Removable panels between rails and the Swiss federal approval

Sun-Ways, the Swiss company behind the pilot, installed 48 removable panels between the rails along 100 metres of transN track near Buttes, canton Neuchâtel. The permit came from the Swiss Federal Office of Transport and runs for three years.

One pilot figure travels without its context. In a report dated 23 June 2026, SWI swissinfo.ch records more than 16,000 kWh generated since 20 May 2025, with more than 11,000 trains passing over the panels: cumulative output over thirteen months, not annual.

The power is fed into the local grid and nothing is contracted long term. The authorisation is a three-year trial, with the regulator requiring data on track fatigue, wear and maintenance. The company is asking for a shorter trial and faster final approval.

What the pilot already delivers is operational: thirteen months with no conflict with traffic or maintenance, according to transN, and soiling cleared by airflow from passing trains. Recurring revenue depends on final approval, and that is the step Sun-Ways wants to bring forward.