BP Solar Panels (History, Lawsuit & Alternatives)

Are BP Solar Panel Still Sold?

BP Solar closed up shop in 2011 and no longer sells solar power systems. There may still be some BP solar panels in circulation, but the technology behind these modules is over a decade old, rendering them nearly obsolete.

The most recent PV modules that BP Solar manufactured were made with polycrystalline and monocrystalline solar cells. BP maxed out at 280 watt solar panel that had 13% efficiency.⁷ If you can find BP solar panels on the market, their approximately 250 watt power ratings make them feasible only for off-grid or other small-scale purposes.  Although BP Solar is no longer in business, BP still honors its warranties.

Watch Below: Check out this video for a closer look at BP solar panels.

BP Solar Lawsuit

In 2016, a few years after the company’s closure, a class-action lawsuit against BP Solar claiming its panels were defective ended in a settlement.

A line of solar panels manufactured between 1999 and 2007 with an S-type junction box (“Class Panels”) were ruled to be prone to a high failure rate. These failures could cause burn marks at the junction box, shattered glass and pose a potential fire hazard.

According to official reports, the settlement generally includes anyone in the U.S. who purchased the panels for installation on a property or purchased a property on which they had already been installed and still own some or all of those panels.⁸

Alternatives to BP Solar Panels

If you’re looking for high-quality alternatives to BP, consider a few of the following solar modules for residential grid-tied installations.

The best way to figure out which type of solar panel is best for your installation is to consult with a solar company near you. To find a world-class provider in your area, you can visit our page on the best solar installation companies.