The Swiss company **Sun-Ways** has inaugurated the **world’s first dismantlable photovoltaic plant** on an **operational railway line**, marking [a milestone in the integration of **solar energy**](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/galicia-impulsa-el-mayor-proyecto-de-energia-solar-marina-del-mundo/) into existing infrastructure.
The event, held in the **mountains of Neuchâtel**, featured the participation of the **Swiss Federal Railways (CFF)**, the **Federal Office of Transport (OFT)**, and delegations from various countries interested in replicating the model.
## An innovative solution to the energy challenge
Switzerland aims to **increase its solar production sevenfold** by **2035**, with the goal of reaching **28 TWh annually**.
However, **available space for new solar plants is limited**.
The **Sun-Ways** project offers an efficient alternative, using:
– **5,000 km of railway tracks** as support without compromising other land uses.
– **Dismantlable panels**, which facilitate installation and maintenance.
## Impact and energy potential
Installing solar panels on railway tracks would allow:
– **Generating up to 1 TWh per year**, enough for **300,000 households**.
– **Covering 30% of Swiss public transport’s electricity needs**.
– **Avoiding the emission of 200,000 tons of CO₂** annually.
– **Contributing 3% to the national solar generation goal**.
## Dismantlable solar plant, a pioneering project worldwide
Unlike previous proposals, the **Sun-Ways** system is:
– **Completely dismantlable**.
– **Designed to operate on active railway lines**.
Since **April 28, 2025**, passenger trains **run over the pilot plant**, allowing the evaluation of the **coexistence between railway traffic and photovoltaic generation**.
## Technical specifications of the pilot plant
The initial project includes:
– **48 solar panels of 385 W each**.
– **Total installed power of 18 kW**.
– **Estimated annual production of 16,000 kWh**.
– **Connection to the public power grid 500 meters from the site**.
Over the next **three years**, factors such as:
– **Panel coating**.
– **Dirt levels and maintenance**.
– **Interaction with railway infrastructure** will be analyzed.
## Rapid installation with PUMA technology
The mounting system is based on the **PUMA machine**, developed by **Scheuchzer SA**, capable of **installing up to 150 panels per hour**, allowing:
– **Rapid and efficient implementation**.
– **Minimal disruption to railway traffic**.
– **Scalability for national and international application**.
## The future of solar energy on rails
This project represents a **new frontier in renewable energies**, by **leveraging existing infrastructures** without affecting:
– **Biodiversity or agricultural soils**.
– **The operation of public transportation**.
Moreover, it facilitates the integration of **railway Smart Grids**, optimizing the **real-time electricity usage**.
With this advancement, **Switzerland positions itself as a leader in the energy transition**, demonstrating that **innovation and sustainability** can go hand in hand.
*Cover photo: Sun-Ways*
