British Petroleum, now marketing itself as "Beyond Petroleum" entered the solar energy market in the early 1970s and created BP Solar in 2000.

Starting in Europe and Japan BP Solar became a profitable enterprise in 2004 and has introduced the BP Solar Home Solutions(R) in the limited markets, notably California and New Jersey.

This program offered through Home Depot allows for buyers to select a full-service package for solar panel purchase, installation, and warrantee.

For homeowners in other areas looking to invest in BP technologies, several modules are available for purchase. Starting at $759 the BP Solar SX-170B delivers 170 watts and is applicable for residential grid-tied systems as well as remote cabins, pumping and irrigations needs, and land-based navigation systems. The SX-170B (B stands for bronze frame) features installation-speeding quick-connectors.  Asymmetrical RHW cables enable side-by-side or end-to-end module placement in arrays.

Besides the traditional solar cell/module/array product, BP Solar is also working to introduce the BP Solar Energy Tile to domestic markets. These tiles offer similar energy generating capacity but are small--the size of an asphalt shingle. BP is working with Old Country Roofing in California to offer this style of solar roofs to prospective home buyers.