There’s no longer any debate: renewable energy is the future of energy. Finding the best path to get there is where opinions differ. At StorEn Technologies, we believe that vanadium flow batteries are the key to making sustainable energy sources like solar power more widely accessible. Here’s why the benefits of vanadium flow batteries make them uniquely suited to the task of rolling out renewable energy on a larger scale and helping more people and businesses achieve independence from the electrical grid.
Discharge Capacity
Unlike lithium batteries, vanadium flow batteries will always discharge fully at 100%; there is no decaying or losing of capacity over time. In other words, 100% of the initial battery capacity is available through a vanadium flow battery’s entire lifetime, making it easier to match daily demands with generation. There’s no need to oversize during battery installation to compensate for lost capacity, meaning vanadium flow batteries are more economical.
Long Lifespan
Vanadium flow batteries are durable, with an expected lifespan of 25 years or more—and, as noted in the previous point, there is no degradation of performance even as a battery nears the end of its life.
Sustainable Energy Storage
Vanadium flow batteries enable a more sustainable form of energy, but the technology itself is also sustainable. The electrolyte used in vanadium flow batteries can be reused, which means replacing batteries does not require the mining of fresh vanadium.
Low Maintenance
StorEn vanadium flow batteries make maintenance hassle-free. Rather than scheduling regular maintenance whether it is needed or not, the StorEn Battery Management System tells us when service is required, allowing us to provide on-demand maintenance.
Cost-Efficacy
Thanks to their longer lifespan and because vanadium flow batteries do not lose capacity over time and continue to discharge fully until replacement, they are a cost-effective choice when compared to lithium with the lowest cost/cycle possible today. Lithium batteries also have higher disposal costs, while vanadium electrolyte retains its value at end-of-life.
Improved Safety
Lithium batteries present several significant disadvantages when it comes to safety; vanadium flow batteries have none of these. Because their electrolyte is water-based, vanadium flow batteries are non-flammable and also non-explosive, giving vanadium flow batteries the highest level of safety when compared to other battery technologies.
More Versatility
Vanadium flow batteries offer versatility in a number of ways. They can be used at a wide range of temperatures indoors and outdoors and, because they are at the beginning of their development cycle, we foresee that further improvements and advancements will be made as the technology develops. While vanadium flow batteries are most often used for grid storage at present, future innovations and cost reductions once economies of scale kick in will make this technology more commonplace.
Learn More About StorEn Vanadium Flow Batteries
We’re passionate about vanadium flow battery technology and we’re always pleased to answer any questions you might have. To learn more about how StorEn Technologies is paving the path to a more sustainable future, contact us today at or visit the StorEn StartEngine campaign page to find out how you can get involved.
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