Post-Intersolar Europe 2025 Report: ESS

In May, the global renewable energy industry event--Intersolar Europe--took place in Munich as scheduled, bringing together energy-storage and PV leading players to showcase their advanced technologies and products. InfoLink focuses on key topics including energy-storage supply-chain price trends, product upgrades, and the evolving portfolios of non-China cell and system integrators.
 

Price trends

• Cells

Since 2025, cell prices in China have kept falling, with Q2 averages expected at USD 38.8/kWh (VAT included). China-made 280Ah cells are sold at USD 45/kWh FOB in non-China markets, 15.4% higher than in China. Leading brands in non-China markets still command a 20-30% premium over smaller players thanks to technology and brand strength.

• Systems

According to our survey conducted during the expo, Europe's DC-side average price in Q2 is expected at USD 74/kWh (FOB), down 8.6% from 4Q24. The AC-side average price is projected at USD 105/kWh (DDP), a 7.9% decrease from 4Q24. Price declines in the European market are slowing.
 

Product progress

• Cells

300Ah+ cells have become the mainstream for large-capacity storage. Infolink expects 314Ah models to see its market share rise from 39.2% in 2024 to over 75% in 2025. Chinese suppliers, having completed non-China certification in 2024, will begin mass shipments this year. Although the selection of 500Ah+ and 600Ah+ cell models remain unclear, leading manufacturers have already been planning to launch mass production of 500Ah+ cells by the end of 2025. Transitional models like 392Ah and 472Ah will also capture niche demand.

• Systems

For utility-scale BESS , most global manufacturers showcased mature 5 MWh+ solutions based on 314Ah cells, which are gradually replacing the previous 3.44 MWh products as the mainstream. At this expo, Huawei launched its new 5 MWh grid-forming ESS under its all-scenario strategy, while EVE Energy highlighted its 5 MWh container featuring 628Ah cells.

For 6 MWh+ products, capacity and format remain to be defined, pending mainstream adoption of 500Ah+ cells. Leading manufacturers like BYD have completed non-China certification, while most others aim to finish by 2026. Stack-up designs were a highlight for 7 MWh+ systems at the expo, with CATL unveiling 9 MWh stacked DC containers. Fluence promoted a 7.5 MWh large-capacity BESS consisting of two vertically stacked components: Smart Skid, the lower electrical control unit, and Battery Pods, the upper battery cabins. System capacity continues to scale up, placing “large” at the core of the trend, with HyperStrong showcasing a 12.8 MWh system.

Table: 5 MWh+/6 MWh+ DC battery cabins and BESS exhibited at Intersolar Europe

Updates on key non-Chinese manufacturers

Major non-Chinese manufacturers showcased their latest products at the event.

For Korean manufacturers, LG's JF2 cell, continuing the LFP pouch-type roadmap of its predecessor JF1, is scheduled for mass production in 2026, along with a 5.1 MWh containerized BESS based on JF2 cells. Samsung SDI showcased both data center UPS and utility-scale BsESS integration, signaling a dual-focus strategy. Its 5.26 MWh system using 145Ah cells is already in mass production, while the next-generation product will adopt large-capacity LFP prismatic cells, also planned for 2026.

Among Western manufacturers, Fluence promoted its Smart Stack, launched in February, featuring a stacked design with separate electrical control and battery cabins, delivering 7.5 MWh capacity. Orders are confirmed, with deliveries starting in FY 2026. Powin focused on the U.S. and Australia, showcasing its 5 MWh solution based on 314Ah cells and introducing a 6.26 MWh system using 392Ah cells. Nidec targeted the European market, highlighting its new 5 MWh container solution based on 315Ah cells, featuring external thermal management to integrate batteries and PCS in a 20-feet container. Nidec also plans an 8.47 MWh system using 530Ah cells for long-duration storage.
 

Conclusion

At this year’s event, China-funded manufacturers showcased not only existing 300Ah+ and 500Ah+ cells and 5 MWh+/6 MWh+ systems, but also introduced 7 MWh+ products, reinforcing the “larger-capacity” strategy. Korean manufacturers, including LG and Samsung SDI, remain focusing on the U.S. and Europe, with their LFP technology roadmap becoming clearer and 2026 as a key window. Western manufacturers, in addition to aligning product portfolios with their Chinese counterparts, have also launched localized solutions tailored to their home markets.

This expo reflected the industry’s polarized landscape—leading brands attracted strong attention, while mid- and lower-tier booths were relatively quiet, mirroring current market dynamics. As Intersolar Europe concluded, competition continues to intensify. Leading manufacturers will push for innovation and market leadership, while mid- and lower-tier manufacturers focus on improving yield, accelerating product iterations, and seeking breakthroughs under a fast-follower strategy.