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In Switzerland, the expansion of solar energy has been hindered by local opposition and limited space availability. To meet climate goals, Switzerland needs to increase its solar energy output seven-fold by 2035. However, the scarcity of land for large-scale solar panel installations has posed a significant challenge in scaling up solar energy production. Many proposed solar projects, especially those planned for construction in the Alps, have faced difficulties due to concerns over land use, aesthetics, and environmental impact.
A Swiss company, Sun-Ways, has devised a groundbreaking solution to address the issue of where to locate industrial-scale solar farms. By utilizing Switzerland’s extensive railway infrastructure, Sun-Ways has developed a system that integrates solar panels between the tracks. This innovative approach has attracted interest from various countries, including France, Belgium, Israel, Indonesia, and South Korea. The first railtrack solar farm was successfully activated in April in Switzerland’s Neuchâtel canton, demonstrating the potential for generating electricity equivalent to that of multiple domestic rooftop solar arrays.
Sun-Ways’ founder, Joseph Scuderi, came up with the idea for railtrack solar panels in 2020 when he noticed the unused space between train tracks. Despite facing numerous challenges, Scuderi believes that this innovation should be viewed as complementary to other solar installations. The company is currently conducting a three-year testing phase to assess the panels’ durability against passing trains and their impact on railway operations. If implemented across Switzerland’s rail network, this innovative approach could generate enough electricity to power up to 30,000 households, marking just the beginning of a potentially transformative shift towards solar-powered rail systems.
While the potential benefits of integrating solar panels into railway tracks are significant, there is still ongoing testing and development to ensure the feasibility and sustainability of this approach. With the promise of reducing CO2 emissions, meeting energy transition targets, and utilizing untapped land resources, the railway solar panel initiative holds promise for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future
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