Lithium-ion batteries (Li-ion): the true cost
Why cheap energy storage can become expensive
At Wright Energy Storage Technologies (WEST), we believe that energy storage is the key to the energy transition and to greater energy efficiency. But today’s dominant storage technology does not deliver what the market really needs. Unlike lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, energy storage must be safe, sustainable, robust and economical.
WEST was founded to develop and market a better storage solution – for a simple reason: Li-ion batteries often cost more and deliver less than promised. While discussions are usually limited to fire risks or technical terms, two decades of WEST experience in renewable energy paint a different picture – real underperformance.
What does it actually cost to own and operate a Li-ion energy storage system? And do you really get the energy independence you pay for? That is the question we want to answer here.
The analysis is based on decades of practical experience and sound engineering knowledge. He has been working in renewable energy for more than 20 years, with a focus on long-term storage. An electrical engineering graduate of Stellenbosch University, he is known for his pioneering work on supercapacitor-based storage systems – born out of frustration with Li-ion systems in the heat of South Africa. His experience forms the core of the WEST mission: to develop safe, durable and smarter energy storage.
William “Billy” De Jong CTO of WEST
Download William de Jong’s complete publication here – as a PDF in English.
The true price of Li-ion batteries
Li-ion has long been the preferred choice for energy storage – in mobile phones, cars, laptops, home storage, industrial systems and even at grid scale. But behind the familiar names and impressive data sheets lies a complex truth.
With Li-ion there is no simple purchase cost. The seemingly low prices are only the beginning. They are followed by hidden expenses, inefficiencies and operating costs that can more than double total spending over the battery’s lifetime. The true costs fall into two categories:
Battery purchase cost
What you actually get – compared with what is promised.
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Operating costs
Installation, replacement, inefficiencies, maintenance and everything needed to keep the system running. This is not just about money, but about energy literacy, consumer protection and transparency in the industry.
The battery in detail
- Usable capacity: With a Li-ion battery you can only use about 80 % of the stated capacity. The battery management system (BMS) blocks the bottom 20 % to protect the battery. A 10 kWh battery therefore delivers only 8 kWh – from day one.
- Efficiency losses: Energy is lost with every charge and discharge cycle. The real round-trip efficiency (RTE) is between 78 % and 95 %. On average you lose around 13 % of the stored energy per cycle.
- Degradation and oversizing: Li-ion batteries lose capacity over time. After about 2,000 cycles they retain only 80 % of their original performance. To compensate, systems often have to be designed 30–40 % larger.
- Short service life: Stationary Li-ion systems rarely last longer than 5–6 years. After that, complete replacement is usually required – with considerable cost and effort.
Ongoing operating costs
- Safety protocols: Li-ion batteries pose fire risks. Fire extinguishers, cooling and fire protection systems can account for 5–23 % of total costs.
- Insurance: Because of the fire risk, many insurers raise premiums by 10–30 %. Over five years this can cost up to 25 % of the system value.
- Maintenance and energy consumption: Temperature control (15–35 °C) is crucial – active cooling or heating systems consume 5–10 % of the stored energy.
- Repairs and shipping: Faulty batteries must be shipped as dangerous goods (cost: easily 500–1,500 USD per shipment). Repairs also easily cost an additional 1,000–2,000 USD.
- Disposal: At the end of its life, the battery must be properly uninstalled, transported and recycled. Cost: up to 25 % of the original purchase price.
Li-ion batteries carry more than a price tag
What you really get
- 80 % usable capacity from purchase
- Up to 13 % efficiency loss per charge/discharge cycle
- 6–7 % degradation per year
What it really costs you
- + 35 % for oversizing
- + 18 % for recycling and disposal
- + 8 % for fire protection systems
- + 8 % for parasitic heating and cooling
- + 20 % for maintenance & shipping
- + 25 % for insurance adjustments
Hidden energy losses, maintenance, insurance, repairs and disposal add up. In reality, you get only around 50 % of the stated capacity and, in the worst case, pay more than 100 % on top of the original price to operate the system safely.
WEST SuperCap storage: the better choice
Li-ion batteries rarely live up to their promises. WEST offers an alternative:
Energy storage that is safer, more durable, more efficient and easier to maintain. With WEST you get not just energy storage – you gain real energy independence.
