A world first! The track is covered with a solar "carpet" and green energy reaches the home
发布时间：2024-10-28 20:04:57
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Switzerland is a leader in clean energy, and the track "solar carpet", developed by the start-up Sun-Waysin cooperation with the Switzerland Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), will start trial operation on one of the tracks in Neuchâtel in 2025. The project can utilize existing rail infrastructure to retrofit solar power generation, providing a scalable and environmentally friendly solution without the need for additional land.
A first-of-its-kind solar panel system designed to run railway tracks, with a removable feature for easy maintenance.
The pilot project in Neuchâtel will generate 16,000 kWh per year from 2025, supplying electricity to local households.
This scalable system could eventually generate 100 million kWh of solar energy per year to meet 2% of Switzerland's energy needs.
Revolutionary Solar "Carpet"
Sun-Ways' technology allows solar panels to be installed between the tracks, allowing the train to pass smoothly. "This is the first time that solar panels have been installed on the tracks that the train passes by." Joseph Suderi, CEO of Sun-Ways, stated. The panels will be laid using trains specially designed by the Switzerland track maintenance company Scheuchzer and can install up to 1,000 square meters of panels per day.
Joseph Scuderi, CEO of Sun-Ways.One of the main features of the system is its demountability, which solves the main infrastructure hurdles of previous solar projects. The solar panels can be quickly removed for necessary maintenance. "Detachable innovation is critical,"adds Suderi, highlighting how this solves the long-standing barrier to the use of solar panels on railways.
Game-changing pilot projects
The three-year pilot project will start in the spring of 2025, when solar panels will be installed on a section of track near the 100-meter Nachtelbutz station. Sun-Ways expects the system to generate 16,000kWh of electricity per year, enough to power local homes. Funding from 585,000 Switzerland francs (€623,000) for the project aims to demonstrate the potential of solar panels to be integrated into the railway network.However, due to the complexity of current railway operations, this electricity will not be fed into the rail system. "The electricity generated by the photovoltaic system will be fed into the grid and used to supply electricity to the home." Scuderi confirms, highlighting the broader impact of this innovation.
Global potential
Sun-Ways' grand plans go far beyond Switzerland. Co-founder Baptiste · Danichette outlines the huge potential: "There are more than a million kilometers of railway lines around the world. We believe that 50% of the world's railways can be equipped with our systems. He said. This could convert a significant portion of the world's rail infrastructure into renewable energy, with 1 terawatt-hour (TWh) of solar energy produced annually in Switzerland alone, enough to cover 2% of the country's total energy needs.
Baptiste Danichert, co-founder of Sun-WaysIn addition to the Neuchâtel project, Sun-Ways is undertaking a feasibility study for a larger scale installation on a private rail line in Aigle. The company is also exploring international opportunities in Spain, Romania, Korea and Australia, marking the global scalability of this innovation.
Overcoming challenges
Despite the project's great potential, it still faces skepticism. The International Union of Railways raised concerns about panel durability, potential microcracks, and fire risks. Some critics also worry that the reflection can distract train drivers. In response, Scuderi explained, Sun-Ways is working on improving panels with anti-reflective surfaces and reinforcements. "We've developed panels that are more durable than traditional panels and may include anti-reflective filters."People are also worried about weather conditions. Some critics have pointed out that snow and ice may affect the performance of solar panels. However, Sun-Ways is actively developing solutions. "We're working on a system to melt freeze the sediment and make sure it runs efficiently all year round. We will take your concerns seriously and address them one by one. “
