EXPO

Electrify Expo’s Solar Zone: How Solar Energy Makes EV Ownership Smarter

February 26, 2025

The Solar Zone at Electrify Expo shows how solar energy, battery storage, and EV charging reduce costs and boost energy independence.
Solar power is expanding fast, now supplying 66% of new U.S. energy and powering over 40 million homes.
Solar costs have dropped 40% in a decade, and federal incentives make it more affordable for EV owners.

Ever thought about fueling your car with sunlight? Sounds like science fiction, right? But at this year’s Electrify Expo, it’s front and center. The event is introducing a new Solar Zone, a hands-on showcase demonstrating how solar energy can slash costs, improve energy independence, and supercharge EV ownership.

And it could not come at a better time. The U.S. solar industry has exploded in growth, with over 235 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity installed nationwide—enough to power more than 40 million homes.

According to research by Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), in just the last decade, solar has seen an average annual growth rate of 28%, fueled by falling costs and strong federal policies like the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

Electrify Expo’s Solar Zone connects EV ownership with solar energy, giving attendees a firsthand look at how rooftop solar, battery storage, and EV charging work together. This setup helps reduce costs, increases energy independence, and makes owning an EV a more practical choice.

Annual Residential Solar PV Installations - Wood Mackenzie SEIA

U.S. Solar PV Pricing Trends & Deployment Growth - Wood Mackenzie SEIA

Why Solar Energy and EVs Just Make Sense

Charging anxiety is real. The idea of plugging in your car and waiting hours for a charge? Not appealing. But what if you could harness solar power at home and cut charging costs dramatically?

Here’s the reality:

Solar installation costs have dropped nearly 40% over the last decade. An average-sized residential solar system now costs around $25,000—far less than the $40,000 price tag in 2010.
Battery storage is booming. Over 28% of new residential solar systems in 2024 were paired with battery storage, compared to just 12% in 2023.
Energy credits and incentives make solar an even smarter investment. In some states, you can sell excess solar power back to the grid, slashing your energy bill.

Cumulative U.S. Solar Installations - Wood Mackenzie SEIA — _{Cumulative U.S. solar installations from 2010 to 2024, showing rapid growth, especially in utility-scale solar, based on SEIA/Wood Mackenzie data.}

“As Electrify Expo continues to grow, we’re enhancing the attendee experience to include industries that seamlessly integrate with electric vehicles,” said BJ Birtwell, CEO and Founder of Electrify Expo.

“Solar power is a natural extension of the EV lifestyle, offering cost savings, energy independence, and greater sustainability. Our attendees are eager for smart, efficient technologies, and the Solar Zone delivers exactly that—an opportunity to experience how Solar and EVs blend naturally via interactions with the Industry’s leading companies.”

What’s in the Solar Zone?

So, what can you expect from Electrify Expo’s Solar Zone? A hands-on, interactive space where you can:

See how solar integrates with EV charging—from rooftop panels to battery storage solutions.
Meet top solar companies—installers, retailers, and manufacturers showing off the latest in solar power for homes and businesses.
Learn how to cut energy costs—by understanding federal incentives, energy credits, and financing options.
Experience live demonstrations—where solar technology experts break down how it all works.

It is not just a bunch of brochures and sales pitches. The Solar Zone is built for real-world demonstrations that help EV owners understand how to take control of their energy future.

Solar Energy is Taking Over as the Leading Power Source

The numbers speak for themselves. In 2023, solar energy accounted for 55% of all new electricity generation added to the grid, as noted by SEIA. This made it the primary source of new energy generation for the first time in eight decades.

By 2024, solar’s share grew even further, reaching 66%. When combined with battery storage, these technologies accounted for 84% of all newly installed capacity. Texas was at the forefront of this growth, adding 11.4 gigawatts of new solar capacity throughout the year.

Cumulative U.S. Solar Installations by State (MWdc) - Wood Mackenzie SEIA — _{Map of cumulative U.S. solar installations by state, categorized by MWdc capacity, with the highest installations in dark blue, based on SEIA/Wood Mackenzie data.}

The solar industry is also fueling job creation. Nearly 280,000 Americans are now employed in solar energy, working across more than 10,000 companies in all 50 states.

This rapid growth is changing how energy is generated and used across the country. As solar power becomes more available and storage technology continues to improve, pairing solar energy with electric vehicles is proving to be a practical and cost-effective choice for homeowners and businesses.

More to Experience at Electrify Expo

The Solar Zone is just one part of what makes Electrify Expo a must-visit. This year, the event is packed with interactive experiences designed to challenge what you think you know about electric vehicles.

#EVRealityCheck Stage Powered by GreenCars – Heard an EV myth that just will not go away? Experts are taking on the biggest misconceptions live, with no fluff—just facts. Expect interactive Q&As, real-world data, and straight-up answers.

Electric Avenue – No static displays here. Get up close with the latest EVs, watch live product demonstrations, and talk directly with industry leaders who know these vehicles inside and out.

EV Charging Zone – Ever wondered what it actually takes to keep an EV powered up? See the latest charging tech in action, break down the real costs, and understand how infrastructure is evolving to make EV ownership practical for more drivers.

Electrify Expo is not just another car event—it puts you in the driver’s seat of what’s next in transportation. No gimmicks. No agendas. Just real, hands-on experiences that show how EVs fit into your daily life.

Electrify Expo Is Where You Can See It All Firsthand

Electrify Expo is touring eight cities in 2025:

Date	Location
March 22-23	Orlando, FL
April 12-13	Phoenix, AZ
May 24-25	Dallas, TX
June 21-22	Los Angeles, CA
July 12-13	Seattle, WA
August 23-24	San Francisco, CA
September 13-14	Chicago, IL
October 17-19	New York, NY

For tickets and more event details, visit www.electrifyexpo.com.

The Smartest Energy Choice? Solar + EVs

If you own an EV—or are thinking about buying one—solar energy just makes sense. Lower costs, energy independence, and a future-proofed home? That is a win-win.

At Electrify Expo, the Solar Zone is where you will see it all in action. Come experience how solar energy is making EVs even better—because the smartest decision is one that saves you money.