How does battery degradation affect energy storage?

This means that over time, a fully charged battery won't take you as far as it initially did. Similarly, in battery energy storage systems (BESS), battery degradation can limit the amount of energy that can be stored and delivered, impacting the overall efficiency of the system.

Why do batteries degrade over time?

Time: Batteries naturally degrade over time, even when they are not in use. This type of degradation is often referred to as calendar degradation. It is influenced by the state of charge at which the battery is kept, with high states of charge generally leading to faster battery degradation.

Are batteries degrading all the time?

To some extent, batteries are degrading all the time. However, it gets worse every time the battery charges or discharges. Charging and discharging can be measured in cycles - one cycle is equal to one full discharge of a battery's energy capacity.

Is battery degradation a real thing?

It's important to note that while the term battery degradation often conjures up images of a faulty or defective battery, it is, in fact, a natural and expected phenomenon. Just like the components in a traditional car engine wear out over time, so do the components within a battery.

Do battery energy storage systems come with a warranty?

Battery energy storage systems come with a warranty - i.e. a guarantee, provided by the OEM, that a certain level of degradation will not be exceeded, as long as operation of the system stays within certain limits.