SolarREAKTOR

The SolarREAKTOR joint project is developing a lightweight, solar-powered rail vehicle for rural areas. Based on the existing REAKTOR demonstrator, the project is creating a mobile real-world laboratory test platform that combines photovoltaics, lightweight construction, power electronics, and energy management into a single integrated system.

The goal is to demonstrate that photovoltaics integrated into the vehicle body can be viable even in small, autonomous mobility solutions—especially in areas where traditional public transit concepts face economic and infrastructural limitations. The demonstrator will be tested under real-world conditions on the Malente–Lütjenburg pilot route and is expected to provide reliable data on PV output, energy consumption, regenerative braking, and operational limits.

Photovoltaics, lightweight construction, and real-world laboratory

The Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hamelin (ISFH) is coordinating the project and developing glass-free, lightweight PV panels for the vehicle. HÖRMANN Vehicle Engineering is responsible for the vehicle body, mechanical integration, and safety assessment. Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel is developing the power electronics, the DC/DC converter, and the energy management system, and is providing the technical platform in the form of the REAKTOR demonstrator.