Sun-Ways Expands 100-Meter Solar Railway to Italy and South Korea After 16,000-kWh Trial
Updated
Updated · Euronews · Jul 5
Sun-Ways Expands 100-Meter Solar Railway to Italy and South Korea After 16,000-kWh Trial
3 articles · Updated · Euronews · Jul 5
Summary
Sun-Ways signed a collaboration deal for an Italian pilot and won South Korean government approval after its Swiss solar railway produced about 16,000 kWh in its first year.
The 100-meter Buttes test line, fitted with 48 panels totaling 18 kWp, performed well enough that a permanent installation on the Swiss track is now likely.
Sun-Ways said the plant worked without special maintenance, using tougher anti-reflective panels, built-in sensors and train-mounted brushes to address safety and durability concerns.
The company estimates flat track-mounted panels lose only about 10% of output and says a nationwide rollout across Switzerland's 5,317-km rail network could generate roughly 1 TWh a year.
That expansion push now extends beyond Switzerland, with talks also underway with companies in the Netherlands, China, India and Singapore.
With solar railways expanding beyond Switzerland, can this technology scale up affordably to truly power entire nations?
Beyond a short trial, can solar railways withstand the long-term risks of weather, wear, and operational disruption?
From Swiss Pilot to Global Rollout: Sun-Ways’ Removable Solar Railway Technology Produces 16,000 kWh per Year
Overview
Sun-Ways' removable solar railway technology is attracting global attention thanks to its successful pilot project in Buttes, Switzerland. This world-first installation, launched in June 2025, features solar panels placed between railway tracks, allowing trains to pass as usual while generating clean energy. The pilot’s promising results have sparked strong interest from countries like France, Italy, and across Asia. By using existing railway space for solar power, Sun-Ways addresses a major challenge in expanding renewable energy infrastructure worldwide, offering an innovative solution that combines efficient land use with sustainable electricity generation.