Swiss startup Sun-Ways has launched a groundbreaking pilot project to transform railway infrastructure into an energy production hub. Launched near Neuchâtel, the project involves installing specially designed solar panels between railway tracks. The aim is to generate approximately 100,000 watts of electricity per year for the local electricity grid. 16.000 kWh to produce clean energy and contribute to a sustainable future.
Within the scope of the project, a total of 18 kW with installed capacity 48 removable solar panels The clean electricity generated will primarily help meet the energy needs of nearby homes. However, the ultimate goal of the project is to make rail transport more environmentally friendly by supporting electric train operations across Switzerland.
Fast and Scalable Deployment Technology
Sun-Ways is collaborating with Swiss railway equipment manufacturer Scheuchzer to increase the cost-effectiveness and speed of installation of this innovative project. The collaboration PUMA floor train, per hour Up to 150 pieces This technology enables the solar panel to be placed quickly and precisely between the rails. This technology offers a significantly faster and scalable solution compared to traditional solar panel installation methods.
Flexible and Designed for Railway Operations
Unlike traditional fixed solar panel installations, one of the most important features of the panels developed by Sun-Ways is that removable This feature allows railway maintenance personnel to easily and quickly remove the panels from the tracks during routine track maintenance and repair work. This flexibility ensures that the solar energy system works in full harmony with normal railway operations and does not cause any disruption.
Durable Integration for Harsh Railway Conditions
Sun-Ways engineers specifically designed the solar panel system they developed to withstand the harsh conditions of the railway environment (dirt, debris, mechanical stress, etc.). During the pilot project, which will continue over the next three years, engineers will rigorously test critical parameters such as the panels’ durability, energy efficiency and compatibility with daily rail operations.
Automatic Cleaning with Special Trains
In order to maintain high energy efficiency, specially equipped trains will also be put into operation in the project. The surface of the solar panels between the rails will be cleaned automatically and regularly by means of special brushes on these trains. In this way, it is aimed to prevent performance losses that may arise from dust and dirt.
Contributing to a Greener Railway Future
This groundbreaking technology could fundamentally change the way rail operators use existing infrastructure and transform idle track areas into an active energy generation source. If the pilot project is successful, this innovative approach has the potential to spread beyond Switzerland to other European rail networks.
The concept also supports wider environmental goals by integrating renewable energy production directly into transport systems. This sustainable approach offers the opportunity to significantly increase environmental performance without causing any disruption to rail services.
This remarkable innovation from Sun-Ways cleverly combines clean energy with mobility infrastructure. This pilot clearly demonstrates how the technology can help railways become more energy efficient and support the transition to a climate-neutral transport system.
