Energy Storage Value-Added Services Reduce Risk and Unlock Growth Opportunities

Potential customers are generally unfamiliar with energy storage system (ESS) technology. Value-added services (VASs) are therefore required for projects to be considered bankable by customers and investors. These services shift technological and financial risk for project performance from customers to the battery hardware providers and systems integrators that design and build an ESS. VASs include operations and maintenance (O&M), warranties, and performance guarantees. Collectively, these services are fundamental components of any project proposal. They present opportunities for innovative companies to establish a leadership position as the market continues to evolve.

Energy storage VASs have played a fundamental role in the growth of the energy storage industry over the past decade and will remain an important component of new projects. VASs are key to energy storage project proposals for both the more common lithium ion battery technology and emerging technologies such as flow batteries. While all energy storage technologies require some level of VASs to operate successful projects, this report will focus on battery technologies.

This Guidehouse Insights report discusses how energy storage VASs have evolved and how the storage industry has grown by using VASs to reduce customer risks. The study provides an overview of the ESS project value chain including who provides VASs and innovative approaches that companies are taking to employ VASs in creative ways to reduce risks for customers. The report also analyzes the potential evolution of these services, including opportunities for new business lines and revenue streams to be developed for both incumbents and new entrants in the market.