Solyndra’s Bankruptcy and the Future of US Solar Manufacturing

On August 31, 2011, American solar module manufacturer, Solyndra announced bankruptcy. This news came one day after the DOE (Department of Energy) determined that a second restructuring was not feasible.

Solyndra was but one of three U.S. solar panel manufacturers to announce closure during the first week of September. Solyndra however takes center stage because in 2009, the DOE awarded Solyndra $535 million in loan guarantees as part of the U.S. Federal Stimulus Program.

What effect will Solyndra’s bankruptcy have on U.S. Solar Energy manufacturing?

In 172 years of solar evolution, the United States has been and integral part of solar energy research and development. Some examples are:

• In 1838, A.E. Becquerel is credited with discovering the Photovoltaic Effect.
• In 1883, Charles Fritts created the first working solar cell.
• In 1977, The Solar Energy Research Institute was founded.
• In 2008, solar cell efficiency achieved record-breaking heights with a PV device that converts 40.8% of sunlight into electricity.

While Solyndra was not a major supplier,  what the Solyndra crisis teaches us is that the real competition, which is cost, must be confronted.

Better Business

Current market data illustrates that solar PV module prices have steadily decreased from $7/Watt in 1985 to $1.50/Watt in 2011 Module Pricing Trends. When the silicon shortage hit the industry prices increased briefly giving companies like Solyndra an edge with silicon free alternatives. The silicon shortage did not last however and prices continued to decrease

The Solar Energy Industries Association, which represents nearly 5,000 companies in the United States, reported that the solar industry continues to be the fastest growing industry in America with a 69% increase over second quarter reports from 2010. Job growth in the solar industry is estimated to increase 26% providing 24,000 jobs over the next year.

Solar Energy Appeal

Solar energy adds value to commercial and residential properties, making the consumer an investor who profits as well, but what are the other advantages?

In the United States, future legislation will raise the standard of environmental requirements for energy providers. Along with tough legislation state and federal government will continue to provide incentives and compensation by way of credits and rebates to consumers and providers alike to ensure swift compliance.

Harnessing Solar

The sun has been a constant source of light and energy in our solar system since the beginning of time. Whether we harness it or not, every day the sun rises from the east, sets in the west, and remains the center of our universe.

For 172 years and counting scientist around the world have studied ways the Photovoltaic Effect could be harnessed to benefit mankind. Solar energy does not have to be valued to exist, but in finding its value we have created an opportunity for the future to move beyond the present economically, environmentally, and socially.