Tesla is planning to buy solar equipment worth $2.9 billion from Chinese companies. The machines will help Tesla build 100 gigawatts of solar panel and cell production in the United States by 2028.
Suzhou Maxwell Technologies, the world’s largest maker of machines for solar cells, is a leading supplier. Other companies, including Shenzhen S.C New Energy Technology and Laplace Renewable Energy Technology, are involved. Some equipment will need approval from Chinese authorities before shipment. Tesla expects the machines to arrive in Texas before autumn.
CEO Elon Musk has set ambitious goals for US solar energy. In January, he said solar power could eventually provide all electricity for the United States, including rising demand from AI data centres. Tesla has also posted jobs to support 100 GW of solar production in the country by 2028.
The equipment will help power Tesla’s Solar Roofs, Powerwalls, and utility-scale solar projects. Some solar energy could also support SpaceX satellites. This shows Tesla is growing beyond electric vehicles and moving into clean energy on a big scale.
The deal also shows how the US still relies on China for some solar equipment. US tariffs block cheap solar panels from abroad, but solar-making machines are not affected. This allows Tesla and other companies to buy the machines needed for local factories.
After the news, shares of Suzhou Maxwell, Shenzhen S.C New Energy, and Laplace Renewable jumped more than 7%. The order gives a boost to Chinese equipment makers, who have faced slow demand in recent years.
If completed, this deal will strengthen Tesla’s role in US solar energy. It will also show that, despite industrial self-reliance, global trade still remains important.
The $2.9 billion purchase makes it clear that Tesla is serious about clean energy. The company is not just making electric cars; it is working to become a major player in solar power and renewable energy.
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