New perspectives for the railway sector: removable solar panels on tracks

France embraced an innovative solution that integrates removable solar panels on railway tracks to generate renewable energy without altering the infrastructure.

The SOLVEIG project (from the Norwegian “the way of the Sun”), developed by AREP and SNCF Renouvelables, uses ISO containers to transport and install mobile and flexible photovoltaic systems, turning inactive railway lines into mini solar power stations. This technology offers new opportunities for the railway sector, particularly because it requires no foundations or invasive construction work.

Switzerland has also invested in this, installing a solar power plant between railway tracks to supply trains with renewable energy and generate surplus electricity for the public grid.