Solar and Storage Live 2026: Dates, Location & Event Guide
Solar & Storage Live UK returns to the NEC Birmingham from 22–24 September 2026. Over three days, it covers solar, battery storage, EV charging and home energy technologies, with exhibitors, conference sessions and hands-on demonstrations across the exhibition. If you’re thinking of going, here’s what you need on dates, venue, registration, exhibitors, talks and travel.
Key Takeaways
When and where: The show runs from 22–24 September 2026 at the NEC Birmingham. Doors open at 10:00 each day; the exhibition closes at 17:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday and at 16:00 on Thursday.
Who can attend: The event is a B2B trade exhibition, with free visitor access available through registration for eligible attendees.
What's on the floor: Expect solar and storage products for residential, commercial and utility-scale applications, along with EV charging and related energy technologies.
Learning hubs: Conference theatres and training areas run across the three days, covering topics such as energy storage, residential solar, installer training and industry developments.
Getting there: Birmingham International Railway Station is directly connected to the NEC, making rail one of the most convenient options for reaching the venue.
What Is Solar & Storage Live UK?
Solar & Storage Live UK is a major trade exhibition covering solar PV, battery storage, EV charging and related energy technologies.
A Major UK Renewable Energy Trade Show
Held annually at the NEC, Solar & Storage Live UK is the UK’s largest solar energy exhibition, covering solar generation, energy storage and complementary technologies including EV charging. The 2026 exhibition spans 40,000 square metres, bringing together manufacturers, software developers, DNO representatives and policy leads under one roof. This isn’t just a conference – it also provides a marketplace for product demonstrations, industry networking and business discussions. Exhibitors showcase new technologies, demonstrate installation techniques and connect with potential customers and partners.
Who Should Attend the Event?
Who attends: A broad mix of professionals and end-users walks the halls each September:
Solar PV and battery installers: Installation professionals looking for hands-on demonstrations, new products, technical training and supplier connections.
Commercial property managers and developers: professionals evaluating rooftop solar, energy storage and other technologies for commercial energy projects.
Local authorities and housing associations: professionals exploring solar, storage, energy efficiency and other technologies for housing and public-sector projects.
Homeowners and energy consumers: Visitors researching solar, battery storage, smart energy management and backup power options. Exploring an EcoFlow Solar Battery options before the show can help you prepare questions for exhibitors.
When and Where Is Solar & Storage Live 2026?
The 2026 event takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 22 to 24 September. Visitors can check the official Solar & Storage Live UK 2026 event information for the latest dates, registration details and programme updates.
Event Dates and Daily Opening Hours
The 2026 show runs from Tuesday 22 September to Thursday 24 September, with opening hours varying slightly on the final day. The event features conference theatres and an Installer Training Hub across the three days, with session times varying by day. That said, each day has its own rhythm:
| Day | Date | Opening Hours | Daily Highlights & Flow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Tuesday, 22 September 2026 | 10:00 – 17:00 | Opening keynotes, industry discussions & product demonstrations |
| Day 2 | Wednesday, 23 September 2026 | 10:00 – 17:00 | Technical panels, product demonstrations & networking opportunities |
| Day 3 | Thursday, 24 September 2026 | 10:00 – 16:00 | Installer training, demonstrations & conference sessions |
Venue Location at the NEC Birmingham
The NEC is on Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT. It is well connected by road and rail, with Birmingham International Railway Station directly connected to the venue and major road links nearby. Birmingham International is served by rail, with direct connections to the NEC. If you’re travelling from London or Manchester, check the latest timetable before booking, as journey times can vary by service.
Ticket Registration and Visitor Access
Free visitor registration is available through the official event registration page. Once registered, you can access your QR-code badge through the official event app and use it for entry. The official event app provides access to the agenda, floorplan, exhibitors and networking features, helping visitors plan their schedule before the show.
What Can You Expect to See at the Exhibition?
The exhibition covers both commercial and residential energy systems, from utility-scale solar and battery storage to EV charging and home energy management.
Commercial and Utility-Scale Solar
On the exhibition floor, you can expect to see a range of solar generation, inverter, mounting and balance-of-system technologies for larger projects. Alongside the hardware, there’s monitoring and control software built to track performance, flag faults and manage grid exports across larger solar portfolios.
Residential and Commercial Battery Storage
Energy storage is a major part of the exhibition, with solutions aimed at residential, commercial and utility-scale applications. If you’re a homeowner comparing storage options, look beyond usable capacity and consider how each system integrates with your solar installation, household loads and backup requirements. For an overview of how solar generation and battery storage can work together in a home energy system, explore solar battery storage before comparing the solutions on display at the event.
The EcoFlow OCEAN 2 Plus Single-Phase is a home energy storage system that can also provide backup power. Depending on the system setup and electricity tariff, it can store solar energy during the day or charge from the grid during lower-price periods for later use.
