Global energy storage system shipments surged 84.7% to 286.35 GWh in the first nine months of 2025, according to InfoLink. Tesla and Chinese manufacturers like Sungrow and BYD led the market, with third-quarter volumes topping 100 GWh for the first time. Emerging markets and PV-storage integration are driving further growth.
InfoLink's latest report, based on its energy-storage supply-chain database, highlights a booming market for energy storage systems (ESS). Shipments hit 286.35 GWh from January to September 2025, marking an 84.7% increase year-over-year. This growth peaked in the third quarter, when volumes surpassed 100 GWh, a historic milestone.
Market concentration is evident, with the top ten suppliers capturing about 60% of total shipments. The leading five overall were Tesla, Sungrow, BYD, CRRC Zhuzhou Institute, and Huawei. InfoLink describes competition among the top three as "fierce," with shifting rankings expected through 2026.
Emerging markets are a key driver, outpacing traditional hubs like China and the US. Suppliers are expanding geographically to secure large orders. US firms such as Tesla and Fluence have set up integration facilities in Asia to close cost gaps with Chinese competitors.
Integration of photovoltaics (PV) and storage is another trend. Companies like Canadian Solar have entered the global top ten, while Trina Solar and JinkoSolar show rapid expansion, potentially challenging leaders by 2026.
In utility-scale ESS, shipments totaled 252.5 GWh, with the top five—Sungrow, BYD, Tesla, CRRC Zhuzhou Institute, and HyperStrong—holding 47.3% market share. BYD overtook Tesla for second place in the third quarter. Residential shipments reached 26.6 GWh, led by Tesla, Huawei, BYD, Pylontech, and Deye, with their combined share rising to 50.9%.
Looking forward, InfoLink forecasts full-year 2025 shipments near 400 GWh, a 60% annual increase, and around 600 GWh in 2026. Rising costs in supply chains will test integrators' ability to manage expenses and margins.