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Solar cell production to start in Buffalo this summer

Posted at 8:18 AM, Dec 27, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-27 08:18:23-05

Production of Panasonic-incorporated photovoltaic cells and modules will begin this summer, in Buffalo, according to a joint statement from Panasonic and Tesla Motors.  

The statement notes Tesla and Panasonic reached an agreement this week, for production at SolarCity's Riverbend site.

There is no firm date of when production will start.

"When production of the solar roof begins, Tesla will also incorporate Panasonic's cells into the many kinds of solar glass tile roofs that Tesla will be manufacturing," the statement said.

The solar products will work with Tesla's other energy storage products.

"Tesla reaffirms SolarCity's commitment to create over 1,400 jobs in Buffalo," the statement read.

Panasonic is expected to cover the costs in Buffalo.  

Tesla is also working with Panasonic on developing photovoltaic "next generation technology" at a plant in California.