BP solar unit searches for 'most reflective grass' to boost energy output

BP’s solar subsidiary Lightsource is conducting experiments with “bi-facial” panels to catch reflected light off the ground.

The new tech will boost the amount of renewable energy generated with the panel farms and improve their economics in the gloomier parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland.

According to the Guardian, BP found that electricity output was enhanced by almost 15%.

Lightsource is now searching for the “most reflective” grass to grow underneath the solar panels.

Chris Buckland, the technical director of Lightsource BP, said the team tested the panels for almost a year on “lush Northern Irish grass”, which helped to reflect light on to the back-facing panels.

The same panels positioned over white floorboards produced almost 30% more electricity than traditional panels. Still, Buckland believes that customers will want green grass under the panels since it does not require cleaning.

“We’re working with a seed company in Norfolk to trial test fields of different grass types to find a species of grass with the most solar potential to recommend to our customers,” he said.

“What will be important is that the grass stays green throughout the year. We are fortunate here in the UK because the grass is a perennial variety and quite tightly packed.

“What we don’t know at this stage is whether the best grass will prove to be a wide-blade cattle grazing grass or a finer golf course variety. We’re not there yet.”

BP holds a 43% stake in the company and Lightsource is expanding quickly after winning the backing of the oil giant in 2017.