Solar panels between the rails

[Just-Thinking-51]

Solar panels been tested between the rails.



With all the stuff dripping, falling off, blowing around a moving train. Just not sure this is a good idea.

 

[user 13416]

Well, unlike paving roads with solar panels which has been suggested way too many times, at least railroad tracks are vacant for significant amounts of time. Even busy tracks.

Definitely wouldn't work everywhere, but maybe Switzerland keeps their trains in better condition than some of us?

Here in the States, this kind of thing would just make derailments that much more expensive to clean up. And it's not like we don't have plenty of other places we could put solar panels.

 

[wxmeddler]

The issue with solar on any traveled surface is dust and vibration, which of course railways have lots of... Also, connecting the power over long distances etc. It's a good idea that will never work.

 

[tgstubbs1]

Maybe on the roof of the stations, waiting areas, even parking lots, but other than some kind of very short commuter or park tramway that can clean be kept very clean putting solar panels on the ground might require more maintenance than it's worth.

They wouldn't look bad. Maybe they don't like the looks of solar panel farms in Switzerland.

 

[Saddleshoes]

Funny this item should come up today!
I just saw this train yesterday passing though South Pekin IL at @ 20 mph.



I did a google serach to learn that the solar panels provide power to the gondola "dump doors". The whole thing is tied into GPS to drop ballast on the track is the train moves by at slow speed in a very controlled manor.

 

[Dutchrailnut]

Solar between rails is stupid Idea, it would all have to be taken up every time track needs maintenance, be it ballast dumping or just tamping, rail renewal etc.

 

[TrackWalker]

...The whole thing is tied into GPS to drop ballast on the track is the train moves by at slow speed in a very controlled manor.

It was a great idea 15 years ago when it first came our way. That is until it dumped through a crossing and yours truly with his one shovel had to clean up the mess.