On April 24, 2025, the Swiss startup Sun-Ways inaugurated what is claimed to be the world’s first removable solar power plant, designed for use on active railway tracks, in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. This groundbreaking installation has the potential to improve solar energy production, offering an innovative response to growing global energy demands and land scarcity. Local officials and international delegations from countries like France, Israel, and South Korea attended the event, underscoring global interest in the project.
Reimagining energy production
Installed in the unused space between railroad tracks, the power plant uses photovoltaic panels to harness solar energy without competing for traditional land use. The system incorporates 48 solar panels, each generating 385 watts, with an estimated annual output of 16,000 kWh. Uniquely removable, the system is compatible with the existing railway infrastructure and can be deployed or removed quickly using a specialized rail-mounted machine developed by Scheuchzer SA.
Key goals of the project include covering 30% of Switzerland’s public transportation electricity needs and reducing annual CO2 emissions by 200,000 tons. The project holds the potential to scale up significantly, with estimates suggesting the country’s 5,000 km of tracks could accommodate up to 2.5 million solar panels.
A global perspective on solar innovation
The concept of trackside solar energy is not entirely new. Similar efforts have been pursued in countries like the Netherlands, where rail companies have explored using solar panels alongside tracks. Projects in India and the United Kingdom aim to integrate solar into transit systems, though often with non-removable installations. Sun-Ways pioneers the next step in innovation with its modular and detachable design, addressing maintenance concerns while maximizing economic flexibility.
Sun-Ways navigates a competitive renewable energy landscape, sharing the space with established solar innovators like Aventron and HEPA Solar. International companies such as Renewable Energy Systems have also expanded solar infrastructure more broadly, focusing on large-scale and ground-mounted systems. What sets Sun-Ways apart is its emphasis on optimizing underutilized urban spaces, presenting a scalable model for countries facing land constraints.
Why this matters
For businesses, Sun-Ways’ technology provides an efficient way to integrate renewable energy into urban settings, diversifying power sources. For individuals, the project represents a step toward cleaner air, a stable grid, and long-term energy security. Beyond environmental benefits, such innovations could eventually lower public transport costs as energy self-sufficiency increases.
Previously reported: Sun-Ways Utilizes Train Track Spaces for Solar Panels
Passenger trains will begin running over the panels on April 28, marking the start of a three-year trial to assess safety, durability, and compatibility under operating conditions. If successful, this technology could inspire widespread adoption, both within Switzerland and globally. While early in its lifecycle, Sun-Ways has already demonstrated that solar innovation doesn’t require new land; sometimes, it just takes a fresh look at what’s ready there.
Photo credit: The images shown are owned by Sun-Ways and have been provided for usage via email.
Source: The press release was sent to us directly from Sun-Ways.
