Switzerland Becomes First Country to Install Solar Panels on Railway Tracks

Clean energy innovation now comes from Switzerland. The country known for its precise transportation system has once again made a breakthrough through a pilot project of solar panels on active railway tracks. This project was initiated by Sun-Ways, a Swiss startup that focuses on the development of renewable energy technology.

Different from solar energy projects in general which require special land or building roofs, Sun-Ways presents a unique solution, namely installing solar panels directly between active railway tracks.

The technology used also allows trains to continue operating without interruption, opening up great opportunities for the utilization of infrastructure space that has not been optimally utilized.

"This will be the first time that solar panels have been installed on railway tracks that are passed by trains," said Joseph Scuderi, CEO of Sun-Ways, quoted from ESG News.

In the pilot phase, 48 solar panels will be installed along 100 meters of rail, which is located in the Neuchâtel region, western Switzerland. Where the panels will be installed using a specially designed train by Swiss rail maintenance company Sceuchzer, which is capable of installing up to 1.000 square meters of panels per day.

The results of this power will not be channeled to the railway system due to the complexity of current railway operations. The system is expected to be channeled to local homes because it is estimated to be able to produce 16.000 kWh of electricity per year.

Global Potential

The Sun-Ways project offers a smart solution, using existing infrastructure to add renewable energy capacity, without putting pressure on open space or green spaces.

The potential for this technology is huge. Imagine if just a small portion of the track was equipped with solar panels, the world would have a significant additional source of clean energy, without harming the environment.

And if this project is successful and widely replicated, it is possible that we will see railways around the world become not just travel routes, but clean energy routes of the future. Cool, right?

The World’s First Solar Powered Train, Interested in Trying It?

In an effort to face the challenges of climate change and dependence on fossil fuels, innovation in the field of transportation has become very important. One interesting solution is the development of solar-powered trains. Based on the ever-evolving renewable energy technology, these trains offer the potential to change the paradigm of transportation as a whole.

Solar-powered trains are a concept that combines solar energy technology with mass transportation systems. By utilizing solar energy as the main source, these trains offer an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution.

Previously, #TemanSEInergi did you know the name and where the first solar-powered train in the world is? Let's discuss it!

Solar Powered Train

Yaaps #TemanSEInergi, the first solar-powered train in the world is in Australia, called the Byron Solar Train. In fact, the company that produces this solar-powered train is also the first train company in the world! The name is Byron Bay Railroad Company.

This company has succeeded in creating a train that uses 100 percent solar power. Wow, cool, right? (When will Indonesia have a solar-powered train? Hehe, hopefully there will be).

Operating since December 2017, this environmentally friendly train has two carriages and is equipped with flexible solar panels on the roof of the train and can generate up to 6.5kW of power which is intended for charging the train's battery.

There are also a number of PV solar panels on the roof of the train storage warehouse that can generate up to 30kW more which is also connected by cables to recharge the train's battery.

The train tracks that are used as train tracks are about 3 kilometers long. Not only that, this train can also provide 100 seats and a special room for standing passengers. Amazingly, this train can travel 12 to 15 times in one battery charging process. How can it be that economical? Here and here, let me know.

So in addition to the installed solar panels, this train is also equipped with a regenerative braking system that converts the traction motor into a generator when braking to recharge the battery. All equipment on the train is powered by Lithium-ion batteries including traction power, lighting, air compressors, and control circuits. To reduce electricity consumption, all lighting has been replaced with LEDs.

This company has also won various awards, one of which is the Rail Sustainability 2018 at the Australasia Rail Association Awards in recognition of its efforts to reuse railway infrastructure and facilities and to bring to life the world's first conventional solar-powered train.

The presence of the Bryon Solar Train as the world's first solar-powered train has brought hope for a more environmentally friendly and innovative future of transportation. By continuing to develop and adopt technology like this, we can create a cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable transportation system for future generations.

So, are you interested in trying this train?