According to a new study, by Michigan State University scientist and colleagues shiny dark solar cells can lure water insects away from critical breeding areas. According to the research water insects seem to be attracted to watery looking shiny solar cells.
Why does this even matter?
Quote:
When species such as mayflies and caddis flies mistake shiny dark surfaces for water, they set themselves up for reproductive failure and often become easy targets for predators, Robertson and colleagues noted in a recent online article in the journal Conservation Biology. Local population collapse could be a result, with cascading impacts on predators and other species up the food chain.
The researchers also note that "Applying white grids or other methods to break up the polarized reflection of light" on said solar panels will likely make mayflies and other aquatic insects less inclined to deposit eggs on the panels. I guess this study all comes down to how important water bugs are to you.
