Apple is using Tesla batteries to build a new energy storage facility for its giant solar farm in California
- Apple is building a huge battery storage facility to support its solar farm in California.
- The Verge reports the iPhone maker will be using Tesla "megapack" batteries.
- Apple says it will be able to store enough energy to power 7,000 homes for a day with the batteries.
Apple is building a huge solar battery grid in California, and per county documents spotted by the Verge, Tesla will supply the batteries.
Apple announced the construction of the new solar energy storage project, called California Flats, on Wednesday. The company owns a 130 megawatt solar farm in California. It said in its blog post that the new development will allow it to store excess energy and deploy it when needed. According to Apple, it will able to store 240 megawatt-hours of energy - enough to power 7,000 homes for a day.
The Verge spotted in planning documents submitted by Apple last year to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors that it will be storing this energy using 85 Tesla lithium-ion batteries, called "megapacks."
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Tesla and Apple did not respond to the Verge's request for comment, and did not immediately respond to request for comment by Insider. Monterey County's planning chief did confirm Apple will be using Tesla batteries in an email to the Verge.
Tesla, which is more commonly known for its electric cars, brought out its megapack battery in 2019. The battery was touted as a viable product for large-scale energy storage projects.