Occupying the space between the rails with solar modules – this is the subject of testing by Deutsche Bahn and the British company Bankset. The capacity is huge.
The space between the rails provides a good space for the PV module. (Source: Bankset Energy)
- In a partnership project, Deutsche Bahn is exploring the use of solar modules on rail middle sleepers with British company Bankset Energy.
- PV modules can help with Deutsche Bahn’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2040.
Solar cells can now be found in unusual places as well. In curved shape on electric cars For example. In the form of awnings, there is solar window and in cells form of sticker,
since few years The idea is to install solar panels between railway tracks. So far, the technology hasn’t established itself across the board, even if space seems to be the norm. Rail lines are often maintained and free of trees and shrubs. But there are unanswered questions, such as wear and tear from passing trains.
like many media including south german newspaper, report that Deutsche Bahn, along with Bankset Energy, are investigating the space between rails for use with large-scale solar systems. A railway spokesman told Netzvelt about the project:
Bankset Energy Group is currently testing solar modules on railway sleepers on the DB test area in the Erzgebirge railway. In the testing area, DB tracks and provides systems to companies for testing innovative products. Companies including Bankset Energy Group can gain experience there in real-world conditions to see if their technologies work and bring about the desired effect. The tests will take place initially, regardless of whether the DB will use the technology in its route network.
Netzwelt. Ban’s spokesperson for
looks promising: that British companies Calculates that 100 kW of electricity can be generated per kilometer of railway line. Extrapolated to the DB rail network, which is more than 60,000 km long, this means that the electricity generation is equivalent to the output of five nuclear power plants.
A previous version of the article stated that 100 kW of electricity can be generated per 100 km of railway line. We have changed it to 100 kW per kilometer of railway track. We are sorry for this error. We have also added a quote from a railway spokesperson in the article,
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