[ECO]Solar Train Track to be Installed in Switzerland

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The Sun-Ways project integrates solar train track systems with removable PV panels on railway tracks, advancing renewable energy and sustainability.

A pioneering removable photovoltaic system designed to harness solar energy from railway tracks will undergo testing in Switzerland next spring, marking a significant advancement in renewable energy infrastructure. This development comes amidst growing interest in integrating solar-powered train technologies to maximize renewable energy adoption.

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has secured approval for a three-year pilot project in Neuchâtel canton, introducing a novel approach to expanding solar power generation across existing transportation networks.

This project shows the growing interest and investment in innovative solutions that maximize the use of existing infrastructure for sustainable energy production. The effort to merge transportation and renewable energy, including solar train track systems, is driven by the increasing demand for green energy solutions and the pressing need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Sun-Ways’ approach presents a promising avenue to achieve these goals while addressing the challenges typically associated with integrating renewable energy systems into densely utilized infrastructure.

The pilot will be conducted on a 100-meter section of track operated by transN, Switzerland’s regional public transport provider. This location was selected based on factors such as traffic patterns, maintenance requirements, and access to the local power grid. The project, with an estimated investment of CHF 585,000 (approximately $623,000), aims to validate the technical, economic, and environmental viability of the system before scaling up to larger installations. The project also aims to assess its integration with train infrastructure, potentially enhancing future renewable energy rail systems.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Sun-Ways project is its unique installation process. Unlike traditional solar panels, which require permanent fixtures, this system utilizes a removable design that allows panels to be quickly installed and removed as needed. The installation is carried out by a custom-designed train developed in partnership with Swiss track maintenance firm Scheuchzer. This train is equipped with a piston mechanism that deploys pre-assembled solar panels directly onto the railway tracks, providing an innovative solution for enhancing solar train track technology.

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Implementing the Sun Ways technology across Switzerland’s 5,317km railway network could produce 2% of the country’s electrical energy annually. Image courtesy Sun Ways.

The system achieves impressive installation rates of up to 1,000 square meters of solar train track per day. This efficiency is critical for minimizing disruption to railway operations and ensuring the feasibility of large-scale deployment. The panels themselves are one meter wide and are manufactured locally to meet strict durability and safety specifications. Each panel is designed to withstand the dynamic forces and environmental conditions associated with railway operations, further enhancing their compatibility with solar powered train initiatives.

A key feature of the Sun-Ways system is its removable nature, which addresses a significant operational challenge: regular track maintenance. Traditional fixed solar installations would impede maintenance activities, requiring additional resources and time for removal and reinstallation. In contrast, the Sun-Ways system can be quickly disassembled, providing maintenance crews with unobstructed access to the tracks. This design not only reduces operational complexity but also enhances the overall cost-effectiveness of the system. This approach could significantly benefit solar train track systems by facilitating easier integration with existing railway networks.

To ensure safety, the panels include several innovative features. They are designed with enhanced durability to withstand the weight and vibrations of passing trains. Anti-reflection coatings prevent glare that could distract train operators or passengers. The system also integrates advanced sensors for performance monitoring, ensuring that any issues, such as reduced efficiency or mechanical damage, are promptly identified and addressed. These features are critical for ensuring the reliable operation of solar train track infrastructure.

Automated cleaning mechanisms further enhance the system’s reliability. Brushes attached to passing trains clean the panels, removing dust, debris, and other contaminants that could reduce energy generation. Additionally, Sun-Ways is developing specialized technologies to manage weather-related challenges, such as snow and ice accumulation. These systems will actively melt frozen precipitation, maintaining consistent energy output even in Switzerland’s alpine climate. Such innovations are pivotal for the long-term viability of solar train track train projects in diverse weather conditions.

The energy generation potential of the Sun-Ways system is substantial. According to the company’s estimates, implementing the technology across Switzerland’s 5,317-kilometer railway network could produce approximately one terawatt-hour (TWh) of solar energy annually. This amount represents roughly 2 percent of the country’s total energy consumption, equivalent to the energy needs of approximately 300,000 households. The panels will feed electricity directly into the local power grid, supporting residential energy demands and enhancing the efficiency of solar train track operations.

The potential environmental benefits extend beyond energy production. By utilizing existing railway infrastructure, the system avoids the land use conflicts that often accompany large-scale solar installations. The project exemplifies a sustainable approach to energy generation, leveraging underutilized spaces to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation networks. This aligns seamlessly with global efforts to develop solar train track technologies that prioritize sustainability.

The development of the Sun-Ways system is the result of extensive collaboration between the company and leading research institutions. One of its key partners is EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), a prestigious Swiss federal technology institute. EPFL has played a crucial role in addressing technical challenges, refining the design, and validating the system’s feasibility. The partnership has also resulted in multiple patents, ensuring the technology’s uniqueness and intellectual property protection.

The project’s success could pave the way for similar initiatives worldwide. Sun-Ways has already begun exploring opportunities in other countries, including Spain, Romania, and South Korea. Co-founder Baptiste Danichert estimates that approximately 50 percent of the world’s railway infrastructure, which spans over one million kilometers, could potentially accommodate their system. This global applicability underscores the transformative potential of the technology, particularly for integrating solar train track systems into diverse railway networks.

The Sun-Ways project is part of a broader trend of integrating renewable energy systems into unconventional surfaces. Similar initiatives include solar installations on roadways, over reservoirs, and within agricultural spaces. Some companies are even investigating the possibility of embedding PV elements directly into railway sleepers. However, Sun-Ways’ removable system stands out for its operational flexibility and scalability, making it a promising model for solar train applications.

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If successful, this pilot project could set new standards for combining renewable energy generation with transportation infrastructure. The results will provide valuable insights into key metrics such as energy generation efficiency, durability under real-world conditions, maintenance requirements, and economic viability. These findings will be critical for guiding future projects and informing policy decisions related to renewable energy deployment.

As the pilot progresses, industry stakeholders will closely monitor its outcomes, eager to understand its potential for large-scale implementation. If successful, the project could create a new paradigm for sustainable transportation systems, demonstrating that innovative thinking and collaboration can lead to meaningful advancements in the fight against climate change. By proving the viability of solar train track systems, the Sun-Ways initiative could inspire similar projects globally, contributing to a greener future for rail transport.

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