Solyndra captures $600M funding, rolls out new tubular panels

Fremont, California photovoltaics maker Solyndra took the wraps off an innovative twist on traditional solar panels recently, revealing a product that promises to make it easier and cheaper than ever before to install rooftop solar generation. Plus, some $600 million in funding is enabling Solyndra to greatly increase the capacity of its current Fremont manufacturing plant and make plans for another plant.

Where most photovoltaic systems use large, flat panels that require sturdy rooftop mounting systems, sometimes are vulnerable to high winds and require the panels to be angled and oriented toward the sun. Solyra uses a thin-film technology and wraps the film around the inside of a series of narrow tubes.

This not only allows the Solyndra system to turn sunlight into electricity efficiently, it also means the panels can be installed flat against the roof, without the need to position the panels as carefully traditional panels require. Plus, because its tubes are an inch wide and an inch apart, the Solyndra panels don't catch the wind like regular solar panels do and don't require such sturdy supports.
The upshot is that installation of a Solyndra system reportedly costs roughly half what it takes to put up most other rooftop solar systems.

VentureBeat reports that Solyndra investors include Virgin Green Fund, Rockport Capital, Argonaut Ventures, RedPoint Ventures, CMEA Ventures, US Venture Partners and the Masdar Clean Tech Fund, as well as Madrone Capital, which funded First Solar.

Cleantech panel to examine growth opportunities

A panel of executives will discuss the opportunities and potential for growth in clean technologies -- even in the face of a down market -- at the annual Women and Technology Summit in Santa Clara.

The cleantech panel, titled "Clean Tech, THE Robust Global Growth Engine.. Even in Uncertain Times," is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara. The Women and Technology Summit's will follow.

From Women in Technology International about the Women and Technology summit:

Keynote Breakfast: Clean Tech, THE Robust Global Growth Engine.. Even in Uncertain Times
Dr. Cheemin Bo-Linn, CEO, Peritus Partners
Marianne Wu, Partner, MDV
Laurie Yoler, Managing Director, GrowthPoint Technology Partners
Elise Zoli, Partner, Goodwin Procter
Kjerstin Barley, Sr Vice-President and Industry Leader, Technology and Electronics, GE Commercial Finance
October 15, 7:30 am - 9:15 am

The Top Women in Clean Tech share their perspectives with straight talk on how clean tech will continue to be the sustainable global growth engine. Hear and interact with the leaders recognized for being the top in their field with domain expertise in:

* Capital markets (Kjerstin Barley, SVP GE Capital and Industry Leader for Technology and Business Services; overall GE capital fund with over $7b in assets)

* Marketing, Ecosystem Alliances, Rapid Market Entry /New Product Growth (Dr. Cheemin Bo-Linn, CEO, Peritus Partners; Lead Venture advisor for Clean Tech Start-ups and Global Corporate Energy Efficiency Initiatives)

* Venture Capitalist (Marianne Wu, MDV, $2b top ventures fund, leading portfolio investments spanning renewable power, biofuels & chemicals, transportation, coal, air & water, construction, and mining. )

* Investment Banking: (Laurie Yoler, Founding Board Member, Tesla Motors, and Managing Director, GrowthPoint Technology Partners, a firm leading hundreds of successful fundraising and M&A transactions for technology and clean technology entrepreneurs around the world )

* Legal (Elise Zoli, Partner, Goodwin Procter and Head, Clean Tech Law Practice, from the “Law Firm of the Year” in Fund Formation (2007) and Leveraged Buyouts (2008); and a leader in federal CO2 regulations)

After presenting the current state of the clean tech industry, the panel will provide straight talk on business opportunities for entrepreneurs and SMB and global Fortune corporate leaders. Get key market intelligence on where investments are made, activity levels across technology and other sectors, and trends. Participate in engaging discussions on what is required to drive innovation, to upgrade corporate citizenship, and seize profits for continued robust growth.

For more information about the cleantech panel and the Women and Technology Summit, visit WITI.