Solyndra reveals thin-film solar tubes

October 6, 2008 - Exclusive By Emma Ritch, Cleantech Group Stealth startup debuts innovative CIGS cylinders, announces $600M in VC backing. Fremont, Calif.-based Solyndra unveiled today its entry in the copper-indium-gallium-selenium (CIGS) solar race—long cylinders coated in thin-film material inside glass tubes, which line up inside aluminum frames. Chris Gronet, CEO of the three-year-old stealth startup, told the Cleantech Group he decided to show off the patented technology for the first time because Solyndra has signed $1.2 billion in customer contracts. The supply deals over five years call for Solyndra to provide panels to Phoenix Solar, Solar Power Inc. and other companies that expect to begin selling the product for flat commercial rooftops. See Solyndra's technology here >> Solyndra said the tubes allow the CIGS... [read full story]