Swiss Railways Test Solar Panels on Active Train Tracks

Swiss startup Sun-Ways has installed 48 removable solar panels across 100 metres of active railway tracks in Buttes as part of a three-year pilot programme. The innovative system has already proven its durability, with more than 11,000 trains passing over the installation since its deployment in 2025.

The solar panel installation has generated over 16,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity to date, demonstrating the technical feasibility of harnessing renewable energy from railway infrastructure. The removable design allows for easy maintenance and replacement without requiring track closures or service disruptions.

The pilot project is testing a critical hypothesis: whether unused railway space can safely produce renewable energy while maintaining normal train operations. Railway networks across South and Southeast Asia operate extensive track systems that remain unused during off-peak hours, making them potential sites for similar renewable energy initiatives.

If the three-year pilot proves successful, the technology could provide a dual-use solution for railways seeking to reduce their carbon footprint while generating additional revenue from underutilized infrastructure. The project represents a growing trend of integrating renewable energy generation into transportation networks without compromising safety or operational efficiency.