Exit Thin Film | Green Energy News

November 17, 2002 – Vol.7 No.34

EXIT THIN FILM.

BP Solar has decided to exit the thin film solar business to concentrate on its core business of crystalline-based solar products. The company, which is considered one of the largest solar electric companies on the planet, with a 20 percent market share, will sell off or shutter one of its thin film manufacturing facilities, and convert another to sales and distribution purposes. Some 260 jobs will be affected, but more than half of those could be transferred to a new operator of one of the facilities if a buyer is found.

Crystalline-based solar products represent more than 85 percent of BP Solar’s production capacity. And although technologically thin film still shows promise, the company feels that a lack of demand along with present economics does not support continued investment.

As part of refocusing, the company will launch a BP Solar branded sales and marketing program for affordable solar systems aimed initially at California homeowners. After the January launch the program could be duplicated in other parts of the world. Visit BP Solar at http://www.bpsolar.com/ .