Swiss solar panels on railway tracks survive 11,000 trains, generate 16,000 kWh
Swiss startup Sun-Ways has successfully tested a removable solar panel system installed between the tracks of an active railway line. The pilot project has generated 16,000 kWh of electricity while enduring over 11,000 train passages without disrupting operations.
Why it matters
This innovation offers a potential new avenue for renewable energy generation by utilizing existing infrastructure without requiring additional land usage.
A Swiss startup has spent more than a year testing an unusual way to generate renewable energy: placing removable solar panels directly between the rails of an active railway line.At a pilot project in Buttes, Switzerland, more than 11,000 trains have already travelled over the installation, while the system has generated more than 16,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity since May 2025.According to SWI Swissinfo, the installation has remained stable and has not interfered with train operations or railway maintenance during the pilot.The project is being developed by Swiss startup Sun-Ways, which installed 48 photovoltaic panels along a 100-metre section of railway in April 2025.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in