FRENCH National Railways (SNCF) is following the results of a pilot project taking place near Buttes station on the TransN regional network serving Neuchâtel in Switzerland, where Swiss start-up Sun-Ways is testing what SNCF describes as the first moveable solar panels to be installed between the rails on an operational section of track.
Under a contract signed with Sun-Ways in November 2025, the Technology, Innovation and Projects directorate at SNCF and staff from infrastructure manager SNCF Network will use the results of the pilot to assess in particular the impact of installing solar panels on track maintenance. SNCF and Sun-Ways will work together until the pilot project is due to conclude in April 2028.
The solar panels have been operational since April 24 2025, installed on a 100m section of new track on Line 221 of the TransN network, used by 30 trains a day travelling at up to 90km/h. A total of 48 380W panels have been installed, providing a power output of 18kWp and an estimated 16,000kWh a year.
The trials will test installing and removing the panels, as well as their impact on track and gauge inspection and other maintenance tasks. Glare will also be assessed, together with fouling of the panels during operations, and production studies will be undertaken.
SNCF says its partnership with Sun-Ways forms part of ongoing work to examine innovative ways of installing solar panels on its property as it looks to secure its future energy requirements. The company notes that it is the largest consumer of electricity in France and the country’s second-largest landowner.
