The Evolving Role of System Integrators in the Battery Energy Storage Sector

The battery energy storage system (BESS) market is entering a new phase, marked by closer collaboration between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and project owners. While this shift is streamlining the energy storage supply chain, system integrators remain a vital link in delivering optimized, high-performance projects.

This trend reflects the broader evolution of the energy storage industry, mirroring patterns seen in other mature energy technology sectors. As OEMs and asset owners work more directly, they aim to reduce costs, accelerate deployment, and enhance operational efficiency.

Over the past year, the BESS market has seen widespread adoption of standardized solutions, particularly the 20-foot ISO container with capacities exceeding 5MWh. However, there is a growing move toward modular energy storage designs. Industry specialists attribute this shift to two main factors: transportation weight restrictions and the increasing variety of battery cell sizes and formats.

Although modular systems offer greater flexibility for certain projects, large-scale 20-foot containerized solutions remain one of the most cost-effective approaches in BESS integration. Their economies of scale, coupled with proven reliability, make them a preferred choice for utility-scale deployments.

As the energy storage supply chain continues to evolve, the role of system integrators will adapt. Beyond traditional responsibilities, they can deliver value through specialized engineering, system customization, and integration expertise—capabilities that neither OEMs nor project owners may fully provide on their own. By bridging technical gaps and ensuring seamless BESS integration, system integrators are positioned to remain indispensable partners in the transition toward more resilient and flexible power systems.