Switzerland has officially unveiled the world’s first solar power plant installed directly on an operational railway line, marking a major step forward in renewable energy innovation. The pilot facility, developed by Swiss start-up Sun-Ways, is located in the Neuchâtel mountains and was launched in the presence of national and international dignitaries.
As Switzerland works towards its target of producing 28 terawatt-hours (TWh) from solar power by 2035, a sevenfold increase from current levels, innovative uses of space have become essential. With land availability for large solar farms becoming limited, the country’s 5,000 kilometres of railway lines offer a vast and underutilised resource.
Sun-Ways' system is designed to fit between railway tracks without disrupting train operations. The pilot installation features 48 solar panels, each generating 385 watts, for a combined output of 18 kilowatts. This translates to an estimated annual production of 16,000 kilowatt-hours, with energy fed into the public grid 500 metres away.
On a national scale, widespread adoption of this railway-based solar technology could generate up to 1 TWh of power annually, enough to supply electricity to around 300,000 households. It could also provide up to 30% of the energy needed for public transport, potentially offsetting 200,000 tonnes of CO? emissions every year.
The project will now enter a three-year testing phase, during which researchers will assess the solar panels' durability, resistance to dirt and debris, and compatibility with railway operations.
During the launch, Scheuchzer SA also demonstrated an innovative machine named PUMA. It can install up to 150 solar panels per hour, enabling rapid deployment of solar arrays along rail tracks. Interest in rail-based solar energy is growing elsewhere. In the UK, both Govia Thameslink Railway and South Western Railway have already begun integrating solar power into their infrastructure, highlighting the global relevance of such solutions for a greener transport future.
