Tesla aims to achieve 100 GW of solar capacity with China's support

Tesla plans to invest up to $2.9 million in solar panels and equipment from China. The goal is to create 100 GW of capacity in the United States by the end of 2028.

Why China?
China has leaders in high‑technology panel production (Suzhou Maxwell Technologies, Shenzhen S.C. New Energy, Laplace Renewable Energy Technology). Excess domestic production makes export attractive.

Regulatory barriers
Without permission from Chinese authorities, delivery to the U.S. is impossible. The deadline is fall 2024, and equipment must be delivered to Texas.

Additional use
The remaining panels will be used to power SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network.

Historical context
The U.S. previously imposed high tariffs on imported solar panels, but they were lifted and extended (Trump). Support for alternative energy remains controversial.

Industry status
By 2024 the U.S. already has 1,300 GW of generation; about 10 % comes from solar. Musk plans to increase this figure by more than 70 %.

How it looks

1. Musk’s ambition
Elon Musk, known for setting and achieving grand goals, is now planning a large‑scale solar project in the U.S. He wants to create 100 GW of generating capacity by the end of 2028—almost ten times the current level.

2. China as supplier
To implement the plan, Tesla intends to purchase equipment and panels from Chinese companies. The main candidate is Suzhou Maxwell Technologies, a recognized global leader in this field. Other names on the list include Shenzhen S.C. New Energy and Laplace Renewable Energy Technology.

3. Export problem
To deliver the total cost of $2.9 million, permission from Chinese authorities is required. Without it, the deal cannot be executed. Delivery must finish by fall 2024 in Texas.

4. Benefit from additional volume
Some panels will be used inside Tesla, but a significant portion will power SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network.

5. Economic context
China’s domestic market has excess solar panel production, making export attractive to American buyers. In the U.S., the situation is complex: under Biden high tariffs were attempted, but they were lifted and extended by Trump. Government subsidies for alternative energy are limited due to stability concerns.

6. How much already exists
As of 2024, the U.S. operates about 1,300 GW of generation, but only a little over 10 % comes from solar. Musk intends to increase this figure by more than 70 %, requiring huge investments and complex coordination.

Conclusion

Tesla plans to invest almost $3 billion in Chinese panels to create dozens of gigawatts of solar power in the U.S. by the end of 2028. The project’s success depends on approval from Chinese authorities, timely delivery of equipment, and whether Musk can overcome existing economic and political barriers.