Not just photovoltaic panels on roofs: the new frontier of clean energy runs on tracks.
In Switzerland, theFederal Office of Transport has given the green light to an innovative pilot project that will transform a stretch of railway into a photovoltaic power plant.
The startup Sun-Ways will install removable solar panels along 100 meters of the 221 railway line in the canton of Neuchâtel. The goal? Produce clean energy for power the railway infrastructure And contribute to the energy transition.
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The idea of installing solar panels on tracks may seem simple, but implementing it presents several challenges. First of all, the panels must be resistant to passing trains and vibrations. Secondly, they must be easily removable to allow maintenance of the railway line.
Sun-Ways has solved these problems with a innovative attachment system that guarantees stability and flexibility. The panels, pre-assembled in the workshop, can be installed manually or with a special machine capable of installing up to 1,000 square meters per day.
Clean energy for the railway network
The pilot plant, composed of 48 380W solar panels, will have an installed power of 18 kWp and an estimated production of 16,000 kWh per year. The energy produced will be fed into the local gridhelping to power the rail infrastructure.
The Swiss pilot project, with a cost of 621,800 euros entirely financed by the partners, inevitably raises questions about its economic feasibility and effectiveness.
One of the first doubts concerns the cost of the energy produced. Sun Ways estimates a cost of around 0.10 francs per kWha competitive value compared to other renewable energy sources. However, you need to consider that this is a pilot project, and costs may vary in case of large-scale installations.
Another crucial aspect is maintenance. How to guarantee the cleanliness of the panels and their efficiency over time?
Sun-Ways has developed a automated cleaning systemintegrated on trains, which is activated during the passage of the means of transport. The effectiveness of this system in adverse weather conditions, such as snow or ice, which could compromise energy production, especially in the winter months, remains to be evaluated.
Regarding safety, Sun-Ways ensures that the panel coupling system is designed to withstand the passage of high-speed trains (up to 150 km/h) and strong winds (up to 240 km/h). Additionally, the company has planned a anti-reflection filter to avoid glare of train drivers. However, it will be necessary to carefully monitor the behavior of the system over time to ensure the safety of the railway infrastructure.
Finally, it is important to consider the environmental impact of the entire life cycle of the project, from the production of the panels to their disposal. Sun-Ways uses standard panels, but it is essential to evaluate the ecological footprint of their production and transport, as well as possible solutions for their recycling at the end of their life.
A future on photovoltaic rails?
The Swiss pilot project is just the beginning. Sun-Ways has already started collaborations with SNCF in France, Spain, Romania and South Korea, and is evaluating projects in China, Thailand, Australia and the United States. Solar rails represent an innovative and promising solution for clean energy production. Integrated into existing railway infrastructure, they have the potential to contribute to the energy transition and more sustainable mobility.
