The cost of lithium battery energy storage in the United States

What are base year costs for utility-scale battery energy storage systems?

Base year costs for utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are based on a bottom-up cost model using the data and methodology for utility-scale BESS in (Ramasamy et al., 2023). The bottom-up BESS model accounts for major components, including the LIB pack, the inverter, and the balance of system (BOS) needed for the installation.

How much does battery storage cost?

The costs of installing and operating large-scale battery storage systems in the United States have declined in recent years. Average battery energy storage capital costs in 2019 were $589 per kilowatthour (kWh), and battery storage costs fell by 72% between 2015 and 2019, a 27% per year rate of decline.

How long does a lithium-ion battery storage system last?

As per the Energy Storage Association, the average lifespan of a lithium-ion battery storage system can be around 10 to 15 years. The ROI is thus a long-term consideration, with break-even points varying greatly based on usage patterns, local energy prices, and available incentives.

Will lithium-ion batteries become more expensive in 2030?

According to some projections, by 2030, the cost of lithium-ion batteries could decrease by an additional 30–40%, driven by technological advancements and increased production. This trend is expected to open up new markets and applications for battery storage, further driving economic viability.

How has the cost of battery storage changed over the past decade?

The cost of battery storage systems has been declining significantly over the past decade. By the beginning of 2023 the price of lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in energy storage, had fallen by about 89% since 2010.

When will large-scale battery energy storage systems come online?

Most large-scale battery energy storage systems we expect to come online in the United States over the next three years are to be built at power plants that also produce electricity from solar photovoltaics, a change in trend from recent years.