BIG OIL INVESTS IN SUN

Here’s the question: Is this an investment or a tax write-off? (Either way, it is good news for Big Sun.)

BP Solar To Spend More In Maryland Plant
July 17, 2007 (UPI)

WHO
BP Solar, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley
The BP Solar plant (click to enlarge)

WHAT
BP Solar will increase its investment in its solar energy component factory $27 million to $97 million. BP Solar will also donate to Maryland’s schools, winning Governor O’Malley’s approval.

WHEN
Announcement July 16. The expansion is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2009.

WHERE
The plant being expanded is in Frederick, Maryland.

WHY
BP Solar will donate $100,000 to Maryland’s Solar Schools program. The program installs solar electric systems, guides curriculum provides tech support and provides to grants o defray upfronts.
The $97 million expansion to the Frederick plant, the largest fully integrated solar plant in North America, will double casting and sizing capacity to 150 megawatts and create 70 new jobs.
BP Solar is expanding globally, with new plants in Tres Cantos, Spain, and Bangalore, India.
It might be in their own best interests, but what is undeniable is that BP has been powerful in putting the case for renewables (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
Governor O’Malley: "I am proud to be here today to celebrate the expansion of BP Solar in the State of Maryland…By capitalizing on Maryland's existing renewable industry and recently enacted legislation to promote solar and wind energy, I hope to make Maryland the engine of the renewable energy economy. Today, BP is helping to lead the way by using sustainable building techniques and investing $100,000 in Maryland's Solar Schools Program."