Sun-Ways, a Swiss startup, is set to transform solar energy production in Europe by installing solar panels along train tracks.
The company is waiting for approval from the Federal Office of Transport to start installing its panels near Buttes Station in western Switzerland. With the Swiss national railway network extending beyond 2,000 miles of track, the company estimates that solar panels could generate more than one terawatt hour or 2% of the total annual consumption.
The startup uses a specialized train car to lay down the solar panels, like unrolling a carpet to reduce labor costs. However, the idea has faced some pushback, including concerns that the sun’s reflection off the panels could distract drivers and that the panels could be damaged by dust, debris, or vibrations from the rails.
Despite the challenges, Sun-Ways is taking these factors into account with the design and materials of the panels. The company has also suggested attaching brushes to the undersides of trains to clean the panels as they pass. The company hopes to pave the way for incorporating solar panels into other flat grounds used by industries like canals, pastures, or warehousing.