Earlier this week, American automaker Tesla quietly announced the execution of a non-binding letter of intent between it and Japanese electronics company Panasonic to begin photovoltaic cell and module production in Buffalo, New York. The agreement — conditional on Tesla shareholders’ endorsement of a SolarCity acquisition — explicitly lays out the company’s desire to use the manufactured solar energy-producing cells in its Powerwall and Powerpack storage products, while also making use of SolarCity’s pre-existing sales, installation, and financing foundation. Production is expected to begin in Buffalo in 2017.
In addition to the letter of intent, Tesla also assured Panasonic it would provide a long-term purchasing agreement with the electronics giant, essentially guaranteeing the continued acquisition of the produced cells and modules. Despite the non-binding aspect of the deal, there doesn’t seem to be any indication of either side failing to honor the agreement as Panasonic and Tesla have enjoyed many years of business partnership — the duo have been collaborating on Tesla’s electric vehicle production and grid storage battery cells at the auto company’s massive Gigafactory.
“We are excited to expand our partnership with Panasonic as we move towards a combined Tesla and SolarCity,” said Tesla co-founder and CTO, JB Straubel. “By working together on solar, we will be able to accelerate production of high-efficiency, extremely reliable solar cells and modules at the best cost.”
As the two plan for an increased production of photovoltaic cells and modules — as well as an enhanced partnership with SolarCity — Tesla is expected to have the ability to bring solar energy solutions to a wider audience. According to a companion press release, the company hopes to not only continue providing for commercial customers, but to grid-scale and residential customers as well. Moving forward, the expanded manufacturing capacity should also provide fully-integrated energy products for a wide range of businesses and homeowners while further advancing Tesla’s self-proclaimed goal of a sustainable energy future.
Outdoor security cameras are not always practical if you live in an apartment or rental. Drilling into an exterior wall may be off-limits, while pointing a regular indoor camera through a window can create another problem once reflections start showing up after dark.
Baseus is trying to solve both issues with the new PrimeSentinel W1, a $69.99 security camera designed specifically to monitor the outdoors through glass. It mounts directly to a window without drilling and uses a 4K Starlight sensor with an F1.0 aperture for full-color monitoring during the day and at night.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.
With AI progressing so fast, it's only a matter of time before we start getting AI companions like the ones we used to see in movies like R2-D2, Wall-E, or Baymax. Now, Singapore-based OKA Technology has unveiled Mori, a cute little AI companion that looks less like a conventional home robot and more like someone turned the Pokémon Foongus into a table lamp.
Mori isn't meant to clean your house or control your smart home, but to serve as what OKA calls a "Nature Companion." It uses subtle movements, warm lighting, nature-inspired sounds, and small reactions to make its presence around the house feel calming rather than distracting. Mori can sit quietly while you read, sway along to music, welcome you when you enter a room, or encourage you to slow down for a moment without requiring a screen or a conversation.