Switzerland is making strides in renewable energy with an innovative solar power project set to light up its railway system! Let’s dive into this exciting development led by Swiss startup Sun-ways.

🌟 Key Highlights

Green Light from Federal Office of Transport ✅ The Swiss government has approved the installation of the first removable solar power plant on a railway line, marking a huge step forward for the country’s sustainability goals. 🌍

Pilot Location 🚉 The pilot project will be deployed on a 100-meter section of the 221 railway line in Neuchâtel, operated by transN, the local public transport company. 🛤️

Solar Power Details ☀️ This system will feature 48 solar panels, each delivering 380W of power, amounting to a total capacity of 18 kW. The generated energy will be injected into the local power grid, helping the community stay powered sustainably. ⚡

Cost of Innovation 💶 The project comes with an estimated cost of €621,800 ($685,920), but the potential return in clean energy is worth every penny. 💡

Partnerships for Success 🤝 Viteos, the local electricity provider, and DG-Rail, experts in railway electrical installations, will be collaborating with Sun-ways to bring this groundbreaking project to life. 🌱

Safety First 🛡️ Thorough technical and safety checks have been conducted to ensure that the system complies with the standards set by the Federal Office of Transport. Since it operates on a live railway, safety is paramount. 🚦

Solving Solar Controversies 🏔️ Sun-ways technology offers a clever solution to the challenges of installing solar panels in the Alps. By using unused railway space, the system avoids interfering with train traffic and maintenance, while delivering green energy. 🛤️🔋

Removable and Versatile 🚂 The solar panels are removable, ensuring that maintenance on the railway lines is not hindered. Installation can be done either manually or mechanically using a specially designed machine by Scheuchzer SA. 👷‍♂️🔧

Continuous Monitoring 🔍 To ensure there are no negative effects on the railway infrastructure, additional tests and measurements will be carried out throughout the operation of this pilot project. 🚆📊

🌞 A Bright Future for Solar-Powered Railways

This exciting initiative not only maximizes the use of unused space but also brings clean energy to Switzerland’s transport sector, blending sustainability with innovation. If successful, this pilot could pave the way for a broader rollout of solar power systems on railway lines across Switzerland and beyond. 🌍