New Delhi: India’s energy storage sector is poised for a breakthrough decade, with the Behind-the-Meter (BTM) stationary storage market projected to grow from 32 GWh annual demand in 2025 to over 39 GWh by 2033, according to a new report from India Energy Storage Alliance and Customised Energy Solutions (CES).
The BTM systems include onsite energy generation and storage located on the customer’s side of the utility meter, such as rooftop solar panels, battery storage, as well as batteries for backup applications installed with UPSA, inverters, and telecom towers. These systems enable direct use of generated or stored energy without passing through the grid. The leading industry body, IESA, highlights these findings as a sign that India is entering a new era of energy resilience and technological leadership.
The recently released report paints a compelling picture of an industry on the cusp of transformation. As the cost of lithium-ion batteries and solar-plus-storage systems continues to tumble, more businesses and consumers across India are turning to on-site energy storage to manage rising grid tariffs and ensure reliable power. In 2024, the levelized cost of energy from a rooftop solar system with storage hovered around 6-7 per kWh, already approaching parity with average commercial grid tariffs in key states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. CES analysts predict that by 2026, solar-plus-storage will be cost-competitive for more commercial users nationwide, with industrial users expected to follow closely behind.
Debmalya Sen, President, India Energy Storage Alliance, said, “India’s stationary storage market is at a tipping point. Lower technology costs, progressive policies, and the urgent need for reliable power are converging to make BTM storage an integral part of India’s energy ecosystem. The projected growth to 39 GWh by 2033 reflects not just surging demand, but a paradigm shift in how businesses and consumers interact with energy. The next decade will be defined by smart storage and domestic innovation.”
The CES report reveals that while lead acid batteries still dominate the BTM landscape, holding more than 85% of the market in 2025, lithium-ion technology is rapidly gaining ground. In the telecom sector alone, lithium-ion batteries now account for an impressive 77% of new installations. The UPS and rooftop solar segments are also seeing a good momentum with respect to Lithium penetration.
Domestic manufacturing of lithium-ion battery cells is also taking off: major players such as Reliance Industries, Ola Electric, Tata Group, Exide and others are investing billions to build up to 95 GWh of battery manufacturing capacity, supported by the government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
Vinayak Walimbe, Managing Director of Customised Energy Solutions, emphasised, “Our research shows that the economics of solar plus storage are now compelling for commercial and industrial users. With blended tariffs for solar-plus-storage systems expected to drop below ₹ per kWh by 2033 and advanced battery pack prices continuing to fall, the business case for energy storage has never been stronger. India’s manufacturing ecosystem is rapidly scaling up to meet this opportunity.”
The report further notes that the drivers of the BTM storage market are evolving as India’s power reliability improves. While central and state policies, such as net metering, time-of-day tariffs, and, are expected to positively impact demand, the traditional reliance on inverter backup and microgrids may diminish in regions where grid reliability is on the rise. Nevertheless, persistent outages in certain states, coupled with the ongoing need for cost management and resilience, ensure continued robust demand for advanced storage solutions. The market also sees significant new players entering lithium battery manufacturing, with more than 30 notable pack assemblers now operating across India’s major industrial regions.
Comprehensive in its scope, the report not only covers rooftop solar and telecom towers but also railways, rural microgrids, streetlights, and decentralised installations, providing segment-by-segment forecasts and technology trends through 2033. The findings position India as one of the world’s most exciting frontiers for battery storage investment and innovation.
