Recent aerial photographs obtained by Teslarati show that Tesla’s installation of its rooftop solar array for Gigafactory 1 outside of Reno, Nevada is progressing well. As could be seen in the images, which were taken on March 12, 2018, the California-based electric car and energy company has installed six sets of solar panels on the north end of the facility so far.
Gigafactory 1 was designed with sustainability in mind. Tesla’s description of the sprawling facility alone states that the factory is set to be powered exclusively by renewable energy sources, including a massive solar array that would be installed on its roof. In Tesla’s handout for an investor event, the Elon Musk-led firm described its plans of installing the largest rooftop solar array in the world and the system’s impressive specs. As the facility started taking form, however, the Nevada Gigafactory’s solar panels have proven elusive.
“GF1 is an all-electric factory with no fossil fuels (natural gas or petroleum) directly consumed. We will be using 100% sustainable energy through a combination of a 70 MW solar rooftop array and solar ground installations. The solar rooftop array is ~7x larger than the largest rooftop solar system installed today.”
Leaked images of the first set of solar panels in Gigafactory 1’s roof were released by Building Tesla late last month. The publication, which tracks the progress of Tesla’s structures over time, was able to get a snapshot of the rooftop solar array on February 21, 2018. During that time, only one set of solar panels were completed, and another one was being installed.
If Teslarati’s aerial photos are any indication, it seems like Tesla was able to install almost five more sets of solar panels over the last couple of weeks. Here are the photos we obtained of Gigafactory 1.
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- An aerial shot of Tesla’s Gigafactory 1 outside Reno, Nevada, taken during a flyover on March 12, 2018. [Credit: Teslarati]
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- An aerial shot of Tesla’s Gigafactory 1 outside Reno, Nevada, taken during a flyover on March 12, 2018. [Credit: Teslarati]
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- An aerial shot of Tesla’s Gigafactory 1 outside Reno, Nevada, taken during a flyover on March 12, 2018. [Credit: Teslarati]
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- An aerial shot of Tesla’s Gigafactory 1 outside Reno, Nevada, taken during a flyover on March 12, 2018. [Credit: Teslarati]
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- An aerial shot of Gigafactory 1 outside Reno, Nevada, taken during a flyover on March 12, 2018 and showing Tesla’s ongoing construction of a rooftop solar array. [Credit: Teslarati]
Now estimated to cost more than $1.3 billion in construction costs, the Nevada Gigafactory is still only a fraction of its planned size. Nevertheless, it is heartening to see that Tesla is starting the construction of the Nevada Gigafactory’s photovoltaic system. It does, after all, fit in well with the company’s current strategy of growing from within and optimizing its existing facilities before expanding its physical footprint.
As we noted in a previous report, Gigafactory 1’s footprint has been the same since August 2017. Reports from Buildzoom, however, reveal that the facility has seen a flurry of activity last year, with the Elon Musk-led firm filing 112 new building permits for Gigafactory 1 in 2017. The improvements, which cost Tesla another 379.9 million, included 50 addendums — enhancements for facilities already in operation — including upgrades for its microgrid laboratory, chiller yard, and general improvements in Sections F and G. A permit for a metrology lab, which would ensure that components are manufactured according to specifications, was also filed.
Currently, the Nevada Gigafactory, which is tasked with the production of the Model 3’s battery packs and drivetrain, boasts a footprint of 1.9 million square feet, with 4.9 million square feet of operational space across several floors. While the now-$1.3-billion facility is already impressive, however, Gigafactory 1 is still only 30 percent complete. Once finished, it is expected to cover an area of 13 million square feet and boast a battery production capacity of 35 GWh annually, making it the largest building in the world by physical footprint.
Energy
Tesla Energy gains UK license to sell electricity to homes and businesses
The license was granted to Tesla Energy Ventures Ltd. by UK energy regulator Ofgem after a seven-month review process.
Tesla Energy has received a license to supply electricity in the United Kingdom, opening the door for the company to serve homes and businesses in the country.
The license was granted to Tesla Energy Ventures Ltd. by UK energy regulator Ofgem after a seven-month review process.
According to Ofgem, the license took effect at 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday and applies to Great Britain.
The approval allows Tesla’s energy business to sell electricity directly to customers in the region, as noted in a Bloomberg News report.
