Tesla plans to build a solar-panel factory near Houston, Texas, potentially investing up to $10.1 billion in a project called Crystal Sun. If realised, it would be a major expansion of US solar manufacturing and could create thousands of jobs, though Tesla is seeking tax incentives and says it is considering alternative sites in other states.

Tesla says the site could employ around 9,700 people, with construction starting this year, completion targeted for 2028 and initial panel production planned for 2029. The company estimated property taxes of roughly $1.1 billion over 37 years without incentives; it has not disclosed annual output or whether panels may serve terrestrial or satellite uses, while separately aiming for 100 gigawatts of US manufacturing capacity by 2028.