How to Setup Solar Panel On Railway Tracks? Best Technique

Solar energy is the fastest-growing and implemented renewable energy source. In that case, the solar panel is used to catch the cosmic energy to convert it into DC output energy. People have been using solar panels in their residential and commercial sectors to meet their electrical load demand. Nowadays people are installing solar panels in railway tracks due to some privileges. But how to set up solar panel on railway tracks? Solar panels are placed into the middle place (sleepers) between the two lines.

The PV panels are set up on the railway sleepers by rail mounted machine in a systematic way. Other components are also used like tempered glass, protective coverings, cable management systems, and others. So, let’s see in detail with some crucial steps.

How to Setup Solar Panel On Railway Tracks?

If solar panels are installed on the railway sleepers between two lines to get renewable energy for residential or commercial use that is called solar panels on railway tracks. It is also called a track-mounted solar power plant (if generate bulk power). Indeed, the railway occupies a large number of space, if we can use it then we may generate a large number of electricity.

Indeed, there are approximately 260,000 kilometers (160,000 miles) of rail lines in the United States, in Germany, 33,332 to 38,836 kilometers, In Italy over 17,305 kilometers, and in Switzerland 5,200 kilometers of rail lines are available.

So, if all the countries install solar systems into the rail line then a mega amount of electricity generation is possible. However, engineers or different types of solar panel companies are working to do that. So, let’s see how to set up solar panels on railway tracks in a convenient way.

1^st Step: Select Place

Choose a remote area where there is no big tree or forest that can create a shadow on the rail line. You must also ensure that this is the low traffic or population zone and that no domestic animals are available. Now get approval from the government and proceed to the next step.

2^nd Step: Select PV Panels

Most often, monocrystalline solar panels are used in rail tracks. So, choose the best solar panels and ensure panels are durable, and covered with tempered glass, weatherproof, resist dust and debris.

3^rd Step: Install PV Panels

Install photo voltaic panels conveniently and rightly into the two rail lines (on the sleeper). In that case, use rail mounted machine or rail vehicle to set up panels one by one with a secure and accurate measurement. Ensure that if the train runs on the line then panels are safe and must have sufficient gap from the lower part of the train. It is noted that never anchor the panel with a sleeper or track bed and each panel is easily removable. Because we may need to change or remove panels for solar panel repair and cleaning service.

4^th Step: Connection and Safety

Ensure solar panels are well connected (series or parallel) with each other. Connect with battery, charge controller, inverter, and bring the connection to the main AC distribution board. Ensure the panels are placed correctly with the sleeper and never swing during heavy wind. Therefore, make sure a sufficient water sewerage system and water is never stored under the panels.

In that case, you may set up a sensor or solar panel output monitoring system that will ensure that your panels are giving a better output. So, this is a simple process to set up solar panels on railway tracks. So, follow this step and install highly efficient photovoltaic panels and get clean or renewable energy.

Materials Are Used to Install PV Panel On Railway Tracks

Installing solar panel on railway tracks require more cautious, analysis, safety and security. For this reason, track-mounted solar power plant must have high-strength, weather-resistant, and vibration-tolerant materials that can withstand the harsh railway environment. So, let’s see in short what materials are used to install PV panel on railway tracks

Solar panels: Monocrystalline or polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cells.
Tempered Glass: With anti-reflective and anti-slip coatings forms the top layer of the solar panel.
EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) encapsulate: It is used to bond and cushion the solar cells within the panel.
Stainless steel (Grade 304 or 316) and galvanized steel: Are used in the mounting structure and fastening systems for mechanical support.
Reinforced concrete or composite sleepers
Copper conductors with XLPE (Cross-linked Polyethylene) or PV1-F insulation: For wiring and cabling
MC4 connectors equipped with rubber seals: Are used for quick and secure solar panel connections.
Battery, Inverter, connector, and power distribution unit.

Solar Panel On Railway Tracks Cost

The cost is approximately $585,000 to $708,700 and it can be more or less according to project. This cost is not fixed. This cost is variable and depends on some crucial factors. Indeed, solar panel on railway tracks cost relies on

Number of panel used in the project
Quality and cost of the PV panels
Power generation capacity
Panel box in the rail
Power transmission distance
Capacity and shape of the battery, inverter

Which Purpose Solar Panel On the Railway Tracks Generated Electricity is Used?

The solar panels on railway tracks generated electricity can be used for both on-site (local to the railway system) and off-site Grid system)

Powering Railway Infrastructure.
Trackside Applications and Emergency communication equipment.
Level crossings and warning lights.
Providing off-grid power in remote rail sections.
Station Facilities like Lighting (platforms, waiting areas, parking lots).
Ticket machines and display boards.
Air conditioning and ventilation.
EV charging stations (if available).
Powering Trains (Traction Power).
Connecting to traction electrical substations.
Energy Storage (Battery Charging).
Power Feeding the Public Grid.
Sustainability and Net-Zero Goals.

Final Thought

Solar panel installation is on a rising stage all over the world. People have been trying to install such panels at every place where sunlight is available. It is a good and positive sign for us that we are working or trying to use renewable energy instead of limited resources of commercial energy. The railway is the best zone to set up solar panels to generate bulk electricity. Many countries have already implemented that technology. So, let’s work with our renewable energy system to say by our limited resources energy sources (oil, gas, coal, etc.).

Is It Good Idea to Setup Solar Panel On Railway Tracks?

Yes, setting up solar panels on railway tracks can be a good idea. But you must focus on how well the system is designed, implemented, and maintained. It offers numerous benefits but also faces practical challenges. So, why it is good idea to set up to install PV panel on railway tracks?

Efficient use of space
Clean and renewable energy
Energy for railway operations
Supports decentralized power generation

How Many Countries Have Solar Panel On Railway Tracks?

As of now, at least 5 countries have actively implemented or piloted solar panel projects on railway tracks. These countries are

Switzerland
India
United Kingdom
Netherlands
Germany

Can All the Country Can Set Up PV Panel On the Railway?

No all countries cannot set up photovoltaic (PV) panels on railway tracks. If any country can meet the concept of certain technical, environmental, and economic conditions. Whether a country can implement depends on several key factors:

Suitable railway infrastructure
Climate and solar potential
Technical capacity and innovation
Financial and government support
Land and space availability

How Much Power Can Produce of 100 Meters of Solar System Railway Tracks?

A 100-meter section can produce approximately 6 to 10 kilowatts (kW) of peak power, depending on solar panel efficiency and sunlight conditions. On average, this can generate around 30 to 50 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per day in sunny regions.

Can We Remove Solar Panels On Railway Infrastructure?

Yes, solar panels on railway infrastructure can be removed. If they are designed with modular and removable mounting systems. Switzerland has designed PV panels on railway infrastructure to be detachable for