[caption id="" align="alignright" width="320"] Source: SolarCity A rendering of the SolarCity factory in Buffalo, New York[/caption]

"...As the factory rises, a promised 5,000 jobs are just beginning to materialize. But it's not just a bet on Buffalo. How far the solar panel plant can go will also determine how well the domestic solar manufacturing industry can reclaim share after much of it was unable to survive the first half of this decade in a market roiled by steep price cuts and a trade war against Chinese solar panel makers.

SolarCity, like most of the rooftop solar installers, grew its business for years by using cost-effective panels, including those made in Asia. The Buffalo plant is set to open next year and will employ at least 1,900 people once operating at full capacity in 2017.

"You have a brownfield that has had no meaningful activity for years and you put in 3,000 jobs, not counting [its impact on] the local dry cleaner and mini-mart owner," said Peter Cutler, director of communications and special projects at Empire State Development in Buffalo..."

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