Tesla is reportedly considering a plan to develop a solar cell factory called “Project Crystal Sun” in Fort Bend County, Texas. The project would involve an investment of up to $10.1 billion, more than 9,700 permanent jobs and 1,147 temporary jobs during construction. The site has not been finalized, and multiple states in the US are reportedly being considered.
Tesla is reportedly moving forward with plans to build a large solar cell manufacturing plant in Texas called “Project Crystal Sun.” If realized, the project is expected to create more than 9,700 permanent full-time jobs, along with 1,147 temporary jobs during construction. The investment is estimated at up to $10.1 billion, making it potentially one of Texas’s major manufacturing investment projects.
The area under consideration for the site is in Fort Bend County, although the final decision is expected to be made while Tesla continues to evaluate candidate locations in multiple states. Texas is not the only option at this stage, and the project remains under feasibility review.
If “Project Crystal Sun” proceeds to construction, the project reportedly aims to begin construction in 2026, complete the facility in 2028 and commence operations in 2029. Estimates presented to local governments indicate that the project could generate approximately $1.1 billion in local property taxes over the next 37 years.
The intended use of the solar cells to be produced has not been disclosed, and no distinction has been made between terrestrial and satellite applications. Nor has any direct connection with the space sector been established. Tesla is evaluating candidate sites in other states in parallel, and further announcements will be needed before the final construction site and specific production capacity are determined.