Key facts
- Tesla plans to construct a solar panel factory approximately 45 minutes southwest of Houston, Texas.
- The project, codenamed 'Project Crystal Sun,' has an estimated cost of up to $10.1 billion.
- Tesla has applied for tax incentives from the state of Texas for the proposed facility.
- The company stated the factory would generate around 9,700 full-time jobs.
- Construction is slated to begin this year, with completion targeted for 2028 and the first solar panels rolling off the line in 2029.
Tesla intends to construct a significant solar panel manufacturing facility approximately 45 minutes southwest of Houston, Texas, according to state filings. The project, identified as 'Project Crystal Sun,' could involve an investment of up to $10.1 billion.
Tesla has submitted applications for tax incentives to help offset the project's costs, noting that it is evaluating other potential sites across multiple U.S. states. The company estimates that the factory will create approximately 9,700 full-time jobs. Without incentives, Tesla's financial projections indicate a property tax liability of about $1.1 billion over 37 years.
The company aims to commence construction this year, with the factory expected to be completed by 2028. Solar panel production is anticipated to begin in 2029. While the intended use of the panels—whether for terrestrial installations or satellites—was not specified, Tesla CEO Elon Musk's involvement with SpaceX and interest in orbital data centers was noted.
Tesla has not publicly disclosed the factory's projected annual output, but it has previously stated its goal to establish 100 gigawatts of solar manufacturing capacity in the U.S. by 2028.