Silicon Energy has announced the grand opening of its new, multi-million dollar solar PV manufacturing plant in Mountain Iron, Minnesota, and start of local production of the company's popular Cascade PV System, which features a unique glass-on-glass construction with unparalleled life-long performance and durability.

The company will host a Grand Opening event on Monday, October 10th, 2011 at 10am, with special guests US Sen. Amy Klobuchar; Rep. Tom Rukavina; Rep. Carly Melin; Rep. Tom Anzelc; Rep. DavidDill; Sen. David Tomassoni; Sen. Tom Bakk; Sen. Tom Saxhaug; Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) Commissioner Tony Sertich; DEED Commissioner Mark Phillips; and Deputy Commissioner Bill Grant from the Office of Energy Security.

Silicon Energy's Cascade PV system effectively sheds snow and features a mounting system with customizable frame colors that safely encloses the wiring for a more attractive visual aesthetic, protection fromanimals and weather, and easier installation. Unlike other PV systems, the company's Cascade PV System offers a variety of installation options outside traditional roof installations, including awnings, windows, carports, patiocovers, and bus shelters.

The company has already hired 15 new employees, and is expected to add additional employees over the next few months in manufacturing, engineering and sales. IRRRB Chairman State Representative Tom Rukavina said, "We are proud that Silicon Energy was attracted to the Iron Range by our talented people, our great work ethic, and our passion to create jobs for the next generation while providing renewable energy for the people."

Silicon Energy's plant is part of the City of Mountain Iron's Renewable Energy Park, a new site dedicated to the development and promotion of businesses that specialize in sustainable and renewable energy. The Park was created through a partnership between the IRRRB, the State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and the Mountain Iron Economic Development Authority.

IRRRB Commissioner Tony Sertich noted, "We worked over several months to create a package to assist Silicon Energy to build its second US plant in Mountain Iron. Most importantly, we helped with site location, workforce recruitment and training, and business advice to jump start the project."

Silicon Energy received $1.5 million in equipment loans from the IRRRB. The new $3.1 million building housing the manufacturing plant was developed with assistance from the IRRRB and is owned by the Mountain Iron Economic Development Authority, which leases the building to Silicon Energy at market rates.

The energy-efficient plant features top-of-the-line equipment for manufacturing the PV modules in a non-toxic and safe environment, and strategic window placement for increased use of natural lighting. Silicon Energy will offset a portion of its energy consumption through the use of its own PV modules once the south-side awning is completed

"We're thrilled to be officially opening our doors in Minnesota and starting local production of our solar modules in the new plant," said Gary Shaver, president of Silicon Energy.

"Minnesotans are at an advantage for using solar as the state has a solar resource comparable to many southern states and a climate that is excellent for solar performance. With incentives that encourage locally manufactured solar systems, we expect Minnesota's solar capacity to grow substantially. Our modules provide an extremely durable, safe, versatile PV solution that provides unparalleled energy harvest while supporting the local economy with environmentally-conscious manufacturing practices."

State Senator David Tomassoni, who along with Rukavina carried the solar incentive legislation, said, "It is great as a legislator to pass new laws that lead directly to investments and jobs for our citizens. In the legislature, we created an incentive for solar that attracted Silicon Energy to build its second US plant on the Iron Range. We appreciate their commitment and will continue to work for their long-term success."

Rukavina added that "I've always been promoting folks and the state to buy local, to support local jobs. This plant proves we can do that here on the Iron Range and bring a great renewable energy product to market."

State Senate Minority Leader Senator Tom Bakk said, "Silicon Energy's plans attracted a lot of excitement in the legislature. We are doing what Minnesotans truly want-creating new jobs, building a world class product in rural Minnesota, and reducing energy costs for consumers over the long-run. We are proud to have been able to attract this company to our region."

Silicon Energy's new plant will produce PV systems for the Minnesota marketplace, and will also support increasing demand for Silicon Energy products throughout the U.S. and Canada. Consumers in the Xcel Energy service territory interested in purchasing solar can take advantage of the Minnesota Bonus PV Solar Rebate as well as their Solar*Rewards program. Silicon Energy's solar PV modules produced at the Mountain Iron plant are UL 1703 certified by ETL and are eligible for all Minnesota solar incentives.

"We strive to make solar a mainstream energy source and are excited to bring this option and economic boost to the region," closed Shaver.