A rail-based solar setup that turns our tracks into clean energy sources
At our Achères technical centre in Yvelines, west of Paris, we’re testing a prototype based on reversible solar panels. This brand-new system—called SOLVEIG—was developed by our multidisciplinary design agency AREP in collaboration with teams from our Technologies, Innovation, and Projects department. It’s part of a larger renewables initiative under SNCF Renouvelables, aimed at expanding SNCF’s in-house production of green electricity.
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Short version“Paths of the sun” generate power
What if our unused railway lines could become a new source of renewable energy? For SNCF—France’s largest electricity consumer—that’s a major opportunity. And it’s the vision behind SOLVEIG, a name that evokes “paths of the sun”, turning once-dormant routes into corridors of renewable energy. The prototype of ready-to-use, fully reversible, affordable solar panels was developed by AREP, SNCF’s multidisciplinary design agency, in partnership with DTIPG, our Technologies, Innovation and Projects department, and SNCF Renouvelables. The system is currently being tested at our Achères technical centre outside Paris, with trials set to continue through June.
An innovative, cost-effective system
How does it work?
SOLVEIG is designed to unlock the renewable energy potential of unused railway lines. The lightweight prototype features eight solar panels mounted on wheels, which can be quickly deployed directly on the rails, with no groundwork or permanent anchoring required since the track itself serves as the foundation. This ingenious temporary installation can generate significant amounts of solar power, helping to meet SNCF Group’s growing energy needs.
Our long-term goal is to identify railway sites with high solar potential […] and convert unused tracks into renewable energy sources. It’s what we call ferrovoltaics, or solar tracks!
SOLVEIG Project Manager, SNCF Development and Technological Performance Department (DTIPG)
Tests before wide-scale deployment
Once the current testing phase is complete, and if performance expectations are met, the SOLVEIG system could be rolled out more widely on unused railway lines across France. The idea is to provide localized, renewable power—for example, supplying energy to a nearby maintenance site or to support railway operations.
Producing our own electricity
SOLVEIG is a key part of SNCF Group’s broader solar energy strategy, which aims to install 1,000 MWp1 of solar panel capacity on our available land by 2030. That’s enough to cover 15 to 20% of our current electricity needs. To achieve this strategic objective, we launched SNCF Renouvelables in July 2023. This new subsidiary is currently mapping out all suitable land—including disused railway areas—for future solar and “ferrovoltaic” installations as we move toward energy independence.