The Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) for lead-acid battery systems used for energy storage can vary depending on factors such as battery technology, application, maintenance, and local conditions. Lead-acid batteries are commonly used for various applications, including backup power, off-grid systems, and in some cases, grid-scale energy storage. Here's a general range for the LCOE of lead-acid battery systems:
Lead-Acid Battery Energy Storage: Approximately 10 - 30 cents per kWh
Keep in mind that the LCOE of lead-acid battery systems can be influenced by factors such as:
1. Battery Technology: There are different types of lead-acid batteries, including flooded lead-acid and valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries. VRLA batteries, such as absorbed glass mat (AGM) and gel batteries, are generally more expensive but offer benefits like reduced maintenance requirements.
2. Cycle Life: The number of charge-discharge cycles a lead-acid battery can undergo affects its lifetime and, consequently, its cost per kWh of stored energy.
3. Efficiency: Lead-acid batteries have efficiency losses during charging and discharging cycles. Higher efficiency batteries can provide more usable energy from the stored capacity.
4. Maintenance: Flooded lead-acid batteries require more maintenance compared to sealed VRLA batteries. Maintenance costs can affect the overall LCOE.
5. Application: The LCOE can vary based on the specific application of the battery system, whether it's for residential, commercial, or industrial use.
6. Location: Local factors such as climate, temperature, and electricity prices can impact the LCOE of lead-acid battery systems.
7. Duration of Discharge: The length of time a battery system can provide power at a given discharge rate affects its cost-effectiveness.
8. Battery Degradation: Over time, lead-acid batteries experience capacity degradation, which can impact their effective cost per kWh of stored energy.
It's important to consider that battery technology is evolving, and other energy storage options like lithium-ion batteries are becoming more prominent due to their higher energy density, longer cycle life, and faster response times. Therefore, the LCOE and market dynamics for lead-acid batteries may change as new technologies emerge.