In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable energy, a Swiss startup has officially activated the world’s first photovoltaic (PV) solar plant directly on a functioning railway line. This innovative project, developed by Sun-Ways, a startup based in Vaud, features removable solar panels installed between the rails, marking a significant leap in integrating renewable energy into transportation infrastructure. With passenger trains set to run over the installation starting April 28, 2025, this pilot project has garnered international attention and could revolutionize how we utilize existing infrastructure for clean energy generation.
Harnessing Solar Power on the Rails
The pilot installation is strategically located near Buttes station in the canton of Neuchâtel in western Switzerland. The setup comprises 48 solar panels, each rated at 385 watts, delivering a combined capacity of 18 kW. This configuration is projected to generate approximately 16 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity annually, enough to power local homes and feed into the public grid, which is located 500 meters from the site.
Sun-Ways envisions a broader application of this technology, with the potential to cover Switzerland’s entire railway network with these solar panels. According to Sun-Ways, the power produced by this system can be used in various ways, depending on the setup:
- Powering Railway Infrastructure: The photovoltaic current can be injected into the railway company’s low-voltage (LV) network to power infrastructure such as switches, signals, and stations.
- Feeding Local Grids: The current can be injected into the electricity network of the nearest local Distribution Network Operator (GRD).
- Supplying Traction Energy: The current can be injected into the traction energy network that powers the locomotives, which Sun-Ways considers the ideal scenario as it avoids the installation of ground-based inverters, and the injected current can be recovered via substations.
The PUMA: A Game-Changing Installation Train
The installation process is facilitated by a specially designed train, developed in collaboration with Swiss track maintenance company Scheuchzer SA. Christened the PUMA, this machine employs a piston mechanism to unroll the one-meter-wide panels onto the tracks, enabling rapid deployment of up to 1,000 square meters of solar panels per day. This efficient installation method ensures minimal disruption to rail traffic and reduces the overall cost of deployment.
A Vision for the Future
Over the next three years, Sun-Ways will meticulously monitor the system’s performance in real-world conditions, assessing wear and tear, the impact of dust and dirt on output, and the overall effect on rail infrastructure. If the pilot project proves successful, the company has ambitious plans to expand the technology across Switzerland’s extensive 5,317-kilometer rail network. This could potentially generate up to 1 TWh of electricity annually, meeting approximately 2% of the country’s total power needs or about 30% of public transport’s electricity needs. This would also save 200,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
Addressing Operational Challenges
One of the key innovations of the Sun-Ways system is the removable nature of the solar panels. This feature is crucial for ensuring that rail operations remain uninterrupted and that maintenance can be performed easily. The panels are designed to be quickly uninstalled and reinstalled, minimizing downtime and maximizing energy production.
Furthermore, the panels are equipped with anti-reflective coatings to prevent glare, ensuring the safety of train drivers and passengers. Cleaning systems, such as cylindrical brushes mounted on trains, are also being explored to maintain the efficiency of the panels by removing dust and debris.
Overcoming Initial Hurdles and Securing Approvals
The road to launching this groundbreaking project has not been without its challenges. Initially, the Swiss Federal Office of Transport (FOT) rejected the proposal as a precautionary measure, citing a lack of technical references for the technology. However, with the support of industrial partners, Sun-Ways commissioned independent assessments from professors of mechanics at the Haute Ecole d’Ingénierie et de Gestion du Canton de Vaud (HEIG-VD) and a technical and safety analysis from Geste Engineering, a Swiss specialist in large-scale railway engineering projects.
These assessments demonstrated that the system is fully compatible with the FOT’s safety criteria and that the pilot installation can operate safely on a railway line open to rail traffic. This rigorous testing and analysis ultimately led to the FOT’s approval of the project in October 2024, paving the way for the activation of the world’s first railway solar plant.
International Interest and Potential for Global Expansion
The Sun-Ways project has already attracted significant international interest, with delegations from Belgium, France, Indonesia, Israel, and South Korea attending the inauguration to assess the potential for deployment in their home countries. The concept of utilizing existing railway infrastructure for solar energy generation has the potential to be replicated in countries around the world, contributing to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.
Sun-Ways estimates that approximately 50% of the world’s railways could be equipped with their system, representing a vast untapped potential for clean energy generation. The company is currently contemplating expanding into Spain, Romania, and South Korea, among other countries.
Addressing Concerns and Criticisms
While the Sun-Ways project has been met with enthusiasm, it has also faced some criticisms and concerns. One of the primary concerns revolves around the potential impact of heavy soiling and strong mechanical stress from trains passing overhead, which could shorten the system’s lifespan and reduce energy output.
To address these concerns, Sun-Ways has implemented several measures, including the use of more resistant panels and the exploration of cleaning systems to remove dust and debris. The company is also conducting thorough tests over the next three years to assess the durability of the panels, their resistance to soiling, and their overall impact on rail infrastructure.
A Sustainable Solution for the Future
The activation of the world’s first railway solar plant by Sun-Ways represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future. By utilizing existing infrastructure and minimizing the need for additional land, this innovative project offers a scalable and environmentally friendly solution for generating clean energy. As the pilot project progresses and the technology is refined, it has the potential to transform railway networks around the world into valuable sources of renewable energy.
Key Benefits of Railway Solar Plants
- Utilizes Existing Infrastructure: Railway tracks provide a readily available and underutilized space for solar panel installation, eliminating the need for acquiring additional land.
- Reduces Carbon Emissions: By generating clean energy from solar power, railway solar plants can significantly reduce carbon emissions from transportation and energy production.
- Scalable Solution: The technology can be deployed on railway networks of varying sizes, offering a scalable solution for different countries and regions.
- Removable Panels: The removable nature of the panels ensures that rail operations remain uninterrupted and that maintenance can be performed easily.
- International Interest: The project has garnered international attention, with the potential for replication in countries around the world.
The Potential of Railway Solar in Switzerland
Switzerland has around 5,000 kilometers of railway tracks, and Sun-Ways estimates that this space could generate up to 1 terawatt-hour (TWh) of electricity annually. If fully realized, this project could meet nearly one-third of the country’s public transport electricity needs while reducing carbon emissions by over 200,000 tons per year.
Other Innovative Approaches to Solar Energy
The Sun-Ways project is just one example of the innovative approaches being explored for solar energy generation. Other companies and researchers are experimenting with adding PV elements to railway sleepers, installing solar panels on roadsides, reservoirs, and farms, and developing transparent solar panels that can be integrated into windows and other building materials.
As the demand for renewable energy continues to grow, these innovative solutions will play an increasingly important role in meeting global energy needs and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
Conclusion
The Swiss startup Sun-Ways has taken a bold step towards a greener future by activating the world’s first railway solar plant. This innovative project has the potential to revolutionize how we utilize existing infrastructure for clean energy generation and pave the way for a more sustainable transportation sector. With continued testing, refinement, and international collaboration, railway solar plants could become a common sight on railway networks around the world, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.