WEST power storage compared
| WEST hybrid supercap | Lithium-ion battery | Lead-acid battery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected service life | 30 – 45 years | 5 – 10 years | 1 – 8 years |
| Charging cycles | 100,000 | 1,000 – 2,000 | 100 – 1,000 |
| Operating temperature (without degradation) | – 40°C to + 65°C | 0°C to 30°C | -5°C to 25°C |
| Daily charging limit | 200% | 70% | 15% |
| Degradation (over service life) | 10% | 40% | 40% |
| Unusable capacity | 0% | 20% | 40% |
| Daily charging capability | > 1.5 C | 0.5 C | 0.1 C |
| Necessary oversizing | 0% | 30% to 50% | 300% to 500% |
| Module efficiency | > 97% | 85% to 95% | 45% to 85% |
| Heat generation during charging | none | depends on intensity | depends on intensity |
| 100% modular design | yes, expandable at will | no | no |
| Transport restrictions | uncritical, pure electronics | labelling required | labelling required |
| Air freight | unrestricted | restricted | restricted |
| BMS limitation | any inverter | limitation possible | limitation likely |
Advantages of WEST power storage
- 100,000 maintenance-free charging cycles That is enough for decades, even if you fully charge and discharge the storage several times a day
- 100% depth of discharge (DoD) Use the full storage capacity – save yourself oversizing
- Fast charging at up to 2 C Charge and discharge the entire capacity of the storage in 30 minutes – faster than chemical battery systems
- Operating temperature range – 40°C to + 65°C Place your power storage wherever you like, as long as it is dry
- 90% guaranteed capacity for 10 years With the option of replacing faulty components individually at any time – supercaps and BMS
- No heat generation / no fire risk Even with fast charging and discharging, the module temperature stays the same. Worry-free use in all areas of application
- Non-toxic materials Power storage based on carbon compounds (graphene) without toxic chemical components (shipped as electronics)
- Completely modular design Expand modules at any time to suit your needs – this is how sustainable purchasing and maintenance works
- Compatible with all inverters Plug & play as it should be. WEST power storage can extend any system with a storage connection
- App control included Connect the storage to your WiFi or insert a SIM card and conveniently monitor the status of one or more modules via the app on your smartphone
WEST power storage units consist of components that can be replaced individually by the user.
Should a capacitor or part of the BMS become faulty, any user can replace the parts themselves. For every single circuit board can be replaced. This also applies if a module no longer holds the guaranteed capacity – capacitors can be added.
Models and prices
3.3 kWh storage module • floor mounting
General data
Storage type: hybrid supercapacitor Monitoring: WiFi, Android, iOS Communication: WiFi, LED Status Operating temperature: – 40°C to + 65°C Charging cycles: >100,000 cycles Warranty: 10 years Service life: approx. 45 years Terminal connection: M8 Efficiency >97% IP protection rating: IP30
Technical data
Capacity: 3.3 kWh / 67 Ah Total weight: 72.6 kg Dimensions: (LxWxH in mm) 580 x 632 x 170 Stackable: max. 6 units on top of each other
Charging / discharging
Nominal charging voltage: 53.6 V Maximum voltage peak: 54.0 V Recommended discharge voltage 46.0 V Nominal discharge voltage: 45.5 V Maximum continuous current: > 100 A Maximum current peak: 125 A Maximum charge/discharge rate: 1.5 C
Price
Fixed net price ex warehouse Hamburg plus transport: 4,455.00 EUR **The net selling price applies, as in Germany a VAT exemption applies until the end of 2025 to PV systems and storage below 35 kWp installed on or around buildings.
