Railway photovoltaic support

Can solar power power rail traction systems?

Direct supply of solar power to rail traction systems had never been done. But it has huge potential - from metros, trams and railways in the UK and around the world. After extensive feasibility work and research, we connected the first pilot solar panels to the railway in 2019.

Is solar power the future of railways?

Following the opening of the first solar-powered railway in the world, which started operations in the UK in August this year, solar power is also starting to show great potential.

Can a railway network run on solar power?

And even in cases where a whole country has been considered – like, for example, in the Riding Sunbeams project – research seems to suggest that only parts of railway networks could eventually run on solar power, mainly depending on funds and participation form the industry.

Will there be a solar-powered railway line in the UK?

That is not to say, however, that efforts have not been made in this direction. Years of collaboration between 10:10, the UK’s Community Energy South and Network Rail have recently brought to life the world’s first solar-powered railway line, which opened in Hampshire, UK in August 2019.

Could solar power power trains?

The Renewable Traction Power project concluded that solar arrays and integrated energy-storage could supply 10% of energy needed to power trains on Britain’s electrified DC routes. The project proposed custom power electronics to bypass the grid entirely.

Can solar panels work on railway sleepers?

The idea of attaching solar panels to railway sleepers is also gaining considerable traction across the industry, as it potentially allows for solar PV to work on long routes at relatively low costs. Initiatives within this framework have started popping up over the past few years, with companies like Bankset Group and Greenrail leading the way.