More and more residential solar users are turning to robust energy storage solutions like solar batteries. The market is rife with many choices, and Tesla’s Powerwall range has remained a crowd favorite because of its performance and cost-efficiency. That is, until Franklin Whole Home debuted its Home Power solution.
The FranklinWH aPowerX solar battery is being widely touted as a worthy competitor to the Tesla Powerwall.
Read on for a thorough comparative analysis to understand which of the two is better for homeowners and why.
Franklin Versus Tesla: Technical Specifications
| Feature | FranklinWH aPowerX | Tesla Powerwall 3 |
| Battery Type | Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) | Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) |
| Coupling | AC-coupled | AC-coupled |
| Storage Capacity | 13.6kWh | 13.5kWh |
| Max Continuous Power | 5kW | 11.5 kW |
| Peak Power | 10kW | 7kW |
| Depth of Discharge (DOD) | 100% | 96% |
| Roundtrip Efficiency | 89% | 97.5% |
| Stackable | Yes, up to 15 units | Yes, up to 4 units |
| Size | 750 x 1150 x 290mm | 1100 x 600 x 180 mm. |
| Weight | 408 lbs | 286 lbs |
Franklin aPowerX Versus Powerwall 3: At A Glance
Franklin markets its solar solutions as a full home power system, comprising an aGateX smart energy management module and aPowerX, a state-of-the-art solar battery. Together, Franklin Home Power (FHP) creates an independent power supply ecosystem, integrating with your grid, solar array, and generators. This comprehensive approach remains a strong selling point, but for the sake of a fair comparison, let’s take a closer look at the provided batteries.
The aPowerX from FranklinWH is a high-performance lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery designed for residential energy storage. Meanwhile, the Tesla Powerwall 3, launched in September 2023, brings a significant upgrade over the Powerwall 2, featuring a built-in solar inverter and a higher continuous power output of 11.5 kW. Unlike its predecessor, the Powerwall 3 is now more space-efficient and optimized for whole-home backup, making it a stronger competitor. Both systems are AC-coupled, allowing for seamless integration with third-party solar inverters and generators.
These batteries can be mounted on the wall or floor, indoors or outdoors, and both feature sleek, minimalistic designs. However, the Powerwall 3 now boasts a more compact and integrated inverter design, while Franklin aPowerX maintains its high scalability, allowing homeowners to stack up to 15 units for increased storage capacity.
While spec-wise, these batteries appear similar in many aspects, the latest updates introduce key performance enhancements. Franklin aPowerX now supports improved grid independence features and better real-time monitoring, while Tesla Powerwall 3 offers higher power output and increased compatibility with larger solar installations. Additionally, both brands now provide longer warranties and enhanced customer support, making them even more attractive choices for homeowners looking to optimize energy storage and backup solutions.
Understanding the Differences Between aPowerX and Powerwall 3
Despite many similarities, the aPowerX differs from the Powerwall on multiple accounts. Does that give FranklinWH an edge over Tesla?
Let’s do a complete comparative analysis:
Battery
Battery chemistry is a crucial factor when choosing a solar storage unit for your home. It influences storage capacity, performance, longevity, and—most importantly—safety. Additionally, environmental and ethical concerns play a role in decision-making.
This is where FranklinWH aPowerX holds a strong advantage: it utilizes a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, which is generally considered safer, more stable, and longer-lasting compared to the Tesla Powerwall’s lithium-ion NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt) chemistry. Here’s why this matters:
- Depth of Discharge (DOD): The FranklinWH aPowerX provides 100% DOD, whereas the Tesla Powerwall 3 offers an estimated 97% DOD. A higher DOD means better overall battery utilization.
- Safety & Thermal Stability: Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries are the least prone to thermal runaway, making them a safer choice for home installations compared to Tesla’s lithium-ion NMC chemistry, which has a slightly higher risk of overheating.
- Cobalt-Free Advantage: Unlike lithium-ion NMC batteries, LiFePO4 batteries do not require cobalt, eliminating ethical concerns related to cobalt mining and supply chain issues.
- Longevity: LiFePO4 batteries typically last up to five times longer than standard lithium-ion batteries, offering a superior lifespan and reducing replacement costs over time.
- Performance in Extreme Temperatures: LiFePO4 batteries operate effectively across a wider range of temperatures, making them ideal for homeowners in hot or cold climates.
With the Tesla Powerwall 3, however, there are significant upgrades over its predecessor, including increased power output (11.5 kW) and a fully integrated inverter for improved efficiency. Still, for those prioritizing battery chemistry, safety, and longevity, FranklinWH aPowerX remains a compelling choice.
Though FranklinWH is a relatively new solar provider, its battery chemistry still wins several points over the Tesla Powerwall 3, particularly for homeowners focused on long-term reliability and safety.
