Switzerland is taking significant steps in clean energy with a new project that installs removable solar panels on active railway tracks. This initiative is developed by a start-up company called Sun-Ways, in partnership with the Swiss federal technology institute, EPFL. They plan to test this innovative system on a railway track in Neuchâtel in 2025.
This project could change the way solar energy is generated by using existing railway infrastructure. Instead of needing new land for solar farms, these panels can be placed directly on railway tracks that are already in use. This approach makes the solution both scalable and environmentally friendly.
The idea behind this project is to make use of the vast railway network in Switzerland. By placing solar panels on tracks, the country can generate a significant amount of clean energy without the need for extra space. This is especially important in a country like Switzerland, where land is valuable and often difficult to come by.
The solar panels designed by Sun-Ways are removable, which means they can be taken off when necessary, such as for track maintenance. This flexibility makes the system practical and easy to manage.
If successful, this project could set a precedent for other countries to follow. Many countries have extensive railway networks that could be used in a similar way to generate solar power. This would not only help in reducing carbon emissions but also make the most of existing infrastructure.
