Opened on 19 June 1952, it is the largest of the three remaining trolleybus systems in Germany (the others being in Eberswalde and Esslingen am Neckar).

Using in-motion charging on non-electrified streets, Stadtwerke Solingen plans to convert all of its diesel bus lines to electric operation.

It uses the existing trolleybus wires between Unionstraße and Bahnhof Mitte, with only short new sections being constructed at junctions of route 695 and at its terminuses.

As of 2022[update], 7 lines are in operation, with weekday frequencies indicated: Burg Seilbahn – Burger Brücke Mitte station – Meigen Routes 681 and 682 interchange with the city's principal railway station – Solingen Hbf – which lies in the western suburb of Ohligs.

Parts of routes 683 and 695 are non-electrified and are operated using electricity saved from in-motion charging, or diesel motors.