THE MONEY: Share of publicly traded companies took off faster than one of his SpaceX rockets in 2013, sending net worth into stratosphere. Majority of wealth comes from 27 percent stake in electric-car maker Tesla, whose market cap now tops out at roughly $25 billion. South Africa-born entrepreneur made first millions as co-founder of PayPal.

BUZZ: Huge year for Musk. Tesla share price jumped by about 300 percent in last year. Lowered annual compensation to $70,000 from $78 million in 2012. Federal Trade Commission recently gave blessing to Tesla’s controversial direct-sales model, which cuts out car dealers. Company expected to break ground on $5 billion lithium-ion battery factory later this year. Also plans to grow automotive operations, leasing parts distribution facility near Tracy. Musk also owns 23 percent of San Mateo’s SolarCity, largest seller of solar panels in United States. Owns about two-thirds of private space exploration company SpaceX. Hawthorne company reached major milestone in space travel April 25 when one of its Falcon 9 reusable rocket booster stages made successful soft landing in Atlantic Ocean. May soon get additional tax break from Sacramento lawmakers, who have drafted law to exempt SpaceX and similar companies from California’s personal property tax. Lobbied for bill after Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office charged SpaceX $2 million for two of its propulsion systems. Divorced father of five owns $17 million, six-bedroom bachelor pad in Bel Air. Property comes complete with 1,000-bottle wine cellar, two-story library, tennis court, pool and gym. Added to real estate portfolio by buying house across street in October for just under $7 million.

NET WORTH:

$9.57 billion s68%

LAST YEAR: $5.7 billion

AGE: 42

RESIDENCE: Bel Air

SOURCE OF WEALTH:

E-commerce, electric

vehicles, space exploration, solar power