ENQUIRE
4.95 kWh storage module • floor mounting
General data
Storage type: hybrid supercapacitor Monitoring: WiFi, Android, iOS Communication: WiFi, LED Status Operating temperature: – 40°C to + 65°C Charging cycles: >100,000 cycles Warranty: 10 years Service life: approx. 45 years Terminal connection: M8 Efficiency >97% IP protection rating: IP30
Technical data
Capacity: 4.95 kWh / 100 Ah Total weight: 97 kg Dimensions: (LxWxH in mm) 580 x 632 x 245 Stackable: max. 5 units on top of each other
Charging / discharging
Nominal charging voltage: 53.6 V Maximum voltage peak: 54.0 V Recommended discharge voltage 46.0 V Nominal discharge voltage: 45.5 V Maximum continuous current: > 200 A Maximum current peak: 250 A Maximum charge/discharge rate: 2 C Download data sheet
Price
Fixed net price ex warehouse Hamburg plus transport: 6,682.50 EUR **The net selling price applies, as in Germany a VAT exemption applies until the end of 2025 to PV systems and storage below 35 kWp installed on or around buildings.
ENQUIRE
6.6 kWh storage module • floor mounting
General data
Storage type: hybrid supercapacitor Monitoring: WiFi, Android, iOS Communication: WiFi, LED Status Operating temperature: – 40°C to + 65°C Charging cycles: >100,000 cycles Warranty: 10 years Service life: approx. 45 years Terminal connection: M8 Efficiency >97% IP protection rating: IP30
Technical data
Capacity: 6.6 kWh / 134 Ah Total weight: 128.6 kg Dimensions: (LxWxH in mm) 580 x 632 x 320 Stackable: max. 5 units on top of each other
Charging / discharging
Nominal charging voltage: 53.6 V Maximum voltage peak: 54.0 V Recommended discharge voltage 46.0 V Nominal discharge voltage: 45.5 V Maximum continuous current: > 200 A Maximum current peak: 250 A Maximum charge/discharge rate: 1.5 C Download data sheet
Price
Fixed net price ex warehouse Hamburg plus transport: 8,910.50 EUR **The net selling price applies, as in Germany a VAT exemption applies until the end of 2025 to PV systems and storage below 35 kWp installed on or around buildings.
ENQUIRE
3.3 kWh storage module • wall mounting
General data
Storage type: hybrid supercapacitorMonitoring: WiFi, Android, iOS Communication: WiFi, LED Status Operating temperature: – 40°C to + 65°C Charging cycles: >100,000 cycles Warranty: 10 years Service life: approx. 45 years Terminal connection: M8 Efficiency >97% IP protection rating: IP30
Technical data
Capacity: 3.3 kWh / 67 Ah Total weight: 71.6 kg Dimensions: (LxWxH in mm) 394.5 x 586 x 320
Charging / discharging
Nominal charging voltage: 53.6 V Maximum voltage peak: 54.0 V Recommended discharge voltage 46.0 V Nominal discharge voltage: 45.5 V Maximum continuous current: > 100 A Maximum current peak: 125 A Maximum charge/discharge rate: 1.5 C Download data sheet
Price
Fixed net price ex warehouse Hamburg plus transport: 4,455.00 EUR **The net selling price applies, as in Germany a VAT exemption applies until the end of 2025 to PV systems and storage below 35 kWp installed on or around buildings.
ENQUIRE
4.95 kWh storage module • wall mounting
General data
Storage type: hybrid supercapacitor Monitoring: WiFi, Android, iOS Communication: WiFi, LED Status Operating temperature: – 40°C to + 65°C Charging cycles: >100,000 cycles Warranty: 10 years Service life: approx. 45 years Terminal connection: M8 Efficiency >97% IP protection rating: IP30
Technical data
Capacity: 4.95 kWh / 100 Ah Total weight: 102.4 kg Dimensions: (LxWxH in mm) 394.5 x 586 x 470
Charging / discharging
Nominal charging voltage: 53.6 V Maximum voltage peak: 54.0 V Recommended discharge voltage 46.0 V Nominal discharge voltage: 45.5 V Maximum continuous current: > 200 A Maximum current peak: 250 A Maximum charge/discharge rate: 2 C Download data sheet
Price
Fixed net price ex warehouse Hamburg plus transport: 6,682.50 EUR **The net selling price applies, as in Germany a VAT exemption applies until the end of 2025 to PV systems and storage below 35 kWp installed on or around buildings.
