AE Polysilicon, maker of a material used in the solar power industry, broke ground on a new headquarters in Fairless Hills, Pa., Friday, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced.

The company, which is moving from Chatham, N.J., also plans to build a plant on the 32-acre site that will employ 145.

The company makes polysilicon, a material used for solar cells that convert solar energy to electricity.

DEP Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said more production of polysilicon is needed to drive down the price of solar energy products and make going solar more attractive.

AE Polysilicon is getting $8.2 million in state funds. Its facility will sit in a Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zone, which gives companies that locate there breaks on local and state taxes .