SNEC 2025 – energy storage focus: four highlights amid rapid capacity upgrades

The SNEC International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Conference & Exhibition (SNEC PV+ Expo) was held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, China, from June 11 to 13, 2025, drawing over 3,000 exhibitors. As one of the largest global renewable energy exhibitions, SNEC 2025 saw strong international attendance, particularly from India, Europe, and North America. Notably, energy storage took center stage, with a sharp increase in exhibitors and larger booth footprints. Nearly all inverter manufacturers showcased energy storage products and solutions while leading PV module makers—including Trina, Jinko, and JA Solar—highlighted their expanded presence in the energy storage sector.
 

Fierce price competition persists, but signs of stabilization appear in Q2

In 2025, price declines for energy storage cells and system integration have continued due to sharp drops in upstream material costs and market oversupply. In Q2, demand recovery from some non-China markets has helped stabilize cell prices in China, with some formats seeing slight rebounds.

• 280 Ah LFP cells: RMB 0.24–0.33/Wh
• 314 Ah LFP cells: RMB 0.25–0.33/Wh
• 100 Ah LFP cells: RMB 0.33–0.39/Wh

• 2-hour containerized systems : RMB 0.57/Wh
• 1-hour containerized systems: RMB 0.77/Wh
• 4-hour containerized systems: RMB 0.44/Wh

Cell and utility-scale ESS upgrades

1.    Utility-scale storage cells: 280 Ah gradually fades; 587 Ah gains traction

At SNEC 2025, the presence of 280 Ah LFP cells declined significantly, underscoring their gradual phase-outs. Over the past year, the market share of 314 Ah cells has continued to rise, cementing their status as the current mainstream choice.

The next-generation cell trend continues to focus on large capacity. Over 15 manufacturers showcased 400+ Ah and 500+ Ah cells at SNEC 2025. Among these products, 587 Ah and its similar formats stood out, with a notable increase in the number of exhibits—suggesting that 587 Ah cells may become the next mainstream format for large-capacity storage cells. Key players at SNEC 2025 such as CATL, Hithium, REPT BATTERO, and Narada all unveiled 587 Ah cells, which have yet to be fully standardized.

Manufacturers continue to optimize cell formats to balance energy density and cycle life, resulting in dimensional variation among brands despite the same cell capacity.

Leading system integrators such as Sungrow are promoting alternatives like 684 Ah cells, which may gain traction based on existing order volumes. Standardization of next-generation cell capacities and formats remains under development.

Table: Storage cell exhibits at SNEC 2025 (selected manufacturers)

2.    Utility-scale energy storage: Capacity and power upgrades lead the way, with 6.25 MWh systems based on 587 Ah cells becoming mainstream design

Larger cell capacities and higher energy densities remain key focuses at this year’s exhibition. Manufacturers are still looking to upgrade utility-scale systems and reduce costs through high-capacity designs. At the exhibition, 6.25 MWh systems based on 587 Ah cells became the highlight for next-generation utility-scale storage. Several leading companies presented solutions featuring this approach. Sungrow introduced new containerized BESS, including a 6.9 MWh 20-foot model and a 12.5 MWh 30-foot version based on 684 Ah cells, further pushing energy density limits.
 

C&I energy storage: Focus on AI-powered O&M

With lower entry barriers than utility-scale systems, the commercial and industrial (C&I) ESS market is becoming increasingly competitive. Tier-2,3 manufacturers have continued to push down market price floors, driving mainstream product prices lower over the past year. At the exhibition, the dominant C&I solution remained the 125 kW/261 kWh integrated cabinet based on 314 Ah cells. BESS exceeding 400 kWh and 800 kWh, designed for 10+ kV industrial applications and niche use cases, were also featured at the exhibition. Most utility-capacity C&I systems still feature mature 314 Ah cells.

Competition in the C&I segment is shifting from hardware to software, with AI-powered operation and maintenance (O&M) emerging as a key selling point. Cross-sector players such as Haier Energy showcased AI-driven O&M solutions aimed at reducing labor dependency and improving operational efficiency.
 

Energy storage PCS: 400+ kW models rolled out to support 500+ Ah cells and 6 MWh+ systems

As 6 MWh+ large ESS becomes mainstream, string-type PCS is now upgrading to power ratings above 400 kW. Companies such as NR Electric and TBEA both launched 400–450 kW models this year. At the exhibition, leading players such as Sungrow and Sineng showcased new solutions. Sungrow introduced the PowerTitan 3.0 AC system with a new 450 kW fully liquid-cooled PCS , marking a breakthrough in the utility-scale use of silicon carbide (SiC) devices. Sineng unveiled its new string PCS with power ratings upgrading to 250-430 kW, designed to support 400 Ah+, 500 Ah+ cells and 6 MWh+ ESS.

To align with the trend toward larger-capacity cells and ESS with higher energy density, liquid cooling is increasingly adopted in 400+ kW string PCS. Grid-forming PCS is also gaining market traction.
 

Energy storage sees stronger momentum and market activity

This year’s exhibition reflected the rapid progress of the energy storage industry across both technology and market dynamics. On the technology side, cell capacities continue to scale up, with more products featuring 587 Ah and above. 6 MWh+ integrated solutions built on large-capacity cells were widely showcased. Market competition is also evolving, from price-driven strategies to differentiation through PV-ESS integration, utility-scale industrial use, and AI-powered O&M. Increased international participation further signals strong global demand growth.

However, the fast-paced capacity race is raising the bar for R&D and safety. Rapid product upgrades are squeezing the survival space for Tier-2,3 manufacturers, potentially accelerating industry clearance. Leading players are expanding globally with technical and cost advantages, while smaller firms may seek growth through niche markets. The competitive landscape is continuing to shift rapidly.