Swiss startup Sun-Ways has launched a pilot project to install solar panels between railway tracks near Neuchâtel, aiming to produce 16,000 kWh of clean energy annually for the local power grid. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Swiss startup Sun-Ways has launched a pilot project to install solar panels between railway tracks near Neuchâtel, aiming to produce 16,000 kWh of clean energy annually for the local power grid.
Photo: Sun-Ways

The project includes 48 removable solar panels with a combined capacity of 18 kW. This electricity will help supply nearby homes and, eventually, may support electric train operations across Switzerland.

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To reduce costs and time, Sun-Ways uses a PUMA laying train from Scheuchzer, capable of installing up to 150 panels per hour. This makes the technology faster and more scalable than earlier methods.

Unlike traditional installations, the panels are detachable, allowing railway workers to remove them easily during track maintenance. This flexibility makes the system compatible with regular rail operations.

Solar Panels Integrated with Rail Infrastructure

Sun-Ways designed the system to survive exposure to dirt, debris, and mechanical stress. Over the next three years, engineers will test the panels for durability, efficiency, and compatibility with daily rail activity.

To maintain high energy yield, specially equipped trains will clean the panels using onboard brushes, preventing loss of performance due to surface contamination.

Solar Panels as Part of a Greener Rail Future

This technology could transform how rail operators use infrastructure, turning unused track space into an energy asset. If successful, it may expand beyond Switzerland to other parts of Europe.

The concept also supports broader environmental goals by integrating renewable energy production directly into transport systems. This approach enhances sustainability without disrupting rail services.

Sun-Ways’ innovation blends clean energy with mobility infrastructure. It shows how technology can help railways become more energy-efficient while supporting the shift to climate-neutral transportation.

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