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This is the first time I've seen a non-politically motivated accusation that cutting off money had anything at all to do with their failure. The tech reason wa
by epistasis 3y ago
This is the first time I've seen a non-politically motivated accusation that cutting off money had anything at all to do with their failure.
The tech reason was that they had a way to make thin film panels which was super promising for driving down costs due to a silicon shortage. But then Diamond based silicon tech emerged, eliminating the silicon shortage and reducing input materials, which outcompeted thin film on price.
Such is the way of innovation. Looking only at subsidies gives you a false picture.
- monero-xmr 3y agoOf course. But maybe the government shouldn’t be picking winners and losers, and gambling with my tax dollars.
- germinalphrase 3y agoSilicon Valley was built on government investment.
- patmorgan23 3y agoWasn't solyndra given a loan that requires repayment? Government funded grants, loans and research are reasonable for developing damn near all of our fundamental tech. The internet has it's origins as ARPANET to connect universities/military installations.
- epistasis 3y agoThe government wasn't picking winners and losers, anymore than VCs or banks pick winners and losers. It was loans for well proven tech development, and has a fantastic track record for financial success.
- monero-xmr 3y agoCertainly you can see the difference between VCs and banks deciding where to invest, and the government which allocates tax dollars?