Rafael Reyes on Thursday, 27 May 2010 02:50

President at Solyndra

President Obama visited Solyndra in Fremont today highlighting the innovative solar company and the importance of federal support in innovation.

Last year, the Department of Energy gave Solyndra a $535 million loan guarantee funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Five-year-old Solyndra was the first company to receive a loan guarantee, and it has become a poster child for the success of federal stimulus spending and its ripple effects on the economy.

Solyndra is one of several companies in Silicon Valley making solar panels that use non-silicon materials known in the industry as "thin film." Solyndra's panels are largely designed for flat, commercial rooftops and are installed in 200 locations around the world.