The Verge: Tesla's Gigafactory Sets Grand Opening for July 29
Though the Gigafactory has been partially operational for months, Tesla hasn't yet officially "opened" its massive Nevada battery plant -- but that'll change on July 29, when some Tesla owners will gather with company officials for a ceremony at the facility.
Multiple publications, including Fortune and the website Tesla Central, have confirmed the July 29 date. So far, it appears that Tesla has only sent invites to certain VIPs, including those who "won" invites to the event through the company's Model S sales referral program by referring five buyers.
Business Insider: Faraday Future in Expansion Mode
Faraday Future, the electric-car startup that made its public debut at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this year, has had a few firsts since opening for business two years ago.
The California-based company made a deal to build its first assembly plant in Nevada; unveiled a "car of concepts," as it was called, that took everyone by surprise; obtained its first of more than 100 patents; and teased an image of what may be its first production vehicle.
The startup, now known as "FF" for short, is already eyeing another location for a second manufacturing facility, all before the company reveals real-life versions of its forthcoming vehicles.
Wall Street Journal: Solar Panel Leasing Decreases as More Customers Look to Buy
Companies such as SolarCity Corp. and Sunrun Inc. that rapidly expanded by leasing solar panels to U.S. homeowners now face stiff competition from smaller upstarts that sell the units to customers instead.
SolarCity, Sunrun and Vivint Solar Inc. together supplied 56% of the home-solar market in the U.S. last year, primarily with leases, according to GTM Research, which tracks renewable-energy markets.
They are on track to serve just 50% this year, according to GTM Research, as smaller companies such as Sunworks Inc. and PetersenDean Inc. that offer loans to purchase the panels pick up more business.
PV Tech: SEIA Appoints Tom Kimbis as Interim President
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has appointed Tom Kimbis, general counsel and current VP of executive affairs for the organization, as the new interim president.
Kimbis succeeds former CEO and president Rhone Resch on an interim basis, who stepped down from the position last month, after 12 years of leadership.
Tech Insider: Mercedes Finally Revealed How Much Its Home Battery Costs
A lot has been said about the different advantages of Mercedes' at-home battery option, but without clear information on the price, it's been difficult to truly compare it to competitors like Tesla.
Mercedes has been mum about the price because it does not sell the battery directly to consumers. As a result, the final retail price is determined by the distributor.
But a Mercedes spokesperson told Tech Insider that the unit for a standard family home costs between $9,000 and $10,000, including the price of the inverter and installation.