Secretary Ian Bowles to deliver keynote address at October 16 grand opening.

1366 Technologies, an MIT spin off focused on engineering and manufacturing advanced silicon solar cells, announced the company will host a grand opening reception on October 16 to debut its new Lexington, MA manufacturing facility. Ian Bowles, Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, will deliver the keynote address. Guided tours of the facility will be offered.

“I commend 1366 Technologies for its commitment to make cost effective solar power a reality,” Secretary Bowles said. “Companies like 1366 Technologies help position Massachusetts as a clean energy leader, a goal that is a top priority for the Patrick Administration. We look forward to the success of this innovative solar design and manufacturing business.”

The opening of this facility marks an important milestone in the production of solar technology, specifically silicon cells. 1366 Technologies has created both a new photovoltaic manufacturing process and a uniquely architected solar silicon cell with the intent of combining the two innovations to slash the cost of solar power down to the cost of coal by 2012. Breaking ground on the Lexington plant enables 1366 Technologies to commence manual production of its high efficiency, low cost silicon solar cells in a six inch, industry standard size. Looking ahead, the next step to commercial production will be the automation of this process.

“1366 is on an aggressive time line to drive silicon solar cell electricity below grid parity,” said Bob Metcalfe, a 1366 Technologies director and general partner at Polaris Venture Partners. “The opening of our Lexington plant starts us on our way toward high volume production of less expensive and more efficient solar cells.”