(Image of Tesla Solar Shingles)
My cousin received a degree in computer science and is currently climbing the Tesla ladder in Buffalo, NY. I've always wanted to learn more about what he does, and this would be an excellent opportunity to learn more about the technology in Musk's vehicles. I expect the documentation would only take a couple hours, but maybe if I can get a tour of where he works, it could take longer. Although, I am not sure what the constraints would be like because of COVID.
The acquisition of Solar City by Tesla has led to an increase in production from Tesla's branch in Buffalo. Specializing in battery storage for cars and solar shingles has allowed the Buffalo location to be one most profitable branches of Tesla. My cousin Jeremy has been working at Tesla for a few years now. His degree and experience working in the factory allowed him to move through the company and acquire the knowledge it takes to climb through Musk's ranks. The solar panels Tesla uses are becoming more affordable and efficient. Over the last year, the price of installation has decreased by over 17 percent. The solar panels are also 10 percent more efficient than in past years.
What do you do at Tesla?
I work with solar panels since the solar city purchase. Most solar roofing products are produced for the power grid on the island of Ta'u in American Samoa. The acquisition includes 5,000 solar panels and 60 Tesla Power packs. Ta'u used to run on diesel energy. Since they've started purchasing solar products from Tesla, nearly 100% of the electrical needs are covered by Tesla's solar technology.
What is the most satisfying thing you've done during your time at Tesla?
Being a part of something bigger than myself is genuinely satisfying. Pushing towards renewable energies and environmental sustainability is something I am deeply passionate about.
Where are the Tesla factories?
There are Tesla factories in Fremont, CA. Two are also located in Reno, NV, and Buffalo, NY. There is a factory currently being built in Austin, TX (These are just in the US. There are also Tesla factories in China, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK). I am pretty excited about that opening in Texas. There are a lot of internal hiring events taking place in Austin. I am considering taking a position there.
Have you interviewed for other positions at Tesla?
I interviewed for the NCM position, which basically involves figuring out and managing failures on the production line. The job is engineering-based because a lot of the losses involve automated machines malfunctioning. I like the position because I want to learn about how robots work and the mechanical aspects involved. The program used to reconfigure the robots is called the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The PLC is a computer-based program where robots are recalibrated via coding.
What do the automated operations look like from start to finish?
Robot arms pick up the modules (Individual Solar Shingle) themselves and place them on an automatic conveyor belt. The belt carries the individual modules, and pieces within the module get laminated, which helps seal unique pieces within each module together. "The top glass is like the bread of a grilled cheese sandwich, and everything in between is the cheese." After the lamination phase, the modules are brought to a station to get EL (Electroluminescence) tested. EL testing ensures that each shingle will produce energy and there is no damage to the cells. Once the cells pass EL testing, more robots attach the positive and negative j-boxes to each module and the proper attachments for the shingles to adhere to the roof. After that stage, the shingles are ready for installation. (Throughout this whole process, numerous robots are transporting or attaching mechanisms to each shingle).
Have you used PLC before?
I've done my own research, but I have not applied the knowledge. I think I could figure it out with proper guidance, though.
Have you met Elon?
I met him in passing a couple of times. We had a brief conversation in last time he was here. I hope that with enough time here, I can meet him more frequently and ask him some questions. So far, there have not been any significant interactions. He was on the schedule to visit, but that was pre-pandemic. I was looking forward to his arrival. Hopefully soon.
Is there anything you think my Environmental Science and Tech class should know?
I was really interested in Tesla from the very start. Once I heard that the factory was opened on the local news, I knew I had to be a part of it in some capacity. They have a great mission, and I'm thankful to be on the team. Tesla pioneered the way for electric cars to become mainstream. Many companies are adapting their vehicles so they can compete with the changing auto industry.
Do you see a future working with Tesla?
I really think so. The projections for the future are really promising. I want to be here for the long haul.
After the interview, I was thinking about why this fits in with the class's criteria. I was able to learn a little more about Tesla and what exactly my cousin was doing there. I think this interview is inspiring for future environmental tech enthusiasts or recent graduates looking for jobs. Tesla has a solar installation team that doesn't require extensive education. The work can be challenging, but it pays decently with average benefits. Perhaps in the future, as solar teams develop, salaries will increase. Tesla is obviously expanding, the job creation opportunities almost seem endless. New factories are built on average every two and a half years across the globe.
(My cousin has time this weekend for another interview I will update as soon as our interview is over. I'm going to ask him questions about what exactly he does and see what other techy stuff he might know).
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