BP Solar and MetLife have agreed to joint ownership of the Long Island Solar Farm, a 32 MW solar energy project under construction at the U.S. Department of Energy, Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, NY.

BP Solar is building and will operate and maintain the 200-acre facility and MetLife is serving as an investor partner. All energy generated from the facility will be sold under a 20-year power purchase agreement to the Long Island Power Authority.

“BP Solar is pleased to partner with MetLife on this landmark solar project,” said BP Solar CEO Mike Petrucci. “The Long Island Solar Farm will be one of the largest solar facilities in the nation. It is clearly a positive partnership between companies firmly committed to renewable energy.”

“At MetLife, we recognize the multiple benefits that come with being an investment partner in projects like this solar farm,” said Steve Kandarian, executive vice president and chief investment officer for MetLife. “In addition to aligning strongly with our high quality investment philosophy, this project also enables us to further our commitment to supporting efforts that truly drive sustainability. We are very pleased to be working with BP Solar on this important endeavor.”

The solar farm, constructed with over 164,000 BP Solar crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules, will be operational in late 2011 and is expected to generate enough energy to meet the needs of 4,500 average Long Island homes. CP Energy served as financial advisor to MetLife on this transaction.