Solyndra promised a solar revolution with its unique cylindrical panels. Backed by over $1B in funding — including a massive U.S. government loan — it scaled up quickly and gained political spotlight (including a visit from Obama). But while Solyndra was building factories, China was flooding the market with cheap, flat silicon panels. The price of solar dropped 50% in a year — and Solyndra’s premium product couldn’t compete. By 2011, the company filed for bankruptcy, laying off thousands and triggering a political storm. It became a symbol of clean tech hype gone wrong.

Pitch: “A better way to harness the sun.”