Tesla Eyes NY, Arizona, Idaho to Scale Solar Cell Production

Tesla Inc. is accelerating its plan to manufacture solar cells, evaluating sites in New York, Arizona, and Idaho to begin domestic production. The Buffalo, New York, facility could expand to 10 GW, equivalent to 10 nuclear plants, with a potential second plant in New York state. The initiative, led by Vice President Bonne Eggleston and focused on domestic manufacturing, aims to reach 100 GW annually to power data centers and support space initiatives. Background: The company acquired SolarCity in 2016 and previously targeted 100 GW of solar cell output. First Solar Inc., the current leader, is expected to boost U.S. output to 14 GW this year. The U.S. currently produces about 3 GW of solar cells, with tariffs and reduced incentives impeding growth. Musk highlighted import tariffs as a barrier in recent interviews, citing an underappreciated solar opportunity.