Musician Powers 963 Concerts With Batteries and Solar Energy

When doors kept slamming shut after his appearance on "The X Factor," Kansas City musician AY Young didn't give up. He just found a different way to power his dreams.

Young couldn't book traditional venues without industry backing, but he still wanted to perform. A loud diesel generator wasn't practical for street corners and outdoor spaces, so he turned to batteries and solar panels instead.

What started as his Eagle Scout project in 2012 became Battery Tour, the world's longest-running clean energy concert series. Young has now performed 963 shows powered entirely by batteries and solar energy, with plans to keep going.

The 35-year-old artist performs everywhere from Times Square to conferences to community events, bringing his mobile solar setup wherever he goes. His smartflower solar panels and battery systems can power full concerts almost anywhere, proving clean energy works for live entertainment.

But Battery Tour became bigger than just solving Young's booking problem. When he learned over a billion people lack access to electricity, he saw a chance to turn concerts into community impact.

Since 2012, Young has used his performances to bring energy, clean water, food, and support to communities in more than 19 countries. Battery Tour evolved from a workaround into a platform that deploys for other artists, festivals, conferences, and venues too.

The independent artist has performed more than 1,400 total shows across his career. He was named a United Nations Young Leader for Sustainable Development Goals in 2020 and recently became Kansas City's first Sustainability Ambassador.

The Ripple Effect

Battery Tour shows the music industry what's possible when artists think beyond traditional touring models. Other musicians, venues, and festivals can now use Young's proven clean energy system to power their own events while reducing environmental impact.

His work bridges two urgent needs: accessible live music and sustainable energy solutions. Every solar-powered concert demonstrates that entertainment doesn't require fossil fuels, and every community activation proves renewable energy can reach places traditional power grids haven't.

Young is currently seeking a booking agent and distribution partner as he continues expanding Battery Tour's reach. His upcoming performances include Houston Energy & Climate Week and Climate Week NYC, where he'll spotlight eco-friendly banking options alongside his music.

From homeschooled kid writing poems in Kansas City to sustainability ambassador powering nearly 1,000 clean energy concerts, Young turned every "no" into innovation—and he's still just getting started.