Inside the NEC event where the future of home energy is being unveiled

The future of how homes generate, store and use electricity is being showcased at the NEC this week.

Solar & Storage Live UK has returned to Birmingham for three days, bringing together more than 500 exhibitors and 250 speakers across 40,000 square metres of exhibition space.

The event, which runs until Thursday, September 24, is aimed largely at people working in the energy industry, but its residential section focuses on technology increasingly relevant to homeowners.

Among the products on display are solar panels, battery storage systems, inverters and home energy management technology.

The residential programme includes sessions covering self-consumption, home energy management, government incentives and the development of the “Net Zero Home”.

There is also an opportunity for visitors to see thousands of products from suppliers and speak to companies involved in installing and operating solar and storage systems.

The NEC event is being held alongside EVCharge Live UK, meaning visitors can also explore the latest electric vehicle charging technology.

The organisers say the two events give visitors access to the wider clean-energy supply chain, from solar generation and batteries through to EV charging.

Among the speakers confirmed for this year’s event are Solar Energy UK chief executive Chris Hewett and representatives from organisations including NESO, EDF power solutions and Segen.

The show also includes live product demonstrations, training and specialist areas covering installation and skills.

For anyone considering solar panels or battery storage for their home, the event offers a chance to compare different technologies and speak directly to manufacturers and installers — although it remains a business-to-business trade exhibition and is restricted to people aged 16 and over.

Solar & Storage Live UK is taking place in Halls 17-20 at the NEC.

It is open from 10am to 5pm on Wednesday, September 23, and from 10am to 4pm on Thursday, September 24. Registration opens from 8.30am. Entry is free with a visitor badge, while NEC visitor parking is chargeable.

The event’s organisers say more than 20,000 people attended the 2025 edition, with this year’s exhibition billed as an even larger showcase of the solar and energy-storage industry.