Swiss experimenting with solar panels between the rails

[randyrippley]

Switzerland proposes installing solar panels between railway tracks

Startup Sun-Ways is awaiting approval from the Federal Office of Transport to start implementing a pilot project near the Büttz station, according to the railw

www.railway.supply

Switzerland proposes installing solar panels between railway tracks​

08.06.2023
Startup Sun-Ways is awaiting approval from the Federal Office of Transport to start implementing a pilot project near the Büttz station, according to the railway journal Railway Supply citing Sun-Ways.

The installation of panels is planned to be carried out using a track-laying vehicle developed by the local company Scheuchzer.

It is anticipated that the electricity generated by the panels will be supplied to the local distribution network and provide energy to local housing.

Additionally, Sun-Ways hopes that in the future, the energy generated can be used for train traction.

As noted by the developer, the idea of placing solar panels between railway tracks is not new, but their solution stands out due to the accelerated and cost-effective panel installation process, as well as the ability to remove them during track maintenance.

Furthermore, Sun-Ways envisions the use of an anti-glare coating on the panels. Cleaning of the panels from debris and the like is intended to be performed by brushes installed on the moving train.

Dunno how they'll cope with Swiss snow...

 

[Ken X]

Probably fit brushes to the trains.

 

[HSTEd]

I'm not sure this is really preferable to the Belgian high speed line solution of a shelter over the track with the panels on the roof - where they can get a much better view of the sky and can be worked on with the railway open.

 

[Welly]

About as viable as Solar Roads, Solar Pavements and Solar Cyclepaths, ie not at all viable!