In a remarkable stride towards sustainable energy solutions, Switzerland’s Federal Office of Transport (FOT) has sanctioned a pioneering project by Swiss startup Sun-ways.
This venture marks the nation’s first foray into deploying a removable solar power plant on an active railway line.
The project will see the installation of a pilot photovoltaic (PV) system with an 18 kW capacity on a 100-meter section of the 221 railway line in the canton of Neuchâtel.
This stretch is operated by transN, a local public transport company.
The proposed system will include 48 solar panels, each boasting a 380 W output, injecting clean energy directly into the local grid.
Collaborative efforts involve local electricity provider Viteos and DG-Rail, a company specializing in railway electrical installations.
With a projected cost of €621,800 ($685,920), Sun-ways aims to begin the deployment next year.
Initially, the FOT hesitated, rejecting the project due to a lack of technical references.
However, Sun-ways, backed by industrial partners, engaged two mechanics professors from the Haute Ecole d’Ingénierie et de Gestion du Canton de Vaud (HEIG-VD).
Their independent assessment, followed by a comprehensive safety analysis by Geste Engineering, confirmed the project’s compatibility with stringent safety criteria.
This was crucial since the pilot installation will take place on a fully operational railway line.
According to Sun-ways, this initiative addresses increasing debates over solar installations in the Alps by utilizing unused spaces without disrupting train schedules or interfering with track maintenance and inspection.
Their technology notably supports the vital expansion of solar energy production in Switzerland.
Unique to this system is its removable solar panel design, developed in conjunction with Scheuchzer SA, a railway maintenance expert.
This design allows for easy manual or mechanical installation, with the capability of fitting up to 1,000 square meters of panels daily.
Moreover, the panels can be detached for maintenance as necessary.
The FOT’s authorization comes with several technical conditions aimed at mitigating any possible adverse effects on the railway infrastructure.
Throughout the pilot project’s operation, additional tests and measurements will be conducted to ensure compatibility.
This includes removal and installation tests overseen by RM voie ferrée, a company renowned for railway safety and inspections.
The advancement of Sun-ways’ project could set a precedent for future solar energy deployments, optimizing unutilized spaces while fostering environmental sustainability.
As this venture progresses, it holds promise for a significant boost in green energy production, setting an example for global renewable energy innovations.