Archive · 15 Aug 2025
Swiss Solar Panels: Experiment to Power Trains
Imagine putting solar panels on the ground next to train tracks.
That's what Switzerland is trying!
They're testing special panels that can be easily moved so the tracks can still be fixed.
These panels catch sunlight and make electricity.
This electricity can power the trains, lights, and signals, or even go to people's homes.
If it works well, it could create a lot of clean energy and help trains run on renewable power!
Switzerland is testing solar panels on railway tracks to generate electricity for trains.
A pilot project in Buttes, Switzerland, uses 48 specially designed solar panels.
Sun-Ways developed the removable panel system to allow for easy track maintenance.
The electricity generated can power the railway, feed the grid, or potentially power trains.
If successful, the system could generate enough energy for 300,000 households.
- Who
- Sun-Ways, a startup founded by Joseph Scuderi, is leading the project.
- What
- A pilot project testing solar panels on railway tracks to generate electricity.
- When
- The project is currently underway.
- Where
- Buttes, Switzerland, on a line operated by transN.
- Why
- To explore the possibility of generating clean energy from unused track space.
Supporters
Not Applicable
Clean Energy Production
Supporters
Renewable Energy
Not Applicable
Not applicable
- Project Cost
- Rs 6.04 crore (585,000 Swiss francs)
- Location
- Buttes, Switzerland
- Technology
- Removable solar panels designed by Sun-Ways
- Panel Quantity
- 48
- Track Length
- 100 metres
- Potential Energy Output
- 1 billion kWh annually
- Households Powered
- 300,000