-term cost efficiencies for governments and logistics companies,” he said. The project could become a model for countries seeking scalable, sustainable energy solutions.As the world tackles its energy challenges, Switzerland’s solar railway project might just be the breakthrough that sparks a global clean energy revolution.
