Benjamin Bierman

Headquartered in Fremont, California, Solyndra designs and manufactures solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, comprised of panels and mounts, for the commercial rooftop market. Solyndra’s CIGS technology is a proven and scalable solar solution that offers strong ROI and economics for the rooftop owner . The company has installed its systems on more than 1000 rooftops in more than 20 countries. In 2010 Solyndra was named “One of the 50 Most Innovative Companies in the World” by MIT’s Technology Review Magazine. Using innovative cylindrical modules and thin film CIGS technology, Solyndra systems are designed to provide the lowest levelized cost of electricity and the highest kilowatt hour production per rooftop for typical installations. The unique Solyndra form factor is designed specifically for the commercial rooftop, offering the fastest and easiest installation, a non-penetrating mounting system, and superior wind, snow and soiling performance. In addition Solyndra offers energy and conservation advantages when installed in conjunction with a white or “cool” roof. Founded in 2005, today the company employs high-volume manufacturing based on proven technologies and processes to meet the needs of the global solar market. Solyndra manufactures its products in the United States where it currently operates a state-of-the-art 300,000 square foot front-end manufacturing factory and a 500,000 square foot back-end facility. The manufacturing facility has helped Solyndra drive costs down dramatically allowing the company to offer highly competitive “all in” installed cost on the rooftop. In 2011 Solyndra will double it’s production capacity, ramping toward 300MW in 2012. The company employs approximately 1050 employees around the world and has offices in the United States, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and France. Revenues were approximately $140 million in 2010.

Coherent, Inc. is a provider of laser solutions and optics for microelectronics, life sciences, industrial manufacturing, scientific and aerospace, and defense markets. It operates through the following business segments: OEM Laser Sources (OLS) and Industrial Lasers & Systems (ILS). The OLS segment focuses on laser sources and complex optical sub-systems, typically used in microelectronics manufacturing, medical diagnostics, and therapeutic medical applications. The ILS segment covers laser sources, sub-systems, and tools, which are used for industrial laser materials processing. The company was founded by Eugene Watson on May 26, 1966, and is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA.

GlassPoint Solar, Inc. manufactures solar steam generators for the oil and gas industry. The company was founded by Rod McGregor and Pete von Behrens in February 2009 and is headquartered in Fremont, CA.