The capacity of this solar panel system is 15 kilowatt peak (kWp). These panels can generate 960 units of electricity daily, and their power density is 240 kilowatts per peak per kilometer.

Indian Railways has taken a pioneering step to conserve the environment and promote the use of clean energy. In fact, the first such solar panel system has been installed in Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), which has been fitted in the middle of the railway track. This is a pilot project, which has been started on BLW's workshop line number 19. In this project, 28 solar panels were installed on a 70 meter long track, which are made entirely of indigenous technology. The specialty of this system is that it can be easily removed and it does not hinder the movement of trains.

How special is this project?

The capacity of this solar panel system is 15 kilowatt peak (kWp). These panels can generate 960 units of electricity daily and its power density is 240 kilowatt peak per kilometer. This means that this system is not only effective in generating electricity, but is also an economical and environmentally beneficial option for the railways. Indian Railways has a track network of 1.2 lakh kilometers and if this project is implemented across the country, then 3.5 lakh units of electricity can be generated per kilometer every year. This will help a lot in meeting the electricity needs of the railways.

These problems will be overcome

The best thing is that there is no need to buy separate land for this project. These solar panels have been installed using the empty space between the railway tracks. This is not only saving land, but also reducing the cost of the railways.

How did the railways deal with these problems?

The railways faced many challenges in starting this project, but their technical team found a solution to them. Actually, due to the passing of trains, there is a lot of vibration on the track, which could damage the solar panels. To avoid this problem, the railways used rubber mounting pads, which reduce vibration and keep the panels safe. At the same time, fixing the solar panels firmly on the track was also a challenge. For this, the panels were glued to concrete sleepers with epoxy adhesive (a kind of strong glue). This not only keeps the panels firmly in place, but also did not require additional clamps.

Safety and security were also taken care of

It is common for dust and debris to accumulate around the railway track, which can reduce the efficiency of solar panels. To deal with this problem, the railways have arranged for regular cleaning, so that the panels always remain clean and work better. To protect the solar panels from theft or damage, the railways have taken the help of CCTV cameras. These cameras monitor 24 hours a day, so that the panels remain safe. Maintenance work is done on the railway track from time to time. In such a situation, it may be necessary to remove the solar panels. For this, the panels are attached with the help of four stainless steel (SS) Allen bolts, so that they can be easily removed and reinstalled.