The President visited the facility in May of last year and said "it is just a testament to American ingenuity and dynamism and the fact that we continue to have the best universities in the world, the best technology in the world, and most importantly the best workers in the world. And you guys all represent that." http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Solyndra-Filing-a-Disaster-for-Obama-128816968.html
They went a bit mad with the investment in eco tech. There was an article on the British news today about light bulbs and how people don't like the new energy saving ones. I guess they should really have checked whether there was a market for it. Or is it more management and cost inefficiencies do you think? Anyway I am sure it is just an attempt to keep up with the Chinese who make most solar panels. Looks like it is going to stay that way.