Home Solution Rail-Deployable Solar Carpet System
Switzerland

Rail-Deployable Solar Carpet System

Clean energy - Solar

Efficient renewable energy generation along railway tracks

Contact

Logo

Sun‑Ways

Company Established Year

Since 2022

Who is this solution for

Govt, Business, NGO

Info

Available

To sell

Project Status

In commerce

Looking to expand internationally

Yes

Doing business in

worldwide

Awards and certifications

Innosuisse Innovation Grant

2022

Awarded by Switzerland’s national innovation agency for clean infrastructure development.

EU-Startups Featured Startup

2023

Recognized as a leading European innovator in solar and mobility integration.

Pilot Approval by Federal Office of Transport

2024

Regulatory permit granted for safe solar deployment on active railway lines.

Product description

The Rail-Deployable Solar Carpet System is a groundbreaking solution that revolutionizes renewable energy generation by utilizing railway tracks as a platform for solar panels. This innovative system is designed to address the growing demand for decentralized and sustainable energy sources while maximizing the use of existing infrastructure.

At the core of this system is a specialized train that can install or retract up to 1,000 square meters of solar panels per day. These pre-mounted panels are securely placed between the rails, ensuring safety and compatibility with standard track maintenance operations. The system incorporates advanced features such as automatic cleaning, sensor monitoring, and optional snow-melting capabilities to optimize performance throughout the year.

By harnessing solar energy along railway tracks, the system offers a unique opportunity to generate electricity for local grids or traction systems. This not only reduces reliance on traditional energy sources but also contributes significantly to carbon reduction targets. The pilot deployment in Switzerland in 2025 demonstrated the system's effectiveness, producing approximately 16 megawatt-hours of clean energy annually.

Moreover, the modular and scalable nature of the Rail-Deployable Solar Carpet System makes it suitable for regional or national rail networks. Its minimal visual and environmental impact, coupled with its ability to support dual-use infrastructure and climate-resilient energy strategies, positions it as a key player in the transition towards a more sustainable future.

Key characteristics and environmental benefits

  • Efficient Renewable Energy Generation: Utilizes railway tracks to install solar panels for decentralized energy production.
  • Specialized Installation Train: Can deploy up to 1,000 square meters of solar surface per day.
  • Advanced Features: Includes automatic cleaning, sensor monitoring, and optional snow-melting capabilities for optimal performance.
  • Integration with Local Grids: Feeds electricity into local grids or traction systems, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.
  • Modular and Scalable Design: Suitable for regional or national rail networks, offering flexibility and adaptability.
  • Minimal Environmental Disruption: Ensures minimal visual and environmental impact while contributing to carbon reduction targets.
  • Dual-Use Infrastructure: Supports climate-resilient energy strategies by maximizing the use of existing railway infrastructure.

About the Company

Sun-Ways is a Swiss cleantech startup founded in 2022 that develops deployable solar solutions for railways. The company created a patented system that allows photovoltaic panels to be rolled out between train tracks using a special maintenance train, enabling quick and reversible installation without altering existing infrastructure. Their innovation supports energy transition efforts by transforming underutilized railway space into renewable energy sources. The system withstands train speeds of up to 150 km/h and includes features such as anti-glare coating, cleaning brushes, and optional de-icing. The first pilot, launched in Buttes, Switzerland in 2025, marked the world’s first operational solar railway project, generating clean energy for the local grid. Backed by engineering expertise and public research partnerships, Sun-Ways addresses climate goals while avoiding land-use conflict. The company is scaling this innovation globally and envisions widespread adoption in public transportation networks.

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