One sunny day, while waiting for a train, Joseph Scuderi had a brilliant idea: why not utilize the untapped space between railroad tracks? This simple yet ingenious thought sparked a journey that would bring renewable energy to life in a delightful way.

Fast forward five years, and Scuderi, along with his innovative start-up Sun-Ways, has successfully installed solar panels on the tracks in Buttes, a charming village in western Switzerland. “We installed solar panels just like we would on the roof of a house,” Scuderi proudly shared at the project's unveiling.

This remarkable initiative builds on the growing trend of integrating solar energy into rail infrastructure, with inspiring projects already sprouting up in Germany, Italy, France, and Japan. However, Sun-Ways stands out as the first to create a removable system that can be safely placed on active railway lines. This innovation not only showcases creativity but also allows for the seamless coexistence of trains and clean energy.

By harnessing the expansive, often overlooked areas along railways, Sun-Ways is on a mission to transform the landscape of photovoltaic energy production. The removable nature of the solar panels is a thoughtful design feature, ensuring that maintenance and track work can be completed without hassle. To keep the panels shining bright, a cylindrical brush can be attached to the end of trains, making sure they remain clean and efficient.

With an impressive 5,320 kilometers of Swiss rail network available for solar energy generation—excluding tunnels and shaded areas—Sun-Ways envisions a future where this initiative could power 300,000 households annually, contributing to 2 percent of Switzerland's electricity needs. This project is not just about innovation; it’s about creating a brighter, greener future for all.