A Swiss start-up has developed an innovative solar panel system designed specifically for installation between railway tracks, with the Luxembourg National Railway Company (CFL) reportedly tracking the technology’s progress.
The system, developed by start-up Sun-Ways, offers a revolutionary advantage: the panels can be quickly installed and removed, enabling seamless track maintenance. Founder Joseph Scuderi conceived the idea in 2020 while waiting at a train station in Lausanne, questioning whether the unused space between rails could be harnessed in some way.
In April 2025, the first 100-metre pilot installation – comprising 48 solar panels – was deployed along a rail line in Buttes, a village in western Switzerland’s canton of Neuchâtel. Scuderi explains that the installation process resembles rooftop solar panel mounting but is adapted for railway infrastructure.
While countries like Germany, France, Italy, and Japan have experimented with similar track-side solar solutions, Sun-Ways emphasises its modular design as a game-changer. The system allows for rapid deployment, with panels that can be fitted between existing, operational tracks without prolonged rail closures.
Its scalability is another key feature: a specialised machine from Scheuchzer can install 1,000 square metres of panels in just hours, though manual placement remains an option.
The design also prioritises low maintenance, as the panels are easily removable for cleaning or repairs. A cylindrical brush attached to passing trains provides automatic cleaning as they move across the panels.
The start-up highlights that Switzerland’s 5,320 km of railway tracks present significant untapped potential. After excluding low-sunlight areas and tunnel sections, the system could produce approximately 1 billion kWh annually – equivalent to 2% of Switzerland’s total energy consumption or enough to power 300,000 households for a year. This innovation aligns with Switzerland’s ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035.
In response to enquiries, Marc Schlammes, CFL’s Head of Communications, confirmed that the Luxembourg rail operator is actively assessing photovoltaic opportunities across its network, with feasibility and cost-effectiveness as key considerations.
While CFL is closely monitoring the Swiss trials, Schlammes emphasised that the technology remains at the prototype stage. The company is particularly focused on several critical factors, including the panels’ durability under constant train vibrations, their long-term performance and maintenance requirements, as well as practical challenges such as debris accumulation on horizontal panels.
Schlammes noted that Luxembourg’s high-frequency rail traffic presents additional complexities, as any installation would require temporary track closures – a measure CFL aims to minimise to reduce passenger disruption.
The CFL spokesperson indicated that adoption in Luxembourg would depend on the technology’s proven success elsewhere. The company maintains regular dialogue with neighbouring rail operators to evaluate results. Should the system demonstrate reliability and economic viability, CFL would consider implementation while accounting for the unique characteristics of Luxembourg’s rail infrastructure.
