The product itself might be easy to copy, but im not so sure about the product *strategy". Solarcity does the full stack, from the solar panels to the installation to the management and storage. That's going to be hard for a Chinese factory to reproduce.

I don't think he cares about copies. Tesla is poised to be a battery company, so copies will probably buy his batteries. At least long enough for Tesla to move up the value chain.

Honestly though, he is freaking Elon Musk. If you don't think he can make the best version of this you are way underestimating what he has accomplished already.

Its all about fundamentals and he believe he can have a fundamental edge here.