ENQUIRE
6.6 kWh storage module • wall mounting
General data
Storage type: hybrid supercapacitor Monitoring: WiFi, Android, iOS Communication: WiFi, LED Status Operating temperature: – 40°C to + 65°C Charging cycles: >100,000 cycles Warranty: 10 years Service life: approx. 45 years Terminal connection: M8 Efficiency >97% IP protection rating: IP30
Technical data
Capacity: 6.6 kWh / 134 Ah Total weight: 135.8 kg Dimensions: (LxWxH in mm) 394.5 x 586 x 621
Charging / discharging
Nominal charging voltage: 53.6 V Maximum voltage peak: 54.0 V Recommended discharge voltage 46.0 V Nominal discharge voltage: 45.5 V Maximum continuous current: > 200 A Maximum current peak: 250 A Maximum charge/discharge rate: 1.5 C Download data sheet
Price
Fixed net price ex warehouse Hamburg plus transport: 8,910.50 EUR **The net selling price applies, as in Germany a VAT exemption applies until the end of 2025 to PV systems and storage below 35 kWp installed on or around buildings.
ENQUIRE
3.3 kWh storage module • floor mounting
General data
Storage type: hybrid supercapacitor Monitoring: WiFi, Android, iOS Communication: WiFi, LED Status Operating temperature: – 40°C to + 65°C Charging cycles: >100,000 cycles Warranty: 10 years Service life: approx. 45 years Terminal connection: M8 Efficiency >97% IP protection rating: IP30
Technical data
Capacity: 3.3 kWh / 67 Ah Total weight: 72.6 kg Dimensions: (LxWxH in mm) 580 x 632 x 170 Stackable: max. 6 units on top of each other
Charging / discharging
Nominal charging voltage: 53.6 V Maximum voltage peak: 54.0 V Recommended discharge voltage 46.0 V Nominal discharge voltage: 45.5 V Maximum continuous current: > 100 A Maximum current peak: 125 A Maximum charge/discharge rate: 1.5 C
Price
Fixed net price ex warehouse Hamburg plus transport: 4,455.00 EUR **The net selling price applies, as in Germany a VAT exemption applies until the end of 2025 to PV systems and storage below 35 kWp installed on or around buildings.
ENQUIRE
4.95 kWh storage module • floor mounting
General data
Storage type: hybrid supercapacitor Monitoring: WiFi, Android, iOS Communication: WiFi, LED Status Operating temperature: – 40°C to + 65°C Charging cycles: >100,000 cycles Warranty: 10 years Service life: approx. 45 years Terminal connection: M8 Efficiency >97% IP protection rating: IP30
Technical data
Capacity: 4.95 kWh / 100 Ah Total weight: 97 kg Dimensions: (LxWxH in mm) 580 x 632 x 245 Stackable: max. 5 units on top of each other
Charging / discharging
Nominal charging voltage: 53.6 V Maximum voltage peak: 54.0 V Recommended discharge voltage 46.0 V Nominal discharge voltage: 45.5 V Maximum continuous current: > 200 A Maximum current peak: 250 A Maximum charge/discharge rate: 2 C Download data sheet
Price
Fixed net price ex warehouse Hamburg plus transport: 6,682.50 EUR **The net selling price applies, as in Germany a VAT exemption applies until the end of 2025 to PV systems and storage below 35 kWp installed on or around buildings.
ENQUIRE
6.6 kWh storage module • floor mounting
General data
Storage type: hybrid supercapacitor Monitoring: WiFi, Android, iOS Communication: WiFi, LED Status Operating temperature: – 40°C to + 65°C Charging cycles: >100,000 cycles Warranty: 10 years Service life: approx. 45 years Terminal connection: M8 Efficiency >97% IP protection rating: IP30
Technical data
Capacity: 6.6 kWh / 134 Ah Total weight: 128.6 kg Dimensions: (LxWxH in mm) 580 x 632 x 320 Stackable: max. 5 units on top of each other
Charging / discharging
Nominal charging voltage: 53.6 V Maximum voltage peak: 54.0 V Recommended discharge voltage 46.0 V Nominal discharge voltage: 45.5 V Maximum continuous current: > 200 A Maximum current peak: 250 A Maximum charge/discharge rate: 1.5 C Download data sheet
Price
Fixed net price ex warehouse Hamburg plus transport: 8,910.50 EUR **The net selling price applies, as in Germany a VAT exemption applies until the end of 2025 to PV systems and storage below 35 kWp installed on or around buildings.
