Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 2, Tesla’s stock has dropped nearly 50% from its peak in December, erasing the gains it saw after the U.S. election results. The decline follows challenges tied to CEO Elon Musk’s role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His leadership has sparked public unrest, including protests and vandalism at Tesla dealerships across various locations.
The unrest has also affected Tesla’s residential solar business. Phil Shen, managing director at Roth Capital Partners, highlighted in an industry note that demand for Tesla’s solar products is weakening. Shen pointed to feedback from residential solar installers, who report growing customer resistance linked to Musk’s activities. This has raised concerns about the future sales of products like the Powerwall 3 home battery and Tesla inverters.
One installer shared with Roth: “We’re expecting Tesla to fall to 20% of battery sales in the next six months. We are getting all types of nasty feedback if we even put pics of Powerwalls online. So we scrubbed all references and pics from all ads and online presence.” This shift reflects a broader trend among installers distancing themselves from Tesla branding to avoid backlash.
The impact stems from public reaction to Musk’s involvement with DOGE, though Tesla’s core operations remain focused on electric vehicles and energy solutions. The company has not issued an official statement on the protests or the reported decline in solar product demand as of April 01, 2025. However, the stock’s sharp fall suggests investors are closely watching these developments.
Analysts note that Tesla’s challenges in the solar market could signal broader risks. Shen’s report indicates that while the company’s vehicle sales remain a key focus, the energy division’s struggles may weigh on its overall performance. Installers’ reluctance to promote Tesla products could further limit growth in this sector, especially if consumer sentiment continues to shift.
Despite these hurdles, Tesla maintains its position as a major player in the electric vehicle and renewable energy industries. The current situation highlights how external factors, including leadership decisions, can influence market perception and demand. For now, the company faces a complex landscape as it navigates these issues while aiming to stabilize its stock value.
