FranklinWH overview

• The FranklinWH battery system provides a comprehensive energy storage and management solution that can easily be integrated into existing infrastructure.

• Key features of the FranklinWH system include app-based monitoring and management, energy switching automation, and modular scalability.

• The average cost of a basic FranklinWH home power system is around $18,000 installed, but varies depending on local cost factors, equipment options, and installation details.

FranklinWH is a relatively new entry into the home energy system market, but it has already made a big name for itself. The company promises a technologically-advanced home energy solution that offers extensive user control, ample flexibility, peak performance, and seamless automation.

This guide takes an in-depth look at everything the FranklinWH home battery backup system has to offer. You’ll find a breakdown of technical specifications, costs, and other key considerations, along with a direct comparison with the best battery backup systems on the market to help you decide if the system is the right investment for your home.

What is the FranklinWH home power system?

The FranklinWH home power system is an energy storage and management platform that can integrate solar energy setups, generators, batteries, and grid power to form a comprehensive home energy solution. It connects these components with smart technology to provide consistent, reliable backup energy and reduce dependence on grid-supplied power or replace it entirely.

FranklinWH home power system components

There are several parts that work together to make up the FranklinWH home power system.

aPower S battery system

The aPower S battery system is a DC-coupled integrated unit. It features a built-in inverter that enables it to be connected directly to solar arrays. This battery system offers 15 kWh of energy storage and supplies up to 10 kW of power.

aPower 2 battery

aPower 2 is an AC-coupled battery designed to work with existing solar inverters (it doesn’t DC-connect directly to PV like aPower S). It uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry to provide 15 kWh of storage capacity and supply 10 kW of continuous power. The batteries can be stacked together to multiply storage and output.

aGate smart control

The FranklinWH aGate smart control is the “brain” or command center of the FranklinWH home power system. It connects the solar panels, batteries, generators, and grid electricity to a home’s circuitry and allows for user control of the system as well as automation. Users can connect to the controller via WiFi or Bluetooth for monitoring and making adjustments.

Meter Adapter Controller (MAC)

The FranklinWH Meter Adapter Controller (MAC) is a simpler control unit than the aGate. Unlike the aGate, the MAC does not require modifying a home’s electrical panel. This makes it easier and significantly less expensive to install. However, it also has limited functionality compared to the aGate smart control and requires a separate Meter Socket Adapter to connect to a home’s electrical meter.

FranklinWH capacity and power output

The FranklinWH home energy system offers scalable energy capacity and power output thanks to its design. Each battery features 15 kWh of usable energy capacity and supplies up to 10 kW of continuous power output. Its peak output is 15 kW for 10 seconds, so it can start a 5-ton A/C unit without issue.

You can connect up to 15 batteries per aGate controller, which gives you a total capacity of 225 kWh. Adding batteries increases total stored energy, and system output can increase depending on how the system is configured (battery and controller limits apply).

What power ratings mean for whole-home loads

Power ratings tell you how much electricity an energy system can handle safely. This is important when designing a backup or replacement energy system for your home because it determines which appliances, fixtures, and devices you can power without risking an overload. With the FranklinWH’s expansion capabilities, you can add batteries or additional controllers to meet your energy needs if they exceed the power ratings.

How the FranklinWH home power system works during outages

The FranklinWH home power system uses smart technology to integrate separate energy sources and allow for monitoring, automation, and user control. 

One of the most important features of the FranklinWH home energy system is its ability to switch to alternative power sources when grid power goes down. Here’s how it works:

1. Grid, solar, and generator energy lines connect to a FranklinWH controller linked to the electric panel, such as the aGate.

2. When the grid is operating normally, the controller serves as a pass-through while also blocking inputs from other sources.

3. When the power goes out, the controller automatically blocks the grid connection and opens the “gate” for alternative sources of energy linked to the unit. In most cases, this allows for automatic switchover.

4. Once you have grid power again, the controller blocks off other sources of electricity before allowing grid energy to flow back into the home system.

FranklinWH home power system capabilities

In addition to its automatic switching feature, the FranklinWH power system provides a few other functions. These include:

• Energy system monitoring: You can check in on the status of all integrated energy sources and their overall system via a mobile app in real time.

• Pricing-based switching: When utility providers charge different rates depending on the time of day, you can switch to alternative energy sources to avoid paying higher prices at peak times.

• Energy buyback monitoring: The FranklinWH power system can also provide information about what you can make by exporting energy to the utility.

How AC coupling supports existing solar systems

The AC coupling capability offered by the FranklinWH home energy system allows users to add the manufacturer’s batteries, controllers, and other technology without replacing existing solar infrastructure. That means there is no need to buy new solar panels, racking, and inverters, or pay to have them uninstalled and new equipment installed in their place. 

FranklinWH app overview

The FranklinWH mobile app, available for Android and iOS, acts as a user interface for the company’s home energy system. Here are some of its capabilities:

• Tracking solar energy generation

• Monitoring stored energy levels

• Observing energy usage

• Monitoring grid status

• Manually switching between grid energy and alternative sources

• Setting automated switching intervals

• Receiving historical energy usage reports

• Generating suggestions for cost-saving energy practices

How much does the FranklinWH battery system cost?

The average installed cost of a FranklinWH home energy system is around $18,000 for a single battery and single controller, not including any tax rebates or other financial incentives.

