Swiss has discovered the serious problem that by solar panels and banished them to a unique location. A scenario that is even more surprising than the gap in solar panels that continues to grow in another part of the world. The visual impact of renewable projects is one of the biggest problems in the current context. The energy transition is much more than a phase in history. It is a necessity in which people have to work hard.
One of the possible solutions to this impact would be to no longer implement sustainable projects. However, this is not an option given the serious ecological footprint that fossil fuels leave behind. Within the group of the most commonly used energy aids we find the solar panels in a privileged place. Although they fulfill their function perfectly, they are often considered an unaesthetic product and in some cases a ‘necessary evil’.
Over time, new versions of panels have appeared that aim to provide greater efficiency and a more attractive design. Swiss It is one of the countries besieged by the ugly nature of installing the panels and has the final solution to continue implementing them without disrupting the optics.
Switzerland puts an end to the big problem with solar panels: many countries could copy it
Swiss does not want to sacrifice its natural and impressive appearance for the installation of solar panelstherefore, it has decided to implement them on the train tracks. The system has received permission from the Federal Transportation Agency to place the panels in a linear section of 100 meters. This idea comes from Swiss startup Solar roads.
It has set up a pilot project to… first detachable solar power plant of land on a railway line. It is expected that this system will be implemented next year and for the time being that appears to be the case. You have already received permission from the Federal Transportation Agency to place the solar panels in a linear section of 100 meters of line 221 of transN, the canton’s public transport company Neuchatel.
The estimated production is 16,000 kWh per year. The pilot project will be built with 48 panels of 380 W power each and will supply the entire local network with electricity. Solar roads will enter into an alliance with the local electricity supplier Viteos for construction and with DG Raila company specialized in electrical railway installations. It has a budget of 585,000 Swiss francs (about 621,800 euros), which is fully financed by its partners.
The solar panels can be installed manually or with a railway machine (designed by Cheuchzer SA) that can remove up to 1,000 m2 of panels per day. In addition, because it is a removable item, it is easier to perform maintenance work.
Switzerland relegates solar panels to train tracks: it puts an end to its biggest problem
In 2023, the Federal Transport Office (FOT) did not accept the initial request for the project. From there, all relevant evaluations were conducted to obtain approval. The contribution of two professors of mechanics from the Secondary School of Technology and Management of the Canton of Vaud (HEIG-VD) and a specialist in railway technical projects, Gesture techniquewas crucial.
In this way, the initiative was able to pass all the necessary evaluations to guarantee the technical and safety aspects and demonstrate a system compatible with the criteria of the PHOTO. In addition, the panels’ resistance to micro-cracks and an anti-reflection filter that prevents glare for operators are notable.
In short, Swiss discover the solution to the aesthetic problem of solar panels: place them on the train tracks. A milestone that is almost as striking as the panels that fold themselves.