BP’s new solar arm is steeling itself to battle global energy and tech giants for a slice of the burgeoning “smart home” market with the acquisition of an Irish tech start-up.

Lightsource BP will buy software developer Ubiworx for an undisclosed figure after two years working alongside the “internet of things” specialist. The acquisition secures the group’s plans to implement a global roll-out of its energy systems following a £150m investment from oil major BP late last year.

The Lightsource system brings together a solar panel, battery and electric vehicle charger to create a digital system which responds on a second-by-second basis to changes in the power market.