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Technology

Sustainability

SunPower: Focused on the Future of Solar Power

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Abstract

In late 2006, SunPower designed, manufactured, and delivered the most efficient solar cells in the world. At a time when many experts believed solar technology would grow quickly, SunPower needed to decide whether to maintain market share through a strategy of differentiated technology or pricing.

Learning Objectives

To focus on the role of the learning curve in building competitive advantage, asking how SunPower can compete against rivals that are many times larger in an industry that is almost certainly subject to significant learning effects; and introduce students to the challenges inherent in investing in alternative energy.

Appropriate for the Following Course(s) 

technology strategy, strategy, sustainability

SunPower: Focused on the Future of Solar Power

Educator Copy*

*An educator (non-watermarked) copy of this case is available only to individuals who hold teaching positions at academic institutions and want to use the case in a course.