In a groundbreaking leap for clean energy and infrastructure, Switzerland has launched the world’s first operational solar power system installed directly on active railway tracks. Developed by Swiss startup Sun‑Ways, this pioneering project sets a new global benchmark by converting the unused space between train rails into a renewable energy generator. As nations race toward decarbonization, this innovation could reshape how we integrate solar power within existing infrastructure—without additional land use.
“This will be the first time that solar panels will be installed on a railway track with trains that pass over them,” said Joseph Scuderi, founder and director of Sun‑Ways, Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
How It Works
Sun‑Ways has specially designed removable photovoltaic (PV) panels that fit snugly between the rails. A maintenance train—equipped with a “solar carpet” installation mechanism—is used to lay them out swiftly; one system can install up to 1,000 m² per day. Panels are held securely to withstand trains passing at speeds up to 70 km/h on the pilot site. Anti-reflective coatings and automated cleaning brushes mounted on trains help maintain efficiency.
Removability is key: the panels can be easily lifted, allowing track maintenance and seasonal adjustments with minimal disruption.
Pilot Project Details
The pilot spans a 100-meter section of track near Buttes in Neuchâtel and includes 48 solar panels rated at 385 W each, for a total of 18 kW capacity. Expected to generate around 16 MWh annually—enough to power 4–6 households—the energy is fed into the local grid, about 500 m away. Funded at approximately CHF 585,000 (€620K), this three-year pilot began in spring 2025.
Swiss federal and canton-level authorities, including the Federal Office of Transport, were involved in approvals, testing, and inauguration, with international observers attending the launch.
Vision & Potential
Switzerland’s rail network covers over 5,000 km. If fully equipped with solar panels, it could theoretically generate up to 1 TWh yearly, roughly 2% of the country’s electricity and a substantial portion of rail energy needs. Sun‑Ways plans similar pilots in France, South Korea, Spain, Romania, and beyond, targeting up to 10–20% of global rail networks within a decade.
“If each homeowner installed panels, it would be great—but convincing millions is hard,” explains Scuderi. “Using railways offers speed, ease, and existing infrastructure”.
Technical & Regulatory Challenges
Initial setbacks included objections in 2023 over safety and maintenance concerns, leading to a request for prototypes and data—now addressed with technical collaboration from EPFL and Scheuchzer SA.
Operational risks include dust and debris accumulation, panel durability under vibration, glare hazards for drivers, and snow coverage. Sun‑Ways is tackling these issues with anti-glare coatings, cleaning brushes, and testing in harsh weather conditions over the pilot phase. Community voices are mixed—some applaud innovative land use, while others warn that the energy yield may be modest compared to conventional solar farms.
Strategic Implications
Switzerland’s Energy Strategy 2050 mandates a sevenfold increase in solar capacity by 2035, elevating generation from 6% to significantly higher levels. Railway-based solar is one innovative lever in that strategy, maximizing space and aligning with the country’s goal to decarbonize public transport.
The modular, transportable nature of Sun‑Ways’ system also enables rapid deployment—no need for land acquisition, and easy integration with rail schedules and infrastructure contracts.
Voices from the Field
“We’re already working with HES‑SO Valais to develop a railway smart‑grid that can supply trains directly with solar energy,” said Scuderi at the inauguration
Industry experts believe that if the Swiss pilot proves reliable, then similar installations could rapidly scale worldwide:
“We believe 50% of the world’s railways could be equipped with our system,” said co‑founder Baptiste Danichert
Looking Ahead
Over the next three years, the pilot will collect data on:
Durability under constant rail traffic
Efficiency in various climates and seasons
Maintenance time and cost
Safety regarding glare and track stability
Success could unlock industrial-scale deployment, transforming hundreds of kilometres of rail tracks into solar “corridors.” Even modest installations could significantly contribute to energy goals and environmental targets.
Conclusion
Switzerland’s solar railway pilot charts a bold new path in renewable energy innovation. By harnessing underutilized infrastructure, the country pioneers a versatile model for low-land-footprint solar generation. Navigating technical challenges and regulatory scrutiny, Sun‑Ways aims to prove that renewable energy can ride the rails—literally.
If the pilot succeeds, railway-based solar arrays could help power homes, trains, and entire grids—all without occupying extra land. As global energy systems evolve, Swiss rails may shine not just with traffic, but with sunshine.
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