The first solar-powered train has made its first run in Australia. The Australian Byron Bay railroad did not run very far, but it will start making regular solar-powered trips this month as reported by GineersNow.
The new renewable-powered train service covers 3 km between the city’s centre and the North Beach district. The route is part of the 132 km line that connects Northern Rivers north of the capital Sydney.
Although the train lacks in distance, it makes up for it in style since the train is a 1949 refurbished red rattler. The system uses curved solar panels custom built to be attached to its roof. The train can carry up to 100 passengers per trip.
In case it gets too cloudy for the solar panels to function efficiently, the train is equipped with a backup, onboard batteries that are charged using the solar panels when sunny.