SolarCity, Tesla ties spurring questions on board's independence

New York

THERE'S only one member of SolarCity Corp's board without ties to Tesla Motors Inc.

A few directors are related by blood, others are linked through longstanding personal and professional relationships and some have significant investments in both companies. As the solar company's eight-member board evaluates Tesla's proposed US$2.86 billion acquisition, these connections may create potential conflicts of interest, according to analysts and experts in governance issues.