125 multifcrystalline silicon,Solar module-Solar Module Maker Plans a Public Offering

Solyndra, a well-financed solar module maker, filed a registration statement for an initial 125 multifcrystalline silicon public offering on Friday to raise $300 million to expand its manufacturing capacity.

It would be the biggest solar-related  Solar module offering in years and follows the  Solar power module stock-market debut of the electric car battery-maker A123 Systems in September.

Solyndra’s rooftop solar panels.Solyndra Solyndra’s rooftop solar panels at its headquarters in Fremont, Calif.

Based in Fremont, Calif., Solyndra emerged from stealth mode in October 2008 having secured $600 million in venture financing and $1.2 billion in orders. The company, founded in 2005 by veterans of the chip equipment maker Applied Materials, has since raised nearly $200 million more in venture funds.

The company makes cylindrical thin-film solar modules designed for commercial rooftops. The round modules collect sunlight from all angles, allowing the solar panels to be placed horizontally and packed close together, increasing efficiency and lowering installation costs, according to Solyndra.