Solar Energy, Federal Loan | featured news

Republicans probing how a now-bankrupt solar panel company received a $535 million federal loan guarantee excoriated Energy Secretary Steven Chu on Thursday for his decisions on Solyndra at a hearing packed with media and spectators.

A series of emails provided to the House Energy and Commerce Committee from individuals tied to Solyndra offer striking characterizations about running strategy with the White House to secure assistance for the now-bankrupt solar energy firm.

The Obama administration engaged in a 'pattern' of approving loans that were not qualified to receive taxpayer money, says one Republican House chairman, calling the development as disturbing as the loss of millions of dollars given to bankrupt solar power company Solyndra.