Lexington, Mass.—October 15, 2008—1366 Technologies, an MIT spin-off focused on engineering and manufacturing advanced silicon solar cells, today announced the company will host a grand opening reception on October 16 to debut its new Lexington, MA manufacturing facility.
The speaking program will begin at 10:30 a.m. ET. Ian Bowles, Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, will deliver the Keynote address. Guided tours of the facility will be offered beginning at 9:30 a.m. ET.

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 timeline 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.”

Date: Thursday, October 16, 2008.
Start Time: 10:30 a.m. ET
Location: 45 Hartwell Avenue, Lexington, MA 02421
Featured Speaker: Ian Bowles, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

Schedule of Events:
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Guided Tours
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Speaking Program
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Guided Tours

For more information or to RSVP for this event, please contact Tiffany Archambault or Mike Farber at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at (781) 684-0770.

About 1366 Technologies
1366 Technologies’ mission is to make the cost of solar power competitive with coal power by 2012. The company is combining breakthrough innovations in silicon cell architecture with manufacturing process improvements to make the world’s most cost effective multi-crystalline solar cells. Founded in 2007 by MIT professor and photovoltaic industry expert Professor Emanuel Sachs, the company is equity backed by North Bridge Venture Partners and Polaris Venture Partners.
Based in Lexington, MA, 1366 Technologies is online at http://www.1366tech.com.