The world’s first photovoltaic installation on tracks.
In western Switzerland, on a section of the railway line in Buttes, an innovative project has been launched that could change the way renewable energy is harnessed. The Swiss company Sun-Ways has installed 48 photovoltaic panels with a total capacity of 18 kW. This is the world’s first removable PV installation specifically designed to operate on an active railway line.
Solar Power on the Tracks
The panels have been installed on a 100-meter stretch of the TransN line and are expected to generate about 16 MWh of energy annually. The electricity is fed into the nearby power grid, just 500 meters away. Importantly, trains can continue to run on the tracks above the installed panels. The first train passes occurred on April 28.
The installation is carried out mechanically using a specially designed train created in collaboration with the company Scheuchzer. This machine can lay out up to 1,000 m² of panels in just a few hours, significantly speeding up and simplifying the process.
Three-Year Test
The project was approved by the Federal Transport Office in October 2024 and is now entering its testing phase, which will last for three years. Sun-Ways will evaluate aspects such as the durability of the panels, the impact of dirt and weather conditions, as well as how the installation interacts with the railway infrastructure.
Experts point out that the main challenges of such solutions are dirt (e.g., dust or oils) and the vibrations and stresses caused by passing trains. These factors could reduce the panels’ efficiency and lifespan. Nevertheless, an international research team that analyzed the potential of PV on tracks deemed the solution technically and economically promising – especially in rural areas.
Energy-Self-Sufficient Trains? That’s the Plan
According to Sun-Ways, this is just the beginning. “Ultimately, we want the energy from the panels to go directly into the train’s power system, making them almost fully energy self-sufficient,” says Joseph Scuderi, the founder of the company. “Trains run during the day, and during that time, the panels generate power directly between the rails.”
Additionally, the system is equipped with a cleaning brush located at the end of the train – designed to ensure the panels’ efficiency despite the harsh working conditions.
Another Step Toward Green Transport Transformation?
If the pilot project is successful, the solution could be widely implemented – not just in Switzerland. More and more countries are looking for ways to integrate transport infrastructure with renewable energy sources. Photovoltaics installed on tracks could become one of the most promising directions in this transformation.
Source: sun-ways.ch