Nanosolar 2009

Nanosolar was founded in 2002 in San Jose, California. Nanosolar’s innovative approach to photovoltaic solar power made it one of the most visible clean technology start-ups, and had attracted high-profile venture capital. The firm had made progress in the U.S., Germany, and France, and its prospects for growth were excellent. In particular, emerging energy markets had tremendous potential, especially China, which by 2011 or 2012 could potentially eclipse Germany in its demand for solar power. First Solar, Nanosolar’s competitive benchmark, had just announced a large deal with the Chinese government to collaborate on a solar generation project in Inner Mongolia. Martin Roscheisen, a serial entrepreneur and the company’s CEO, knew that Nanosolar should participate in the China market, and in 2009 was devising a novel approach to this challenge.