Powerco commercial manager Eric Pellicer said it was "a double-win for the environment".
It is only the second solar-powered electric vehicle charger in the country available for public use, and the first to be situated on-road.
The other is situated on private land at the Sustainability Trust in Wellington.
Sustainability Options development manager Jo Wills said it was possible that electric vehicles and renewable energy would become the norm.
"We are still early adopters in this space, but it's been a great experience to be a part of laying the foundation that will assist our community to make great choices."
The project was backed by Tauranga City Council, Powerco, Sustainability Options and My Solar Quotes.
The director of My Solar Quotes, Kristy Hoare, said she hoped the electric station would "inspire and encourage people from all walks of life to adopt the new, clean technology".
Other sponsors include APsystems, Beca, Suntech, Trustpower and TECT.
What is an EV?
EV stands for electric vehicle. Instead of a petrol motor, EVs have an electric motor that is powered by a rechargeable battery.
Why drive an EV?
It can be charged with renewable energy.
Electric engines have 20 moving parts compared with 2000 in an internal combustion engine.
Charging an EV is the equivalent of paying 30c per litre for petrol.
95 per cent of daily travel is less than 90 km.
EVs produce 80 per cent less CO2 than a petrol vehicle.