Storage Capacity
As shown in the spec sheet above, both batteries are closely matched in terms of storage capacity. FranklinWH aPowerX has a slight edge, offering 13.6 kWh per unit, compared to the Tesla Powerwall 3’s estimated 13.5 kWh. However, this 0.1 kWh difference is negligible in practical applications.
The real distinction lies in expandability and total storage potential.
While both batteries are stackable, their scalability differs:
- Tesla Powerwall 3 allows up to 10 units, providing a maximum storage capacity of approximately 135 kWh.
- FranklinWH aPowerX allows up to 15 units, increasing total storage to an industry-leading 204 kWh.
This makes FranklinWH aPowerX one of the highest-capacity residential solar batteries available today. While Tesla Powerwall 3 offers improvements in power output and efficiency, FranklinWH still leads in total storage potential, making it a more attractive option for homeowners requiring larger backup reserves.
Performance
Versatility remains a key strength for both batteries. Both FranklinWH aPowerX and Tesla Powerwall 3 are split-phase, AC-coupled, and fully interoperable, making them easy to retrofit into existing solar setups. Whether you’re upgrading your home’s solar system or installing a battery for the first time, both options integrate seamlessly with most solar inverters.
When it comes to continuous power output, Tesla has made a major leap forward with the Powerwall 3:
- FranklinWH aPowerX delivers a 5 kW continuous power supply, which is the industry standard.
- Tesla Powerwall 3 more than doubles this, now providing 11.5 kW of continuous power, making it one of the most powerful home batteries available.
However, peak power supply is where FranklinWH still has an edge:
- FranklinWH aPowerX provides 10 kW peak power that lasts for 10 seconds, ensuring you can start energy-hungry appliances like air conditioners or power-hungry electronics without interruption.
- Tesla Powerwall 3 has an estimated peak output of 9.6 kW, an improvement over the Powerwall 2’s 7 kW, but still slightly lower than the FranklinWH model.
This means that in the event of a grid outage, the FranklinWH aPowerX offers a stronger surge of power, potentially allowing more appliances to stay on simultaneously without noticeable disruptions.
Additionally, the FranklinWH aPowerX includes microgrid-forming and black start capabilities, which allow it to restart your home’s power system even in total grid failure scenarios—a crucial advantage during natural disasters like hurricanes or extended power outages.
Meanwhile, the Tesla Powerwall 3 offers one of the best overall home energy solutions, especially for whole-home backup and EV charging support. However, when comparing power surges and backup response speed, FranklinWH aPowerX still leads in emergency performance.
Warranty
Tesla Powerwall 3 continues to offer an industry-standard 10-year warranty on its solar batteries. If the Powerwall fails to meet performance expectations within this period, Tesla provides a replacement or repair. Additionally, Tesla’s 24/7 customer support remains a strong selling point, ensuring homeowners can quickly address any issues related to installation, performance, or troubleshooting.
However, FranklinWH aPowerX still holds the advantage in warranty coverage, offering an impressive 12-year warranty—two years longer than Tesla’s. This extended coverage reinforces FranklinWH’s confidence in its lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry, which is known for longer cycle life and superior durability compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
With Tesla Powerwall 3 improving in efficiency and output, its warranty terms remain unchanged, making FranklinWH’s 12-year commitment a strong advantage for homeowners looking for long-term energy security.
Cost
The Verdict
If you’re a residential solar user looking to enhance energy reliability and backup storage, both Tesla Powerwall 3 and FranklinWH aPowerX offer strong solutions. However, your choice will depend on your specific priorities.
- If you prioritize higher peak power and superior emergency backup capabilities, FranklinWH aPowerX remains an ideal fit, thanks to its 10 kW peak power output, 100% depth of discharge, and longer 12-year warranty.
- If you seek higher continuous power and seamless whole-home backup integration, Tesla Powerwall 3 delivers an impressive 11.5 kW of continuous output with an integrated solar inverter, making it a versatile all-in-one solution.
Although this comparison focuses on just the battery units, we recommend considering the full home energy systems offered by both brands. FranklinWH’s Home Power system, which includes the aGate energy management unit, provides a multilayered energy solution. Meanwhile, Tesla Powerwall 3’s built-in inverter simplifies solar and battery integration.
Both systems are high-performing, reliable solutions for grid-tied and off-grid users. Your best choice depends on whether you prioritize peak power efficiency (FranklinWH) or whole-home backup capability (Tesla). Talk to your local solar dealer to learn more about which system suits your energy storage needs.
Authored by Ryan Douglas
NRG Clean Power's resident writer and solar enthusiast, Ryan Douglas covers all things related to the clean energy industry.