New Technologies and Energy Solutions
You’ll also see bidirectional EV chargers, air-to-water heat pumps, microinverters and smart home energy management systems. Some of these systems can help manage household energy use based on factors such as solar generation, battery state of charge and electricity prices. The Home Energy Ecosystem is a useful starting point for exploring how these technologies work together.
What Talks and Conferences Can You Attend?
The conference programme runs alongside the exhibition, with sessions covering energy storage, residential systems, regulation, training and other industry topics.
Hear Keynotes From Industry Leaders
Main-stage sessions bring together policymakers, grid operators and industry representatives to discuss the UK’s clean power targets, grid connection delays, renewable energy policy and other issues affecting the sector.
Explore the Energy Storage Theatre
The Storage Theatre covers technical, commercial and market topics related to battery energy storage. Sessions explore areas such as battery technologies, storage safety, grid requirements, market developments and the economics of energy storage.
Explore the Residential & Workforce Development Theatre
The Residential Energy Solutions Theatre focuses on home solar, battery storage and low-carbon heating. Sessions cover residential solar, home energy management, workforce development and other topics relevant to residential energy projects.
Find Installer Training and Technical Sessions
Hands-on masterclasses give trade professionals practical tips on avoiding common on-site snags. Live training sessions cover topics such as mounting, inverter installation and commissioning, battery storage and certification guidance. Ask which handover and certification documents apply to your project, and review requirements such as the MCS certificate where relevant.
How Should You Plan Your Visit?
With hundreds of exhibitors and multiple conference and training areas, it helps to check the floorplan and agenda before you arrive.
Review the Exhibitor List in Advance
With 500+ exhibitors across the exhibition, planning your priority stands and sessions in advance can help you make better use of your time. Review the digital exhibitor directory about a week before the event, filter exhibitors by product category or area of interest, and pin your priority booths on the hall floor plan. This can help you create a practical route through the exhibition and leave enough time for key meetings, product demonstrations and conference sessions.
Identify Your Home Energy Priorities
If you’re coming to the show with a domestic solar and storage project in mind, don’t just focus on panels, batteries and inverters – pay attention to the monitoring too. The hardware is only part of the picture, while visibility into your energy flows can help you identify opportunities to use energy more efficiently and potentially reduce electricity costs.
Take the EcoFlow PowerInsight 2. It provides a central display for monitoring real-time solar generation, household energy use and battery state of charge in one place. That visibility can help households identify periods when solar generation exceeds demand and, where their appliances or energy systems allow, shift flexible loads such as EV charging or appliance use to make better use of solar generation.
Schedule Must-Attend Conference Sessions
For popular morning sessions, consider arriving at the relevant theatre early, as seating may be limited. Review the daily agenda, select two or three priority panel sessions each day, and arrive at the relevant theatre early, particularly for popular sessions.
Plan Your Travel and NEC Accommodation
Transport and room bookings deserve early attention:
By Train: Travel to Birmingham International Railway Station, which is directly connected to the NEC via a covered walkway.
By Car: Check the NEC parking options and consider booking in advance, especially during busy periods.
Hotels: Several hotels are available near the NEC, including options on the NEC campus and around Birmingham. Booking early can be useful during the event period, when nearby accommodation may be in higher demand
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Conclusion
Solar & Storage Live 2026 brings solar, battery storage and related energy technologies together with conference sessions, training and networking opportunities. Before you head to Birmingham, get registered, have a look at the exhibitor list and conference timetable, and make a note of the stands or products you don’t want to miss. A little preparation can help you make better use of your time once you arrive at the NEC.
Disclaimer: Event dates, opening hours, exhibitor lists, conference sessions, travel arrangements and other event details are based on information available at the time of publication and may be updated by the organiser or venue. Check the official Solar & Storage Live UK and NEC websites for the latest information before planning your visit.
FAQ
Which train station for the NEC?
Birmingham International Railway Station is the closest rail station to the NEC and is directly connected to the venue. It is directly connected to the NEC via a sheltered, step-free walkway, so most visitors arriving by train can walk to the venue without needing a taxi.
How far is the NEC from Birmingham city centre?
The NEC is approximately 14 miles by car from Birmingham city centre, with Birmingham New Street around a 10-minute train journey away. Trains from Birmingham New Street to Birmingham International are frequent, with journey times varying by service.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
The NEC will have on-site catering, including vegetarian and vegan options. If you plan to bring your own food or drinks, check the latest NEC guidance before your visit.
What solar trade shows are happening in the UK in 2026?
Other major UK energy and renewable-energy events take place throughout the year, including All-Energy in Glasgow and other Solar & Storage Live events. Check each organiser’s official website for the latest 2026 dates and locations.
