A breakthrough rail-based innovation could significantly increase solar energy production in Switzerland, where local resistance and limited space have stalled solar expansion. A Swiss company has proposed a unique and efficient solution to site industrial solar farms, turning railways into power plants.
The ambitious goal set by Switzerland is to increase its solar energy output by seven times by 2035 to meet climate goals. However, the scarcity of land for large-scale photovoltaic (PV) plants presents a monumental challenge. Solar projects often face controversy due to concerns over land use, aesthetics, and environmental impact. Approximately a third of the proposed projects have been halted due to local opposition, bureaucratic processes, or funding issues.
The Swiss solar developer, Sun-Ways, has engineered a solution to leverage Switzerland’s extensive 5,000-kilometer railway network. They have designed solar panels that fit between the tracks. In April, the world’s first railway track-based solar farm began operations. Representatives from countries like France, Belgium, Israel, Indonesia, and South Korea, interested in the innovative technology, observed the launch.
Located in the mountainous Neuchâtel canton in western Switzerland, the test site comprises 48 panels capable of generating an annual 16k kWh. This output roughly equals to four domestic rooftop arrays’ yearly output. Furthermore, a machine that can install up to 150 of Sun-Ways’ panels per hour was showcased at the launch, highlighting the project’s scalability potential.
Joseph Scuderi, the founder of Sun-Ways, was inspired to utilize the unused space between train tracks for solar energy production in 2020. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Scuderi’s vision materialized after five years. He emphasizes that this innovation should not be seen as a competitor to other PV installations, but as a complementary solution. While persuading homeowners to install solar panels on their roofs needs to convince millions, installing panels on the railways requires agreement from a few key stakeholders in each territory.
A three-year testing period is now underway to evaluate the panels’ durability and their effect on railway infrastructure and operations. If implemented across Switzerland’s rail network, the innovation could generate enough electricity to power up to 30,000 households. “This is just the beginning,” says Scuderi. “We’re already working on a railway Smart Grid to supply trains directly with solar energy.”
Photography: sun-ways.ch
The facts:
- 30% of Swiss public transport’s electricity needs could be met by installing solar panels on the country’s 5,000km of track.
- 200k tonnes of CO2 could be saved annually.
- 3% of Switzerland’s energy transition target would be met.
- 1,000,000 sq km of unused land currently lies between railway tracks worldwide.
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