ENQUIRE
3.3 kWh storage module • wall mounting
General data
Storage type: hybrid supercapacitorMonitoring: WiFi, Android, iOS Communication: WiFi, LED Status Operating temperature: – 40°C to + 65°C Charging cycles: >100,000 cycles Warranty: 10 years Service life: approx. 45 years Terminal connection: M8 Efficiency >97% IP protection rating: IP30
Technical data
Capacity: 3.3 kWh / 67 Ah Total weight: 71.6 kg Dimensions: (LxWxH in mm) 394.5 x 586 x 320
Charging / discharging
Nominal charging voltage: 53.6 V Maximum voltage peak: 54.0 V Recommended discharge voltage 46.0 V Nominal discharge voltage: 45.5 V Maximum continuous current: > 100 A Maximum current peak: 125 A Maximum charge/discharge rate: 1.5 C Download data sheet
Price
Fixed net price ex warehouse Hamburg plus transport: 4,455.00 EUR **The net selling price applies, as in Germany a VAT exemption applies until the end of 2025 to PV systems and storage below 35 kWp installed on or around buildings.
ENQUIRE
4.95 kWh storage module • wall mounting
General data
Storage type: hybrid supercapacitor Monitoring: WiFi, Android, iOS Communication: WiFi, LED Status Operating temperature: – 40°C to + 65°C Charging cycles: >100,000 cycles Warranty: 10 years Service life: approx. 45 years Terminal connection: M8 Efficiency >97% IP protection rating: IP30
Technical data
Capacity: 4.95 kWh / 100 Ah Total weight: 102.4 kg Dimensions: (LxWxH in mm) 394.5 x 586 x 470
Charging / discharging
Nominal charging voltage: 53.6 V Maximum voltage peak: 54.0 V Recommended discharge voltage 46.0 V Nominal discharge voltage: 45.5 V Maximum continuous current: > 200 A Maximum current peak: 250 A Maximum charge/discharge rate: 2 C Download data sheet
Price
Fixed net price ex warehouse Hamburg plus transport: 6,682.50 EUR **The net selling price applies, as in Germany a VAT exemption applies until the end of 2025 to PV systems and storage below 35 kWp installed on or around buildings.
ENQUIRE
6.6 kWh storage module • wall mounting
General data
Storage type: hybrid supercapacitor Monitoring: WiFi, Android, iOS Communication: WiFi, LED Status Operating temperature: – 40°C to + 65°C Charging cycles: >100,000 cycles Warranty: 10 years Service life: approx. 45 years Terminal connection: M8 Efficiency >97% IP protection rating: IP30
Technical data
Capacity: 6.6 kWh / 134 Ah Total weight: 135.8 kg Dimensions: (LxWxH in mm) 394.5 x 586 x 621
Charging / discharging
Nominal charging voltage: 53.6 V Maximum voltage peak: 54.0 V Recommended discharge voltage 46.0 V Nominal discharge voltage: 45.5 V Maximum continuous current: > 200 A Maximum current peak: 250 A Maximum charge/discharge rate: 1.5 C Download data sheet
Price
Fixed net price ex warehouse Hamburg plus transport: 8,910.50 EUR **The net selling price applies, as in Germany a VAT exemption applies until the end of 2025 to PV systems and storage below 35 kWp installed on or around buildings.
ENQUIRE
WEST – sustainability
View of the BMS of a wall-mounted WEST module
Detail view of a circuit board in the BMS of a WEST module
WEST power storage units consist of components that can be replaced individually by the user.
Should a capacitor or part of the BMS become faulty, any user can unscrew the housing and replace the parts themselves. Each circuit board can be replaced individually. This also applies if a module no longer holds the guaranteed capacity – capacitors can be added.
Installation examples
Send an enquiry
The expected delivery time is usually 2–3 weeks after receipt of order.
Other WEST posts
WEST Supercap Power Storage
Lithium-Ionen-Batterien (Li-Ion): Wahre Kosten
Notes on content provided by authors
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