BOSTON (CBS) – Another solar panel manufacturer has opened a state-of-the-art plant in Massachusetts with what the company calls game-changing technology.

1366 Technology of Bedford will use a new direct wafer process to make solar wafers from molten silicon.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030′s Anthony Silva reports

1366 CEO Frank Van Mierlo tells me the process used to make wafers today is long and convoluted, with many expensive steps. “We do that with one single, elegant step, much faster, much cheaper, and a much better product,” he says.

Van Mierlo tells me he didn’t develop the process himself. “I did this the same way I used to my MIT problem sets, by getting someone much smarter than me (to do it).”

He says the company hopes to deliver solar technology at the same cost of coal.

Van Mierlo says 1366 Technology has deep private backing, a developed market and positive cash flow as its ramps up production.

The state has made millions in technology assistance available to the company, but that won’t be tapped until certain production levels and other milestones are reached.