Switzerland generates electricity from railway tracks

Switzerland is pioneering a world-first initiative to transform active railway tracks into solar power plants by installing removable solar panels between the rails without disrupting train operations.

This pilot project, led by the Swiss startup Sun-Ways, began in 2025 on a 100-meter stretch near Buttes in the canton of Neuchâtel and involves 48 photovoltaic panels producing around 16,000 kWh annually, enough to power local homes rather than the railway itself.

The system is innovative because the solar panels are designed to be quickly installed and removed, allowing for easy maintenance and ensuring no interference with train traffic.

It uses otherwise unused space along railways to generate clean energy without requiring additional land, addressing land scarcity challenges for solar farms in Switzerland.

This project aligns with Switzerland’s commitment to expanding renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.

It demonstrates a scalable and sustainable model for integrating solar energy into existing infrastructure, with potential for global adoption, as interest has already arisen from countries like France, Spain, South Korea, China, and the United States.

Challenges such as panel soiling and mechanical stress from trains are still under evaluation, but initial assessments confirm technical and economic feasibility, showing promise for long-term success in making railway networks dual-purpose for transport and clean energy generation.

Switzerland’s solar railway project exemplifies how clever design can make everyday infrastructure more productive and environmentally friendly, setting a new standard for sustainable energy integration worldwide.