The Battle for Integrated Solar Storage and Charging: Huawei Digital Energy and BYD Join the Fray
On March 26, 2025, Huawei held the China Digital Energy Partner Conference, unveiling significant strategic moves in the energy sector. The company emphasized three core strategies: the integration of solar, storage, and charging systems is an inevitable trend; the launch of a native solar-storage-charging solution; and the introduction of liquid cooling charging for commercial vehicles. Huawei Digital Energy, a key part of Huawei’s business, generates over 50 billion RMB annually, with numerous projects both domestically and internationally featuring the company’s involvement. At present, Huawei’s primary focus in the energy sector is the integration of solar, storage, and charging technologies.
According to a report by the China Academy of Industry Research, the global solar-storage market surpassed 65 billion RMB in 2023, with China holding a dominant 51.09% share of the global market. By 2025, the market size in China is expected to reach 113.42 billion RMB, indicating rapid growth. This sector, which encompasses photovoltaics, batteries, and energy storage, has attracted major players like Huawei, BYD, CATL, and numerous photovoltaic giants, paving the way for companies like Shihang New Energy, which is on the brink of going public.
What is Integrated Solar Storage and Charging?
The term “integrated solar storage and charging” refers to the construction of solar power generation, energy storage systems, and charging facilities in unison, essentially transforming them into large charging stations. For instance, in the context of electric vehicle charging, solar panels installed atop charging stations convert solar energy to power the charging piles and energy storage facilities while also facilitating commercial operations.
Interestingly, the Chinese government’s 2020 New Energy Vehicle Industry Development Plan (2021–2035) proposed the coordinated management of energy use from new energy vehicles alongside wind and solar generation, encouraging the establishment of multifunctional integrated stations for distributed solar power generation, energy storage systems, and charging/discharging. However, it has only been in the past two years that major players like Huawei have begun to unveil significant developments in this field.
This delay can be attributed to two main factors. Firstly, while there has been early-stage policy development, comprehensive support for the solar-storage-charging projects has only recently emerged, as seen with Shanghai’s early 2023 release of its New Energy Storage Demonstration and Innovation Development Plan (2025–2030). Subsidies are crucial for the growth of the energy sector. Secondly, the achievements of these giants often reflect years of effort within the industry before they can successfully integrate their business models.
New Players in the Field
The first group of companies entering this arena predominantly consists of vertical energy enterprises. These include leaders in the photovoltaic sector such as Trina Solar, Sungrow, Jinko Solar, and LONGi Green Energy, as well as battery giants like CATL. Emerging companies like Shihang New Energy, which specializes in solar-storage solutions, are also noteworthy. In February, LONGi emphasized the need for integrated solar-storage systems at a promotional event in Shandong, advocating for a shift beyond traditional solar and storage combinations.
It is essential to recognize that the profitability of solar-storage-charging systems largely relies on charging fees. Thus, the inclusion of charging technology completes the commercial model. Companies like Huawei, representing cross-industry and scenario-based service enterprises, form a second group that is significantly influencing the market landscape.
The Rising Influence of Huawei and BYD
Huawei’s Digital Energy strategy appears to be clearly focused on securing a prime position within the integrated solar-storage-charging ecosystem. This focus may seem surprising, given Huawei’s previous insistence on not manufacturing vehicles but instead leveraging its strengths in smart solutions. However, Huawei has managed to encompass both infrastructure and ultra-fast charging development in its energy business.
Initially, Huawei identified a critical need for high-quality power supplies in communications equipment, leading to its decision to produce power solutions, eventually becoming the largest manufacturer of communication power supplies in China by 2000. After exiting the energy sector due to the internet bubble’s impact on market demand, Huawei returned around 2010 as the global photovoltaic industry expanded, leveraging its technological expertise in power management and devices to re-enter the market. The company has since evolved its strategy to include solar inverters and charging solutions, solidifying its integrated solar-storage-charging position.
For comparison, BYD has also emerged as a significant player in the solar-storage-charging market. According to its annual report released on March 24, 2024, BYD expects substantial growth in its clean energy sectors, including energy storage and solar solutions. Although the solar-storage-charging segment is not as large compared to BYD’s automotive business, the foundation it has built in the automotive market greatly benefits its energy ventures. BYD’s commitment to maintaining its leading position in the global energy storage market is clear.
Upcoming Competitive Landscape
Undoubtedly, companies like Huawei and BYD are poised to reshape the future of integrated solar-storage-charging systems, altering the energy market dynamics. The current enthusiasm for new energy in China further enhances their prospects.
Historically, the term “integrated solar-storage-charging” may not have been widely recognized, primarily due to the limited early demand for such systems among individual consumers. However, with new energy vehicles gaining traction, there is a significant opportunity to capture the market for integrated solar-storage-charging solutions. Huawei Digital Energy reported that by the end of 2023, 3.3 million households globally chose its home solutions. At the recent conference, Huawei stated its goal: “By integrating solar-storage-charging, we can reduce electricity costs by 30% and achieve 100% onsite consumption of solar energy, ensuring quality charging wherever there are roads.”
As the competition in the solar-storage-charging sector intensifies, it could rival the competition seen in the new energy vehicle market. Two key trends are emerging: first, a shift in market focus as domestic companies are increasingly redirecting their efforts back home, given the growing domestic demand for integrated solutions. Second, with the expansion of the solar-storage-charging market, the importance of intelligent energy management capabilities will grow. Huawei’s strength lies in its comprehensive smart technology that spans the entire chain, from power generation to terminal charging facilities.
As more players enter this space, the integrated solar-storage-charging market is set to become a significant focal point of competition and innovation.
