Lead Acid vs LFP cost analysis | Cost Per KWH Battery Storage
Applies from PowerTech Systems to both lead acid and lithium-ion batteries detailed quantitative analysis of capital costs, operating expenses, and more.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are becoming essential in the shift towards renewable energy, providing solutions for grid stability, energy management, and power quality. However, understanding the costs associated with BESS is critical for anyone considering this technology, whether for a home, business, or utility scale.
We note that despite the higher facial cost of Lithium technology, the cost per stored and supplied kWh remains much lower than for Lead-Acid technology. The reason is related to the intrinsic qualities of lithium-ion batteries but also linked to lower transportation costs.
In summary, the total cost of ownership per usable kWh is about 2.8 times cheaper for a lithium-based solution than for a lead acid solution. We note that despite the higher facial cost of Lithium technology, the cost per stored and supplied kWh remains much lower than for Lead-Acid technology.
These values are followed by gravitational, thermal, Li-ion LFP, vanadium RFB, and Li-ion NMC which fall in a tight range of $0.13-$0.20/kWh. Lead-acid at $0.33/kWh and hydrogen ($0.35) have high LCOS due to low cycle life of lead-acid batteries and low RTE and high fuel cell and electrolyzer stack costs for hydrogen. Figure 6.2.
PDF includes complete article with source references for printing and offline reading.
Download detailed specifications for our distributed PV energy storage systems and liquid cooled ESS containers.
Calle de la EnergĂa 24
Madrid 28045, Spain
+34 911 224 722
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM CET