Lyndon Rive, who led SolarCity as it developed plans to open a massive solar factory in South Buffalo, will leave the Tesla Inc. subsidiary next month.

Rive told Reuters on Monday he is leaving to pursue a new startup sometime next year. Rive co-founded SolarCity and served as its chief executive as it was bought out by Tesla Inc. last year.

A cousin of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Rive also told Reuters he wants to spend more time with his family and that his passion is "starting and running" companies. He did not elaborate on what kind of company he might start next.

In a statement, a Tesla spokeswoman credited Rive with building SolarCity into the country's top solar provider.

"Because of his leadership, and dedication to our mission, Lyndon has helped position Tesla for an amazing future," the spokesperson said in a written statement. "We know he's an entrepreneur at heart, and we wish him the very best on his next venture."

Rive's responsibilities will be divided among other leaders at Tesla, Reuters reported.