Solar Panels on Railway Tracks | Sun-Ways Switzerland vs. Indian Railways Varanasi Pilot Introduction: A New Frontier in Solar Energy As...
Solar Panels on Railway Tracks | Sun-Ways Switzerland vs. Indian Railways Varanasi Pilot
Introduction: A New Frontier in Solar Energy
As global demand for renewable energy grows, innovators are looking at unused spaces to deploy solar panels. One of the most ambitious concepts is the installation of solar panels on railway tracks. Instead of occupying large tracts of agricultural or urban land, this model uses the space between railway tracks to generate clean electricity.
Two major pilot projects are leading this concept worldwide:
- Sun-Ways in Switzerland – introducing a patented “solar carpet” rolled out between tracks.
- Indian Railways’ pilot at Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi – deploying removable bifacial solar modules between tracks.
This article provides a deep comparative analysis of these projects, their technology, pros and cons, and what needs improvement before mass adoption.
Why Rail Tracks for Solar Panels?
Railways run through thousands of kilometers of open space. Traditionally, this land has gone unused for power generation. Installing solar panels between tracks can:
- Save land acquisition costs (critical in land-scarce countries like India).
- Leverage existing grid connectivity since railways are already electrified.
- Add capacity density – even 1 km of track could potentially host over 200 kWp of solar panels.
- Support decarbonization goals, as both Switzerland and India have ambitious net-zero plans.
Sun-Ways Switzerland Solar Project
Sun-Ways, a Swiss startup, has pioneered the idea of a removable solar carpet installed directly between tracks.
Key Features
- Installation method: A special train lays the panels mechanically, like rolling out a carpet.
- Removability: Panels can be rolled up for track maintenance like tamping or repair.
- Pilot scale: ~100 meters of track with ~18 kW capacity in western Switzerland.
- Durability: Tested for train speeds up to 150 km/h and wind speeds up to 240 km/h.
- Glare mitigation: Anti-reflective coatings to avoid distracting train drivers.
This system focuses on speed of deployment, scalability, and minimizing human labor.
Indian Railways Solar Project – Varanasi Pilot
In August 2025, Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi, commissioned India’s first between-track solar pilot.
Project Details
- Length: 70 meters of track fitted.
- Capacity: 15 kWp using 28 bifacial mono PERC modules.
- Mounting system: Solar modules are fixed using rubber vibration pads and epoxy bonding, with stainless steel bolts for easy removal.
- Estimated potential: ~220 kWp per km of track, generating up to 880 kWh/day/km.
This project focuses on adaptability in Indian conditions – heat, dust, monsoon waterlogging, and high train traffic.
Sun-Ways vs. Indian Railways: A Comparative Analysis
Challenges of Solar on Railway Tracks
Despite its promise, this technology faces several hurdles:
- Track Maintenance (Tamping): Rail tracks require periodic tamping; panels must be removed quickly.
- Vibration & Load Stress: Passing trains create shocks that may cause micro-cracks in solar cells.
- Dust, Debris & Waterlogging: Railway corridors accumulate oil, leaves, mud, and water.
- Glare & Safety: Improper reflection can interfere with drivers and signals.
- Electrical Safety: High DC voltage systems must be secured against rail return currents and monsoon floods.
- Economics: Compared to rooftop or ground-mounted solar, between-track PV may have higher O&M costs.
Solutions & Improvements Needed
- Quick-release mounting systems to speed up maintenance.
- Railway-specific PV testing standards for vibration, ballast impact, and water exposure.
- Hydrophobic/anti-soiling coatings to reduce cleaning cycles.
- Fire & arc fault detection systems to improve safety.
- Standardized designs for interoperability across networks.
Future Potential of Railway Solar Projects
- For Switzerland: If successful, Sun-Ways could scale across Europe, powering both railway operations and feeding local grids.
- For India: With over 67,000 km of railway lines, even if 10% were utilized, India could unlock 15 GW+ of solar capacity without acquiring land.
However, experts suggest starting with yards, sidings, and low-speed sections before expanding to high-speed corridors.
FAQs on Solar Panels Between Railway Tracks
Q1: Do solar panels affect train safety?
No, they are installed between rails and do not interfere with train wheels. However, strong fixing and vibration isolation are crucial.
Q2: How much energy can 1 km of solar track generate?
In India, ~220 kWp capacity per km could generate 300–320 MWh annually, enough to power ~100 rural homes.
Q3: What about cleaning during monsoons?
Hydrophobic coatings and mechanized brush systems are being tested (Sun-Ways has proposed cleaning brushes).
Conclusion
Solar panels on railway tracks represent a promising but experimental innovation. Switzerland’s Sun-Ways project showcases mechanized scalability, while Indian Railways’ BLW Varanasi pilot highlights adaptation for local conditions.
For now, this model is best suited for railway yards and depots, but with improvements in mounting, maintenance, and durability, it can grow into a significant contributor to green railways and net-zero goals.
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