Lightsource BP is working with a seed company in Norfolk to find the ‘most reflective’ grass type to grow underneath the double-sided solar panels. Photograph: Alamy

BP solar firm is now leading in the search for panels to boost energy at its solar farms

Aminy Andawi
Business & Industry
Environmental Energy & Material
Jul 09, 2019
2477
BP’s solar subsidiary is currently looking for Britain’s shiniest grass to help make the latest double-sided solar panels which will boost the amount of renewable energy. The solar panels are expected to harness the light which reflected off the ground.

A test has been done outside Belfast Company where the panels can increase electricity output up to 15%. This percentage could go higher if the ground beneath the panel is more reflective. Based on the findings, light source BP is now doing an experiment with a seed company in Norfolk to find which type of most reflective grass to grow underneath the solar panels.

Another test has been done by the technical director of Lightsource BP, Chris Buckland along with his team, where the panels were tested on Northern Irish grass and helped to produce 14% extra electricity. The same panels then positioned over white floorboards which produced nearly 30% electricity. Furthermore, Buckland believes that most customers would prefer to keep grass beneath their panels rather than boards since it would need some effort cleaning it.

BP made a comeback to the solar market after a six-year hiatus. It is now Europe’s largest solar developer and has been invested almost 2GW of solar projects around the world. Moreover, BP announced plans to buy another 1.9GW worth of solar.

Source: http://www.execreview.com/2019/07/bps-solar-subsidiary-sees-the-light-in-search-for-uks-shiniest-grass/

Business , Environment