Asia-Pacific Solar Powered Trains Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2024-2032)

A solar power train uses solar energy as its primary source of power. The train's roof is typically covered with photovoltaic panels that capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity that can be used to power the train. The use of solar power in trains has several potential advantages. It can help to reduce carbon emissions and make transportation more sustainable. It can also reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and provide a reliable source of power in areas where electricity may be limited or unreliable. While solar power trains are still in their early stages of development, they have the potential to become a more common form of transportation as the demand for sustainable energy solutions continues to grow. As technology advances and the cost of photovoltaic panels continues to decrease, solar power trains may become a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for transportation.

The Asia-Pacific Solar Powered Trains Market is expected to grow at a steady rate of around 3.9% owing to the increasing adoption of renewable energy coupled with the increasing demand for economic transportation services along with the stringent government regulation to reduce the carbon footprint. Road and rail transportation covers much of the settled land surfaces and can directly receive solar energy, which enables PV generation to be easily implemented on their own infrastructures and ancillary facilities in transport sectors. Large manufacturers of solar PV are in Asia Pacific countries which is further driving the feasibility of solar-powered trains in the region. Moreover, the rising need to adopt sustainable mobility coupled with the government taking favorable action such as investment and policy to promote zero-emission transportation is accelerating the demand for solar-powered trains market.

Based on the panel location, the market is segmented into roof-mounted, near-track, and on-track. The roof-mounted segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. A roof-mounted solar power train is a type of train that has solar panels installed on its roof to generate electricity for its onboard systems. The solar panels on the train's roof absorb sunlight and convert it into electrical energy, which is then used to power the train's lighting, air conditioning, and other systems as well as reduce the train's reliance on fossil fuels and can make it more environmentally friendly. Rail companies can install PV modules on the roof of trains to generate power for onboard services, such as air conditioning, lighting, and security. For instance: In 2023, a solar power project at Bina Railway Station provides 25 kV OverHead Electrical Equipment to haul trains directly that align with the aim of Indian Railways' renewable electrification goal.

Based on the application, the market is bifurcated into freight and passenger. The passenger train segment is expected to register significant growth during the forecast period. Passenger trains are used to carry people and are powered in part or whole by solar energy. Solar panels are installed on the roof of the train to capture energy from the sun, which is then used to power the train's systems. The solar panels on the train roof can provide energy to power various onboard systems, such as lighting, heating and air conditioning, and entertainment systems. This can help reduce the train's carbon footprint and energy costs. Passenger solar power trains are a promising and sustainable transportation option that can help reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. However, they may have limitations in terms of the amount of energy they can generate and store, which can affect their speed, range, and passenger capacity.

Based on the operating speed, the market is segmented into below 100 Km/h, 100-200 Km/h, and above 200 Km/h. The below 100 Km/h segment is expected to witness a significant CAGR during the forecast period. As the solar-powered trains market is in the initial phase this segment is expected to witness higher adoption as the pilot projects across the world. These trains typically use photovoltaic panels, which convert the energy from sunlight into electrical energy that can be used to power the train's electric motors. In addition to solar panels, solar power trains may also incorporate energy storage systems, such as batteries or supercapacitors, to ensure that the train has enough energy to operate even during periods of low sunlight or when traveling through tunnels or other areas with low levels of sunlight.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of the solar-powered trains industry, the market is analyzed based on its regional presence in countries such as China, Japan, India, Rest of Asia-Pacific. China is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. China has abundant solar energy resources due to its broad areas with rich solar radiation. The annual surface absorption of solar resources is as much as 280 times the total coal reserves in China, which indicates that the huge solar resource is a promising alternative to renewable energy for energy transformation. With the continuous development of railways, higher traffic density and higher operating speeds are achieved and the energy demand in rails is also dramatically increased. In addition, the PV generation potential of railways in China is creating opportunity for the growth of solar-powered trains.

Some of the major players operating in the market include Bankset Energy, GREENRAIL, Jakson Group, LG Electronics, Central Electronics Limited, WorldSolar, Trina Solar, KYOCERA Corporation, Canadian Solar, and AXITEC, LLC.