FranklinWH energy system cost breakdown

This section explores the average costs of FranklinWH battery setup components and installation.

Equipment costs

The components for a basic setup with one aGate controller and one aPower 2 battery cost around $15,000. Prices vary based on location, vendor, and other factors.

FranklinWH also offers add-on components to expand the capacity and capabilities of your system. See the table below for cost estimates and explanations.

FranklinWH battery system installation costs

Here are some cost estimates to install a FranklinWH battery system and additional components:

• Initial system installation (single battery): $1,000 to $2,500

• Additional battery installation: $800 to $1,000

• Generator module installation: $1,500 to $3,000

FranklinWH battery system cost factors

The factors that influence the cost of a FranklinWH home energy system include:

• Vendor pricing: Suppliers charge different prices for batteries and other equipment due to variations in local markets and other factors.

• Labor rates: Average labor costs vary by location, often significantly.

• Installation work: Site factors such as accessibility to installation sites, hardware needs, and others can affect the time and equipment needed to install system components.

• Financial incentives: Federal, state, and local incentives such as rebates and tax breaks can lower the overall cost of having a FranklinWH system installed.

• Financing: Many installers offer financing options to make energy systems more accessible. Lenders may also offer loans to help pay for a battery system. Financing arrangements charge interest, adding to the total cost of an installed system.

FranklinWH ROI considerations

While a FranklinWH battery system is a significant expense, it is an investment that generates a return over time. There are several ways in which this can happen.

• Reduced grid consumption: With the ability to use stored energy from solar panels and generators, homeowners don’t need to buy as much electricity from local utility providers.

• Net metering: Being able to store energy generated by solar units enables users to sell power back to the grid while still ensuring they have a backup energy supply.

• Reduced equipment needs: High-capacity energy storage can eliminate the need to buy an additional generator to provide backup power for high-consumption uses such as powering HVAC systems, well pumps, and EV chargers.

Saving money with time-of-use optimization

Another way FranklinWH battery systems can provide savings is through time-of-use (TOU) optimization. Some utility providers offer TOU rate plans that charge higher prices for energy when demand is higher. Homeowners can switch from using grid electricity to stored energy during peak demand times to avoid paying these higher rates without having to make significant adjustments to their energy usage. This practice is known as TOU optimization.

The FranklinWH energy system makes TOU optimization easier by allowing users to switch to using stored energy whenever they need to. You can manually switch energy sources or automate their systems based on time of day and other factors.

FranklinWH installation and scalability

FranklinWH systems are flexible. These battery systems can be installed indoors and outdoors, thanks to their relatively small size, temperature resilience, and robust construction.

FranklinWH indoor installation

Installing a battery system indoors has the advantage of providing protection from the elements and easy accessibility. However, since these systems involve high-voltage electricity, there are safety concerns that must be considered. Any indoor installation of a FranklinWH system must follow all local safety codes that often include provisions such as safe placement regulations and fire safety equipment requirements.

FranklinWH outdoor installation

Installing a FranklinWH system outdoors offers the advantages of more placement flexibility and reduced safety concerns. The main tradeoffs are exposure to weather damage and additional equipment needs. These systems are typically installed within NEMA 3R enclosure units to keep them safe from rain, sleet, and snow, as well as falling debris and windblown dirt and other particles. NEMA 3R enclosures allow for safe and long-lasting outdoor installations, but add to the overall cost.

Is FranklinWH good for large homes?

Due to their scalability, FranklinWH systems are a good option for large homes. Homeowners can “stack” multiple batteries to provide additional energy capacity that is needed to power bigger houses and their increased energy consumption.

These systems are modular in that additional batteries can be added at any time. This means users don’t need to pay to rework their system to expand their capacity.

Using FranklinWH with solar

FranklinWH systems can also easily integrate with existing solar setups. aPower 2 is AC-coupled (ideal for retrofits with existing PV inverters). aPower S supports direct PV connection via built-in MPPTs/inverter, and can also integrate with aPower 2 in parallel configurations. This lets you add battery backup to a solar energy system without having to start over from scratch.

Warranty and expected battery longevity

FranklinWH offers an equipment warranty of 15 years or 60 mWh throughput on aPower 2 batteries, whichever comes first. The company guarantees that the batteries will retain a minimum level of capacity by the end of the warranty term. It provides a five-year warranty on aGate controllers. FranklinWH’s warranty covers daily use during the warranty period.

Factors that affect battery lifespan

The LFP batteries used in FranklinWH systems offer favorable longevity, lasting an average of 10-15 years. Several factors can affect battery longevity, including:

• Exposure to extreme heat or cold

• Depth of discharge

• Cycle frequency

• Charge and discharge rates

• Installation quality

FranklinWH vs. Tesla Powerwall and other batteries

The chart below provides a head-to-head comparison of the FranklinWH and other popular backup battery systems, including the Tesla Powerwall.

Bottom line on FranklinWH

Overall, the FranklinWH battery system is a formidable option for a battery-based home energy setup. It features advanced smart technology that allows you to monitor the system, make adjustments manually, or automate many of its functions. The battery system is also highly flexible, allowing for integration of home solar systems and generators. These and other advantages make the Franklin WH home battery system an option worth serious consideration for just about anyone.

FAQs on the FranklinWH home battery system

Below are a few frequently asked questions about the FranklinWH battery.