Tesla has already expanded similar services in the United States. In Texas, the company offers electricity plans that allow Tesla owners to charge their vehicles at a lower cost while also feeding excess electricity back into the grid.
Tesla already has a sizable presence in the UK market. According to price comparison website U-switch, there are more than 250,000 Tesla electric vehicles in the country and thousands of Tesla home energy storage systems.
Ofgem also noted that Tesla Motors Ltd., a separate entity incorporated in England and Wales, received an electricity generation license in June 2020.
The new UK license arrives as Tesla continues expanding its global energy business.
Last year, Tesla Energy retained the top position in the global battery energy storage system (BESS) integrator market for the second consecutive year. According to Wood Mackenzie’s latest rankings, Tesla held about 15% of global market share in 2024.
The company also maintained a dominant position in North America, where it captured roughly 39% market share in the region.
At the same time, competition in the energy storage sector is increasing. Chinese companies such as Sungrow have been expanding their presence globally, particularly in Europe.
Energy
Tesla Powerwall distribution expands in Australia
Inventory is expected to arrive in late February and official sales are expected to start mid-March 2026.
Supply Partners Group has secured a distribution agreement for the Tesla Powerwall in Australia, with inventory expected to arrive in late February and official sales beginning in mid-March 2026.
Under the new agreement, Supply Partners will distribute Tesla Powerwall units and related accessories across its national footprint, as noted in an ecogeneration report. The company said the addition strengthens its position as a distributor focused on premium, established brands.
“We are proud to officially welcome Tesla Powerwall into the Supply Partners portfolio,” Lliam Ricketts, Co-Founder and Director of Innovation at Supply Partners Group, stated.
“Tesla sets a high bar, and we’ve worked hard to earn the opportunity to represent a brand that customers actively ask for. This partnership reflects the strength of our logistics, technical services and customer experience, and it’s a win for installers who want premium options they can trust.”
Supply Partners noted that initial Tesla Powerwall stock will be warehoused locally before full commercial rollout in March. The distributor stated that the timing aligns with renewed growth momentum for the Powerwall, supported by competitive installer pricing, consumer rebates, and continued product and software updates.
“Powerwall is already a category-defining product, and what’s ahead makes it even more compelling,” Ricketts stated. “As pricing sharpens and capability expands, we see a clear runway for installers to confidently spec Powerwall for premium residential installs, backed by Supply Partners’ national distribution footprint and service model.”
Supply Partners noted that a joint go-to-market launch is planned, including Tesla-led training for its sales and technical teams to support installers during the home battery system’s domestic rollout.
Energy
Tesla Megapack Megafactory in Texas advances with major property sale
Stream Realty Partners announced the sale of Buildings 9 and 10 at the Empire West industrial park, which total 1,655,523 square feet.
Tesla’s planned Megapack factory in Brookshire, Texas has taken a significant step forward, as two massive industrial buildings fully leased to the company were sold to an institutional investor.
In a press release, Stream Realty Partners announced the sale of Buildings 9 and 10 at the Empire West industrial park, which total 1,655,523 square feet. The properties are 100% leased to Tesla under a long-term agreement and were acquired by BGO on behalf of an institutional investor.
The two facilities, located at 100 Empire Boulevard in Brookshire, Texas, will serve as Tesla’s new Megafactory dedicated to manufacturing Megapack battery systems.
According to local filings previously reported, Tesla plans to invest nearly $200 million into the site. The investment includes approximately $44 million in facility upgrades such as electrical, utility, and HVAC improvements, along with roughly $150 million in manufacturing equipment.
Building 9, spanning roughly 1 million square feet, will function as the primary manufacturing floor where Megapacks are assembled. Building 10, covering approximately 600,000 square feet, will be dedicated to warehousing and logistics operations, supporting storage and distribution of completed battery systems.
Waller County Commissioners have approved a 10-year tax abatement agreement with Tesla, offering up to a 60% property-tax reduction if the company meets hiring and investment targets. Tesla has committed to employing at least 375 people by the end of 2026, increasing to 1,500 by the end of 2028, as noted in an Austin County News Online report.
The Brookshire Megafactory will complement Tesla’s Lathrop Megafactory in California and expand U.S. production capacity for the utility-scale energy storage unit. Megapacks are designed to support grid stabilization and renewable-energy integration, a segment that has become one of Tesla’s fastest-growing businesses.
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