Revolutionizing Solar Power on Railway Tracks
Sun-Ways, a Switzerland-based startup, has made history by unveiling the world’s first removable solar power plant on an operational railway line. This innovative move has the potential to transform the global deployment of solar PV capacity.
The project, approved by Switzerland’s Federal Office of Transport (BAV) in October 2024, involves laying 100 metres of removable solar PV panels between railway tracks in the country’s western region. The 18kW solar installation comprises 48 panels, each with a capacity of 385W, contributing energy to the local grid. Passenger trains are set to operate on this solar-powered section of the rail starting this week.
Sun-Ways’ Vision and Expansion Plans
Specialising in “linear photovoltaics,” Sun-Ways envisions targeting the vast network of railway tracks spanning 1 million kilometres worldwide. The company is currently in discussions to conduct trials in various countries, including France, Spain, Romania, and South Korea, with potential opportunities in Australia, China, and the US.
Termed ‘ferrovoltaïque,’ a fusion of ‘ferro’ for the iron tracks and ‘voltaïque’ for photovoltaics, this pioneering initiative aims to integrate solar power into the railway ecosystem. This integration not only enables trains to run on renewable energy but also facilitates the operation of charging stations for electric vehicles. Additionally, it contributes to reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing the energy independence of public transport systems.
Innovative Technology and Collaboration
Sun-Ways has developed a cutting-edge mechanism for laying and removing the solar panels positioned between the railway tracks. This process is facilitated by a mechanised railway machine created by Swiss track maintenance company Scheuchzer, capable of deploying up to 1,000 m² of solar panels daily.
During the project’s inauguration, foreign delegations from France, Belgium, Indonesia, South Korea, and Israel were present, indicating the global interest in this groundbreaking technology. Over the next three years, Sun-Ways plans to conduct comprehensive tests to assess the system’s impact on rail infrastructure and ensure the safe operation of trains with the removable solar array installed between the tracks.
With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Sun-Ways is spearheading a new era in renewable energy integration within the transportation sector. The successful implementation of this removable solar power plant on a railway line marks a significant milestone in the transition towards cleaner and more efficient energy solutions.
