Energy
Tesla Solar Roof certified with top UL safety rating, Fremont begins pilot production
Tesla has moved one step closer to getting its new Solar Roof tile product onto the rafters of homes after receiving the highest safety rating by U.S. safety certification company Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
Tesla’s Solar Roof Class A certification granted by the UL gives the energy-producing glass roof tiles the highest fire resistance rating possible, largely because of the high-strength glass material used by Tesla which proves to be extremely fire resistant and nearly indestructible. The UL Roof Rating summarizes the classification as:
“Class A roof coverings, which are effective against severe fire test exposures”
UL rated roofing products are required by many local ordinances, with the higher ratings required in fire prone areas like much of Southern California. “There are several requirements for roof covering fire classifications in model codes and city and county ordinances. These requirements are dependent on the type of building construction and the location of the building. Some jurisdictions, due to the history of fire incidents or because of their location, have increased the minimum fire classification requirements in the IBC.” reads the UL Roof Ratings classification sheet.
Tesla-acquired SolarCity has posted dozens of new jobs for skilled roofers, primarily in California, that must have “roofing experience; including metal, concrete tile, clay tile, comp, shingle, or wood shake”. Compared to traditional roofing, installing a rooftop comprised of thousands of individual solar tiles that must be installed with perfection and wired together puts a completely new spin on traditional roofing.
Tesla Solar Roof tile and Powerwall 2.0 system seen at the unveiling event in Universal Studios California.
If the roof is not installed correctly and leaks, or has technical issues with the solar generation, warranty costs would mount quickly. The Tesla Solar Roof product have an infinity warranty on the individual tiles and carry a 30-year warranty against leaks and for the solar production.
Tesla’s Solar Roof cost calculator factors in a Powerwall 2.0 unit into the quote, by default, and as such most customers will end up with one or more on the wall of their garage. In California, where solar net metering agreements are very pro-consumer, the payback on a Powerwall is essentially non-existent. Powerwall does enable homeowners to keep the power generated by the solar system in the house which can be used at night when the panels are not generating any power. With the strong branding of Tesla products and the lack of education of most solar customers, it is likely that the Powerwall upsell will be effective.
Tesla is currently undergoing pilot production of the Textured and Smooth Glass roof tile product from the company’s Fremont, California factory. Once volume production begins this summer from Gigafactory 2 near Buffalo, New York, Tesla’s R&D team in Fremont will parallel path development of the Tuscan and Slate finishes which are aimed at early 2018 production.
Consumer Reports’ recent cost analysis of Tesla’s Solar Roof indicated that the investment makes sense in many areas of the nation. Those looking to take a more traditional and affordable route with solar should consider flat panel solar systems as it’s much easier to install and will have better short term payouts. You can easily check to see if solar makes sense in your area by getting a solar cost estimate.
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.
Energy
Tesla meets Giga New York’s Buffalo job target amid political pressures
Giga New York reported more than 3,460 statewide jobs at the end of 2025, meeting the benchmark tied to its dollar-a-year lease.
Tesla has surpassed its job commitments at Giga New York in Buffalo, easing pressure from lawmakers who threatened the company with fines, subsidy clawbacks, and dealership license revocations last year.
The company reported more than 3,460 statewide jobs at the end of 2025, meeting the benchmark tied to its dollar-a-year lease at the state-built facility.
As per an employment report reviewed by local media, Tesla employed 2,399 full-time workers at Gigafactory New York and 1,060 additional employees across the state at the end of 2025. Part-time roles pushed the total headcount of Tesla’s New York staff above the 3,460-job target.
The gains stemmed in part from a new Long Island service center, a Buffalo warehouse, and additional showrooms in White Plains and Staten Island. Tesla also said it has invested $350 million in supercomputing infrastructure at the site and has begun manufacturing solar panels.
Empire State Development CEO Hope Knight said the agency was “very happy” with Giga New York’s progress, as noted in a WXXI report. The current lease runs through 2029, and negotiations over updated terms have included potential adjustments to job requirements and future rent payments.
Some lawmakers remain skeptical, however. Assemblymember Pat Burke questioned whether the reported job figures have been fully verified. State Sen. Patricia Fahy has also continued to sponsor legislation that would revoke Tesla’s company-owned dealership licenses in New York. John Kaehny of Reinvent Albany has argued that the project has not delivered the manufacturing impact originally promised as well.
Knight, for her part, maintained that Empire State Development has been making the best of a difficult situation.
“(Empire State Development) has tried to make the best of a very difficult situation. There hasn’t been another use that has come forward that would replace this one, and so to the extent that we’re in this place, the fact that 2,000 families at (Giga New York) are being supported through the activity of this employer. It’s the best that we can have happen,” the CEO noted.
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