
In 1981, BP acquired initially 50% of Lucas Energy Systems which became Lucas BP Solar Systems. The company became wholly owned by BP in the mid-1980s. When BP merged with in 1998 it acquired Amoco's 50% stake in Solarex. In 1999 it acquired 's stake in Solarex and consolidated its PV divisions into a new subsidiary named BP Solarex. In that year the company became the world's leading PV producer. In 2001 the division renamed itself BP S.