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Sunshine (she/her) @lemmy.ca

19h ago

Switzerland Unveils World’s First Operational Solar Railway Project

cleantechnica.com

Switzerland Unveils World's First Operational Solar Railway Project - CleanTechnica

19 comments

This is only slightly less stupid than "float-ovoltaics" or "solar freakin' roadways!!!"
- It's probably not the best idea but it's considerably less stupid than those, seeing as they managed to actually build one
  
  Yeah, we'll see. There are so many possible issues with this, starting with why. We still have plenty of roofs to cover which are easy, predictable and yield better output for much lower price. Then there are issues with vibrations, efficiency and pollution at least.
- Space is at a premium in many parts of Switzerland and a lot of the available land is privately owned. This MIGHT be the easiest way to deploy solar in the specific rail sections being considered and may only generate a small portion of the needed electricity.
  So it might be the simplest effective idea for the region.
  
  One of the big positives is that the "mounting frame" is already there and pretty consistent, you don't need to clear land and build things. So they just drive a custom train over that basically clip in removable panels.

What is the upside of building panels into the rail instead of next to it?
- So it can be installed by the train.
- Maybe a bit more protection from the elements? And maybe they’ll design a system to push and clear debris as the train goes over
  
  yeah, the cleaning is one thing they mention they have. alone with others
- the article covers that.
- This way an ‘innovative’ and ‘disruptive’ approach that can be the basis of a startup that can be sold to a bigger company or IPO for a bunch of money, and as a bonus draw clean energy funding away from tried and tested solutions into inefficient gimmicks that in turn keep the gas plants running that much longer.

I wonder if they could just add a caboose to every train that would clean off the panels as it travels over them.
- Yeah thats what I was thinking too
  
  Oh, well here we go:
  “The panels are equipped with anti-reflective coatings to prevent glare, and cleaning systems, such as cylindrical brushes mounted on trains, help maintain efficiency by removing dust and debris.”
  Lovely
- Especially since train toilets traditionally empty on the tracks... Although they probably no longer do these days.
  (also I had to look "caboose" up)

We just recently discussed this project:
https://discuss.tchncs.de/post/23083174
https://discuss.tchncs.de/post/23833792
I don't think anything substantial changed since then.
The only real news are that it's been inaugurated. If you want a new picture check here

19 comments