14/05/2025
Switzerland put solar panels between train tracks — and they can power 300,000 homes.
In a pioneering move toward renewable energy, Swiss start-up Sun-Ways has installed solar panels between train tracks near Buttes, in western Switzerland.
This innovative system—designed to be both installed and removed quickly—marks a world first in combining solar power generation with active railway infrastructure. Unlike other rail-based solar efforts, Sun-Ways' panels are fully removable, allowing for uninterrupted train operations and essential track maintenance. With support from the Swiss Agency for Innovation Promotion and several partners, the pilot system aims to demonstrate the viability of using thousands of kilometers of underutilized rail space for clean energy.
If deployed widely, Sun-Ways estimates its system could generate up to 2% of Switzerland's total electricity, powering as many as 300,000 households. The initiative has attracted global attention, with countries like South Korea and the U.S. exploring similar collaborations. While some experts question the long-term efficiency of removable panels, others see huge potential in repurposing built environments rather than consuming undeveloped land. As Switzerland pushes toward a zero-emission future, Sun-Ways offers a bold and scalable model for clean energy production on the rails.
learn more https://www.sun-ways.ch/
