Executives of government-backed solar panel maker Solyndra, Inc. faced a grilling on Capitol Hill Friday morning after showing up at an oversight hearing and invoking their fifth amendment right against self-incrimination.

As expected, Chief Executive Brian Harrison and Chief Financial Officer W.G. Stover, Jr. refused to answer questions Friday, citing an ongoing federal criminal investigation into whether the company misled the government. The two men sat stone-faced for more than an hour as Republican lawmakers blasted the decision to give the company a $535 million federal loan guarantee in 2009. The company filed for bankruptcy earlier this month and laid off more than 1,000 workers.

Republicans and Democrats said they were disappointed the executives wouldn't testify. Solyndra representatives had assured members of both parties this summer that the company was in good financial shape. Rep. Henry Waxman (D., Calif.), the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said he was told "Solyndra's future was bright, sales and production booming. I'd like to know why ( Harrison ) told me that in July and filed for bankruptcy two months later."

Lawmakers had delayed Friday's hearing after an attorney for the company said on Sept. 10 that the executives would agree to answer questions, according to Republicans on the Energy and Commerce Committee. The men changed course after retaining their own criminal attorneys.

The area around the witness table was crowded with photographers Friday morning. Shutters clicked as Harrison and Stover stood and raised their right hands to be sworn in.

"I have tremendous respect for this subcommittee," Harrison told the committee. "While I hope to have an opportunity to assist this committee's inquiry in the future, on the advice of my attorney I must respectfully decline to answer any questions." Stover gave similar remarks.

Members of the Energy and Commerce Committee vowed to continue to press for answers.

"We just warn you and other folks involved in this taxpayer rip-off. We're not done," said Rep. Fred Upton (R., Mich.), the committee chairman.

The company, in a statement, reiterated that it was not aware of any wrongdoing on behalf of its officers, directors, or employees. "The company is confident that the investigation will clarify the facts surrounding the events leading to the (Department of Energy) loan guarantee to Solyndra and looks forward to a time when its executives can more freely discuss their views on these events."

As Harrison and Stover left the hearing room, men carrying television cameras and reporters with microphones followed them down the hall.

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