Switzerland to Launch World-First Solar Panels on Railway Tracks for Clean Energy

First-ever solar panels system designed for functioning railway tracks with a removable feature for easy maintenance.

The pilot project in Neuchâtel will generate 16,000kWh annually starting in 2025, powering local homes.

This scalable system could eventually generate 1 TWh of solar energy annually, supplying 2% of Switzerland’s energy needs.

Switzerland is leading the way in clean energy with a world-first project: the installation of removable solar panels on active railway tracks. Developed by start-up Sun-Ways in partnership with EPFL, the Swiss federal technology institute, this innovative system will pilot on a track in Neuchâtel starting in 2025. The project could transform solar energy generation by utilizing existing railway infrastructure, providing a scalable and environmentally friendly solution without the need for additional land.

A Revolutionary Solar Carpet

Sun-Ways’ technology allows solar panels to be installed between railway tracks, allowing trains to pass over them without disruption. “This will be the first time that solar panels will be installed on a railway track with trains passing over them,” said Joseph Scuderi, CEO of Sun-Ways. The panels will be laid using a specially designed train by Swiss track maintenance company Scheuchzer, capable of installing up to 1,000 square meters of panels per day.

Joseph Scuderi, CEO of Sun-Ways.

One of the system’s key features is its removability, addressing a major hurdle in previous solar projects on infrastructure. The panels can be quickly uninstalled for essential maintenance. “The removable innovation is a crucial one,” Scuderi added, emphasizing how this solves an issue that has long prevented solar panels from being used on railways.

Game-Changing Pilot Project

The three-year pilot project, beginning in spring 2025, will see 48 solar panels installed on a 100-meter stretch of track near Buttes station in Neuchâtel. Sun-Ways expects the system to generate 16,000kWh of electricity annually, enough to power local homes. The project is funded at CHF585,000 (€623,000) and aims to demonstrate the potential of solar panels integrated into railway networks.

However, this power will not be fed into the railway system due to current complexities in rail operations. “Electricity produced by the PV system will be fed into the power grid and used to power homes,” Scuderi confirmed, highlighting the broader impact of this innovation.

Global Potential

Sun-Ways has ambitious plans beyond Switzerland. Co-founder Baptiste Danichert outlined the vast potential: “There are over a million kilometers of railway lines in the world. We believe that 50% of the world’s railways could be equipped with our system,” he said. This could turn a significant portion of global railway infrastructure into renewable energy sources, with 1 Terawatt-hour (TWh) of solar energy generated annually in Switzerland alone, enough to meet 2% of the country’s total energy needs.

Sun-Ways co-founder Baptiste Danichert

In addition to the Neuchâtel project, Sun-Ways is conducting a feasibility study on a larger installation on a private railway line in Aigle. The company is also exploring international opportunities in Spain, Romania, South Korea, and Australia, signaling the global scalability of this innovation.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite its promising potential, the project has faced skepticism. The International Union of Railways raised concerns about the durability of the panels, potential micro-cracks, and fire risks. Some critics also worried about reflections distracting train drivers. In response, Sun-Ways worked to improve the panels with anti-reflective surfaces and reinforced materials. “We’ve developed more resistant panels than conventional ones and could include an anti-reflection filter,” explained Scuderi, addressing the concerns.

There are also concerns about weather conditions. Some critics noted that snow and ice could hinder the panels’ performance. However, Sun-Ways is actively developing a solution. “We are working on a system to melt frozen precipitation,” Scuderi said, ensuring that the system can operate efficiently year-round.

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Scaling Innovation Globally

The idea of solar panels on railway tracks could significantly reduce the environmental footprint of energy projects. By utilizing existing infrastructure, this system avoids the environmental impact of constructing new solar farms. “This aligns with growing global priorities for reducing the environmental footprint of energy projects and meeting carbon reduction targets,” noted Scuderi.

If successful, this world-first initiative could be a template for countries around the globe looking to boost renewable energy. “We see this project contributing not only to energy savings but also to long-term cost efficiencies for governments and logistics companies,” said Danichert, underscoring the potential for economic benefits.

Conclusion:

Sun-Ways’ innovation could revolutionize solar power generation by integrating it into railway networks. As the world looks for scalable, sustainable energy solutions, Switzerland’s pioneering solar railway project could be the breakthrough the industry needs.