Revolutionizing Railways: Switzerland's Solar Panels Set to Transform Energy Production

Swiss start-up Sun-Ways is set to make history by rolling out solar panels on railway tracks in Switzerland, akin to laying a carpet. This innovative pilot project will commence in spring 2025 in the western canton of Neuchâtel after overcoming regulatory hurdles.

The Groundbreaking Project

The project involves the installation of removable photovoltaic (PV) systems, which is a first in the world. With the urgency of the climate crisis, such initiatives aim to accelerate Europe's energy transition. Sun-Ways has partnered with the Swiss federal technology institute (EPFL) to patent this unique system.

Installation Process

A specially designed train will lay the one-meter-wide solar panels along the tracks using a piston mechanism, capable of installing up to 1,000 m² of solar panels per day. This train will operate along a 100-meter section of track, initially integrating 48 panels at an estimated cost of CHF585,000 (€623,000).

Energy Production Potential

The ambitious goal is to potentially cover the entire 5,317 kilometers of Switzerland’s railway network with solar panels, which could generate one Terawatt-hour (TWh) of solar energy annually—enough to power homes and contribute to 2 percent of Switzerland’s total energy consumption.

Addressing Concerns

While concerns regarding micro-cracks, fire risks, and train driver distractions have been raised, Sun-Ways assures that its panels are more resilient than traditional ones. They are also developing solutions to manage snow and ice on the panels, ensuring their efficiency throughout the year.

Future Aspirations

Looking beyond Switzerland, Sun-Ways is exploring similar initiatives in Spain, Romania, and South Korea. The co-founder, Baptiste Danichert, believes that 50 percent of the world’s railway lines could eventually implement this innovative solar system.