SNCF Tests Innovative Solar Panels on Train Tracks for Energy Efficiency

SNCF is testing solar panels on unused train tracks to explore new energy solutions. AREP, its subsidiary, deployed a reversible solar power plant for six months of performance testing. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

This innovative system arrives in ISO containers that include inverters, batteries, and mounting equipment. The French railway operator, possessing vast land, is exploring new ways to maximize solar power.

Don’t miss…Northrail Invests €270 Million to Expand Locomotive Fleet

The initiative, called the Solveig project, began formal testing on January 17 at Achères. Engineers placed eight solar panels there to evaluate performance and reliability over six months.

SNCF’s New Solar Energy Solution

AREP designed this portable solar-plus-storage plant to be easily installed and relocated along tracks. The entire system, transported via road or rail, fits within standard shipping containers.

AREP’s innovation director, Alistair Lenczner, highlighted the project’s unique logistics for efficient deployment. The system’s modular nature allows rapid setup and removal without requiring major construction.

To install the solar panels, AREP uses a telescopic arm for precision placement on the rails. This setup secures the panels, preventing wind-related damage while ensuring optimal sun exposure.

Future of Solar Power at SNCF

This solar solution eliminates the need for permanent foundations, making it ideal for temporary power generation. The flexibility of installation allows it to serve a range of energy demands efficiently.

Future developments will focus on boosting efficiency and cutting costs while maintaining operational simplicity. However, AREP has not yet announced a timeline for scaling the project to industrial levels.

Currently, the system powers internal railway operations and supports limited local energy needs. Further studies will determine its feasibility for wider distribution based on market conditions.

Lenczner believes the containerized approach enables global scalability, adapting well to different transport networks. The standard design offers export potential across Europe and beyond, making expansion viable.

Source: www.pv-magazine.com

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…CZ Loko to Modernize Shunting Locomotives for CD Cargo by 2027