The Solar Energy Industries Association announced this week that American Honda Motor Co. has become its newest member.

While the auto manufacturer is amongst a growing number of U.S. car makers supporting the surging solar industry, Honda has made several announcements over the past year that made its new SEIA membership seem inevitable.

For example, in February, the company announced a partnership with third-party distributed solar company SolarCity.

Honda established an investment fund to finance $65 million in solar projects through SolarCity that will help both Honda and Acura customers in the 14 states where SolarCity operates install rooftop solar panels and save on their electricity bills.

The financing makes solar more affordable for Honda and Acura customers interested in making the switch, something Honda anticipates its customers will increasingly want, especially as the auto manufacturer introduces its plug-in Fit EV and Accord Plug-in Hybrid in more markets.

“At Honda, we are always looking at ways to improve the lives of our customers while reducing our environmental footprint,” Steven Center, Vice President of the Environmental Business Development Office of American Honda Motor Co. said. “We believe Honda and Acura customers are going to be very interested in going solar once they find out that they can install solar at their home with little or no upfront cost, can lower their monthly utility bill, and can make a positive contribution to protecting the environment.”

Honda’s line of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are part of a rising trend amongst both domestic and foreign auto manufacturers, all who are focusing heavily on developing alternatives for drivers.

In addition to the SolarCity partnership, Honda has installed a 100-kilowatt solar cell array at its headquarters campus. The company is also working to build advanced new vehicle motors. In addition to its Fit EV and Accord Plug-in Hybrid, Honda is leasing its FCX Clarity in California, which is the nation’s first commercially available hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle.

Honda’s recent announcement about becoming a member of SEIA fits in line with the company’s green goals.

“Honda strongly believes in the importance of addressing global climate change by reducing CO2 emissions from home, business and transportation energy use,” Center stated. “Wider deployment of solar is a key part of the solution, and we look forward to working with SEIA on efforts to make solar energy an increasingly mainstream technology.”