Musk considers solar gigafactory to power the AI boom

In view of the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, Elon Musk plans to further expand the vertical integration of Tesla in the energy sector – with a large-scale solar gigafactory in the USA. This endeavor is not only intended to close the existing gap with China's solar capacities but also to meet the enormous electricity demand for future AI and robotics applications of Tesla and xAI.

Catching up with China

China in May: 93 GW new solar capacity
USA Q1: only 14 GW (20-fold lag)
AI data centers: Large tech companies like Google and Microsoft are already relying on small nuclear reactors to satisfy their energy hunger

For Musk, it is clear: Anyone who wants to reliably operate AI models like Grok or autonomous systems like Optimus and FSD needs clean, scalable energy sources.

Need for a US solar gigafactory

Energy security for xAI and Tesla: Large data centers must be continuously supplied with electricity.
Vertical integration: Complement to Megapacks and Powerwalls to achieve a complete, in-house energy chain.
Economies of scale: Own mass production of solar modules and Solar Roof reduces costs and guarantees supply.

Complete ecosystem from a single source

Solar panels & Solar Roof: So far only produced in small quantities
Megapack networks: Already in use (e.g., Project Oasis)
Powerwall home storage: For private and commercial applications

A North America gigafactory not only opens up new sales markets but also provides energy for Tesla's Supercharger network, factories, and robotaxi fleets.

Future vision: AI meets renewable energy

Generative AI , Robotics and autonomous systems are driving power consumption exponentially upwards.
Cleantech Focus: Tesla aims to deliver the entire energy spectrum – from generation to storage to mobility – single-handedly.
Democratization: Solar power and home storage systems should become affordable for every household.

Conclusion
Elon Musk's idea of a solar gigafactory in the USA is more than a symbolic race with China. It is a strategic decision to secure the future of Tesla and xAI in the AI era. With its own mass production of solar modules, Tesla would become a complete provider of green energy – laying the foundation for autonomous vehicles, robotics, and global data centers.