What does SoH (State of Health) mean for battery storage?

Short definition: Current health condition of a battery relative to its as-new state

The State of Health (SoH) describes the current condition of a battery relative to its as-new state. An SoH of 100% corresponds to a new battery; 80% is typically considered end-of-life for first-life applications.

SOH Determination — Methods Compared Capacity Test (CC/CV) Accuracy: +/-1% Duration: 8-24h | Gold standard EIS (Impedance Spectr.) Accuracy: +/-3% Duration: 15 min | Quick test Coulomb Counting Accuracy: +/-5% Continuous | BMS-internal Expert recommendation: Capacity test per IEC 62620 for legally robust SOH statement Relevant thresholds: SOH >= 80% (warranty) | SOH >= 70% (second life) | SOH < 60% (EOL)

How is SoH determined?

SoH is defined via two parameters: Capacity SoH (remaining capacity vs. nominal capacity) and Resistance SoH (DC internal resistance vs. as-new value). PV-BESS-Assessor conducts independent capacity tests and EIS measurements (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy) for SoH determination.

Why is SoH critical for investors?

SoH determines the economic residual value of a battery storage system. In transactions, insurance claims, and warranty disputes, an independent SoH assessment by qualified experts is indispensable. The discrepancy between manufacturer-reported SoH and independently measured SoH can be significant.

Frequently asked questions

At what SoH is a battery storage system considered end-of-life?

Typically, an SoH of 80% is considered end-of-life for first-life applications. The battery can subsequently be reused in second-life applications with lower performance requirements. The actual usability depends on the application profile.

Related terms

State of ChargeBattery Management System

Case studies

Scientific studies

Documented case study:

SOH Due Diligence: Purchase Price Reduction of EUR 340,000

Real anonymised investigation case with measurement data, timeline, and economic evaluation.

Last updated: 2026-06-16