BP Solar officials made the announcement Thursday at the plant in Center Park off Ballenger Creek Pike. The plant currently has 550 employees.

The British company will invest more than $70 million for the expansion, according to Sarah Howell, spokeswoman for BP Solar.

The expansion will include 56,000 square feet for manufacturing, 40,000 square feet for warehouse and shipping, and 44,000 square feet for office and meeting space.

The local plant manufactures solar energy panels for residential or commercial use. The growing interest in increasing the nation's ability to create more of its own energy has spurred visits by elected officials and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Along with solar energy as its focus, BP Solar's new expansion will include extensive water recycling, bioretention stormwater management, green roofing, reforestation and energy-efficient lighting and heating.

The recycling system will include a more efficient design so the plant will not increase water use. Water use may actually decrease, the company said. The bioretention system will collect and reuse stormwater drainage.

Green roofing is becoming more popular. The new BP Solar addition will include a garden on the roof that will reduce heating and cooling needs, absorb carbon emissions and be used for stormwater retention.

Working with the Wildlife Habitat Council, BP Solar will add dozens of new trees and greenery.

Using the LEED (leadership in energy and environmental design) principles, more efficient lighting, heating and cooling, and more cells, will be used.

The addition will use more natural lighting, have a 175-seat cafeteria and 150-seat auditorium.

BP Solar is already involved in local education, donating solar panels to a new earth science laboratory to be built at Lincoln School. The addition at the plant will include additional learning opportunities for schools and the community.

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