Solar Decathlon 2007
Once again, BP is proud to be a title sponsor of the 2007 Solar Decathlon. Events such as the Solar Decathlon offer BP an opportunity to provide support to some of the finest international academic teams exploring today's and tomorrow's practical application of solar power. As in previous Decathlon competitions, BP Solar is offering the teams discounted solar materials and technological advice.
As one of the world's largest energy companies, BP is committed to making solar power a more affordable and accessible part of everyday life. With solar electricity being used increasingly by home and business owners to reduce electric bills, the designs created by the Solar Decathlon teams often contain many economical options for today's marketplace. Already throughout Europe and the Americas, BP Solar offers a clean energy option to supplement or replace utility power.
In late 2005, BP launched BP Alternative Energy, a low-carbon power business focusing on solar, wind, hydrogen power, and gas-fired power. BP Solar, which has been in business for more than 30 years, is a key business within BP Alternative Energy and a global company with more than 2,200 employees focused on harnessing the sun's energy to produce solar electricity. BP Solar leads the industry by providing progressively efficient and cost-effective solar electric systems to international markets. This includes the design, manufacture, and marketing of quality solar electric systems for a wide range of applications in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
BP Solar is one of the world's largest solar companies and has manufacturing facilities in the United States, Spain, India, and Australia. In remote areas such as the Philippines, BP Solar is bringing solar power to more than 400,000 residents in 150 remote villages. In the United States, in partnership with the Enterprise Foundation and the Environmental Media Association, the BP Solar Neighbors program provides solar electric systems to low-income families in Southern California whenever a celebrity purchases a solar system.
These activities, together with our involvement in the Solar Decathlon, exemplify the values that drive BP—innovation, high-quality performance, a progressive and better way of doing things, and a commitment to environmental and community leadership. We invest in science, education, and technology to help achieve a sustainable future and brighter tomorrow.