Swiss startup Sun-ways is planning to build a 18 kW pilot PV system between the racks of a 100-m linear section of a railway line in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel.
I’m interested to see how this turns out, because I’m thinking this would significantly increase maintenance costs on those panels due to rocks being kicked up, vibration from the train, etc.
I’m interested to see how this turns out, because I’m thinking this would significantly increase maintenance costs on those panels due to rocks being kicked up, vibration from the train, etc.
Maybe it’s like a blanket that the train picks up over its head and runs underneath, setting it back down on the ground after it
Reminds me of this, but in reverse:
https://youtu.be/_0tVlLZLzeo?t=308
Pretty close. Quick lets patent it
There shouldn’t be any rocks kicked up because the trains should stay on the rails, not touch the ballast.
But dirt, debris, and brake dust will absolutely collect very quickly. Maybe they’re counting on rain to keep them clean.