As the most common mode of public transportation, railways are inherently environmentally friendly. If solar power is used, carbon emissions can be further reduced. For the first time, a railway line in the UK has been powered by all-solar power, but the train still needs other sources of electricity as an aid.

The British National Railway's Wessex route has recently successfully connected to about 100 solar panels alongside the Aldershot rail, which will power the signal system and lighting of the route. The power supply is about 30KW. The plan is still in beta, and they hope to start powering the trains directly on the line through solar energy next year and gradually realize zero-carbon emissions throughout the route. It is reported that the plan is also part of the electrification of all railway lines by the British National Railways, which will greatly reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and save costs.

According to Stuart Kistruck, the head of the program, if the demonstration railway is successful, they hope to extend the technology to more railway lines on the national railway network to bring a more environmentally friendly and better travel experience to their passengers. Studies have shown that solar energy can provide 20% of electricity for Liverpool's Merseyrail line and about 15% for Kent, Sussex and Wessex commuter lines.