Solyndra files bankruptcy: What is going on with the solar sector?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Roberto Tarantino on September 1, 2011 at 2:56am

 

I think the problem is caused by nuclear energy lobbies

Permalink Reply by Lucia Panini on September 1, 2011 at 10:31am

A gloomy news indeed for all of us routing for renewables to become mainstream. Hopefully the overcast on the sector will clear soon and commitment to the sector will find serious, long-term supporters.

BAIA TeamPermalink Reply by Matteo Fabiano on September 1, 2011 at 10:38am

I am not sure that is the lack of commitment that is missing. The billions of private and public investment that have been poured into the sector are a very strong signal of commitment. 

Isn't this just a case of over-investment and the consequent over-supply that is causing prices to collapse?

 

BAIA TeamPermalink Reply by Franco Folini on September 1, 2011 at 10:34am

Demand and supply are out of balance: not only the US house market has been stagnant since 2008, but several countries are also cutting on incentives for solar energy. What should concern the most is not a company going bankrupt, but the unfair competition from China with manufacturer heavily supported and financed by the government.

Permalink Reply by Roberto Tarantino on September 2, 2011 at 2:32am

I have a feeling that the energy sector is handled completely different in the U.S. and Europe

Permalink Reply by rose campbell on September 7, 2011 at 12:23am

Solyndra is a California-based solar panel producer. A federally guaranteed loan of $535 million was a serious part of the investment that permitted the company to grow. However, the glow did not last long because this week, Solyndra announced that they will be declaring bankruptcy. Furthermore, it is still not clear what portion of Solyndra’s more than $1 billion debt the federal government may be responsible for paying. The federal loan guarantee was for $535 million. It will not be until after Solyndra’s bankruptcy hearings, at which the government will be represented, that the exact responsibility of the government will be understood. What is known for sure is that this guarantee will put taxpayers on the hook for several million dollars.

BAIA TeamPermalink Reply by Matteo Fabiano on September 12, 2011 at 10:40pm

Peter Thiel adds to the somber mood: 

"Cleantech is an increasingly large disaster"

http://venturebeat.com/2011/09/12/thiel-cleantech-disaster-disrupt/