Tesla and Panasonic have finalised a deal to manufacture solar cells and modules.
The US car manufacturer and Japanese electronics company will work together in a factory in Buffalo, New York to create the high-tech solar panel components.
The parts made will be used to build a wide range of equipment, including Tesla’s solar tile roof when it goes into production. They will also work in unison with Powerwall and Powerpack, the company’s energy storage products.
The move will strengthen the relationship between the companies, which already collaborate on the production of electric vehicle and grid storage battery cells at the Tesla Gigafactory.
Production is scheduled to begin in summer 2017 and by 2019 the plant should have produced 1GW of capacity.
The move is also expected to create 1,400 jobs.
As part of the deal, Panasonic has agreed to cover required capital costs in Buffalo and Tesla is to make a long term purchase commitment from Panasonic.
The firms also plan to work together to develop next-generation solar technology in California.