Home batteries have taken off in a big way. More people want reliable backup power. More people want energy independence. More people want to cut ties with the utility—at least as much as they can. And when a market grows, new players step in. FranklinWH isn’t as much of a household name as Tesla or Enphase, but it’s making a case for itself as a serious contender.
So—is it any good? Let’s break it down.
Note: All prices and specifications should be verified on the official manufacturer websites, as they are subject to change.
What is the FranklinWH Battery?
FranklinWH’s system has two key pieces: the aPower battery and the aGate smart energy manager. Together, they form a whole-home backup system, giving homeowners power security, better control over energy use, and a way to ride out outages without skipping a beat.
The aPower battery stores energy from solar panels or the grid. It holds 13.6 kWh, slightly more than the Tesla Powerwall 3’s 13.5 kWh. The aGate is the smart energy controller, optimizing power flow for efficiency.
A major selling point? Whole-home backup. Unlike some batteries that can only power a few appliances, FranklinWH is designed to support large loads, including AC units up to 4 tons.
FranklinWH Battery Performance & Specs
FranklinWH Battery Performance & Specs
Capacity & Power Output
Feature | FranklinWH aPower | Tesla Powerwall 3 | Enphase IQ Battery |
---|---|---|---|
Storage Capacity | 13.6 kWh | 13.5 kWh | Modular (3.36 kWh per unit) |
Continuous Power | 5 kW | 11.5 kW | Lower per module |
Peak Power | 10 kW (10s) | Higher | Lower |
Battery Chemistry
FranklinWH uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which is safer, longer-lasting, and more stable than older lithium-ion types.
Feature | FranklinWH aPower | Tesla Powerwall 3 | Enphase IQ Battery |
Battery Chemistry | LFP | LFP | NMC (higher energy density but shorter lifespan) |
Thermal Stability | High | High | Lower |
Lifespan | 12 years | 10 years | 10 years |
Efficiency & Lifespan
- Efficiency: 89%, in line with industry standards
- Lifespan: 12 years or 43 MWh of throughput (~3,162 full cycles)
Scalability
FranklinWH allows expansion up to 15 batteries per system, providing a maximum of 204 kWh storage—ideal for high-energy homes or small commercial setups.
Safety Features
- LFP chemistry reduces overheating risks
- Less complex thermal management needed
FranklinWH Battery Pricing & Cost Breakdown
A FranklinWH system (aPower battery + aGate) costs about $17,500 (installed), making it comparable to Tesla Powerwall but offering slightly more storage and unique features.
Cost Comparison:
System | Cost (Installed) | Storage Capacity | Scalability |
FranklinWH | ~$17,500 | 13.6 kWh | Up to 204 kWh |
Tesla Powerwall 3 | ~$16,000 | 13.5 kWh | Typically up to 2-3 units |
Enphase (Equivalent Capacity) | $20,000+ | 13.44 kWh | Highly modular |
Can Incentives Help?
Yes! The 30% federal tax credit applies when installed with solar, and state/utility rebates may be available.
FranklinWH Battery vs. Tesla Powerwall & Enphase
How does FranklinWH compare to the two biggest names in the game?
Feature | FranklinWH | Tesla Powerwall 3 | Enphase IQ Battery |
Storage Capacity | 13.6 kWh | 13.5 kWh | Modular |
Continuous Power | 5 kW | 11.5 kW | Lower per unit |
Scalability | Up to 204 kWh | Limited to 2-3 units | Modular |
Battery Chemistry | LFP | LFP | NMC |
Whole-home Backup | Yes | Yes | No |
Price | ~$17,500 | ~$16,000 | More expensive at scale |
FranklinWH beats Tesla in storage (barely) but falls short in power output. Enphase is flexible but gets expensive at higher capacities.
Further Reading: FranklinWH vs. