Is a larger cell always better?

Not always. Higher cell capacity means more MWh in a container and fewer interconnections, but a shorter operating track record. Bankable projects often favor the more mature 314 Ah generation.

What is the degradation of LFP cells after 10 years?

With one cycle per day, 72–78% of initial capacity remains: 2.0–2.5% in the first year and around 1.2% per year thereafter.

Do you use NMC cells?

No. For stationary storage we use only LFP, due to its fire safety and cycle life.

LFP Cells for Energy Storage — CATL, EVE, Hithium, BYD

LFP cells for energy storage — CATL, EVE, Hithium, BYD

Short answer

Today's 20ft containers use LFP cells ranging from 314 Ah to 1,130 Ah, rated at 8,000–11,000 cycles with a 10–12 year warranty at a 70% SOH threshold. Cell capacity determines whether a unit holds 5.0 or 6.9 MWh.

314–1,130 Ah — determines container capacity

8,000–11,000 cycles at 90% DoD

10–12 year warranty at a 70% SOH threshold

Why the cell manufacturer matters more than the container brand

Cells account for 55–65% of system value and are the only component that can't be replaced without dismantling the modules. The integrator can change, but the cell stays in the installation for 15–20 years — that's why we always specify the exact manufacturer and model in our offer.

Cell comparison table

LFP cells used in 20ft containers
Manufacturer	Model	Capacity	Cycles	Warranty
CATL	EnerC / EnerOne (306–314 Ah)	306 / 314 Ah	8,000–10,000	10 years / 70% SOH
EVE Energy	LF628	628 Ah	10,000	10 years / 70% SOH
Hithium	MIC 1130	1,130 Ah	11,000	12 years / 70% SOH
BYD	Blade 2	710 Ah	10,000	10 years / 70% SOH
REPT Battero	Wending 320	320 Ah	8,000	10 years / 70% SOH
CALB	L500	587 Ah	10,000	10 years / 70% SOH

CATL — EnerC and EnerOne series

The most widely used reference in grid-scale projects. The 306–314 Ah cells deliver 5.0–5.6 MWh in a 20ft container, backed by a very large installed base and predictable servicing.

EVE Energy — 628 Ah cells

Double the cell capacity means fewer interconnections and less parameter spread within the string. The container reaches 6.25 MWh in the same footprint.

Hithium — MIC 1130 Ah for 4–8 h storage

A 1,130 Ah cell designed for long discharge durations. It enables 6.9 MWh in a 20ft unit with a claimed 11,000 cycles, lowering LCOS in 4-hour projects.

BYD — Blade 2, 710 Ah

A prismatic design with a large heat-dissipation surface, pairing well with liquid cooling at 0.5C.

How to verify which cell you're actually getting

Specify the cell manufacturer and model in the contract, not just the proposal
Module serial numbers and a factory capacity test report
IEC 62619, IEC 63056, and UN 38.3 certificates for the delivered batch
Right to a factory acceptance audit (FAT) before shipment
Capacity test after commissioning as an acceptance condition