It was a program in R&D approved by Bush (not Obama) along with a dozen other companies, with the expectation some of them WOULD fail.
And the Bush administration didn't give them the loan because the business did not seem to be a good choice. Obama did give his cronies at Solyndra money and we know how that turned out. I do like how you set that bar on the ground though. Don't set it too high, whatever you do. Anyway, typical cronyism in DC.
I have been watching the news to see how "solar panels" for solar energy and wind turbines survived the storm "Sandy". All those people screaming for electricity for heat and home, and I have not heard a single one demand "green" energy. Why not wait for more solar panels or new wind turbines to be installed? Are those people that are freezing just fine with burning coal (for electrical generation) when it comes to supplying them with water, removing sewage, and for heating purposes? If so, why are they voting for increasing energy (all forms) in this country, and encouraging inventors to experiment with energy (instead of using regulations as roadblocks for any new developement)?