A Swiss solar technology startup, Sun-Ways, has launched a pilot project to generate sustainable energy by installing solar panels between railway tracks. Under this ₹6.04 crore (585,000 Swiss francs) initiative, 48 solar panels have been deployed on a 100-metre section of railway track in Buttes, a village in western Switzerland.
The idea was conceived by founder Joseph Scuderi in 2020 while waiting at a train station. Following initial rejection in 2023 by the Federal Office of Transport (FOT) over safety concerns, the project was approved after Sun-Ways conducted an independent study to prove that its solar panels would not interfere with train operations or maintenance.
Innovative Removable Solar Panels Transform Railway Tracks into Power Sources
Unlike traditional fixed solar panels, Sun-Ways has developed a removable system that allows easy installation and detachment for track maintenance. Swiss firm Scheuchzer, a track maintenance company, can install or remove nearly 1,000 square metres of panels within hours. The panels function like rooftop systems and are positioned without disrupting the railway infrastructure.
The photovoltaic power generated can be used in three key ways: to power railway infrastructure like signals and stations, to feed energy into the local electricity grid, or most effectively, to supply power directly to the traction network that drives trains. Sun-Ways believes the latter provides the greatest benefit from the pilot project.
Swiss Rail Solar Project Gains Global Attention with Massive Energy Potential
If expanded across Switzerland’s 5,320-kilometre rail network, the system could generate up to one billion kilowatt-hours of solar electricity annually—enough to meet the needs of approximately 300,000 households. The innovation has been praised by officials, including FOT spokesperson Florence Pictet, who highlighted the importance of innovation in public transport and renewable energy.
The success of this project has drawn international interest, with countries like China and the US showing keen interest. Sun-Ways is also working on similar initiatives in South Korea, Spain, and Romania, signalling a potentially transformative global application of rail-based solar energy.
Summary:
Swiss startup Sun-Ways launched a pilot project installing removable solar panels between railway tracks in Buttes. The system, approved after safety validation, can power trains and infrastructure. It could generate one billion kWh annually if expanded nationwide. The innovation has attracted global interest, including from China, the US, and Europe.
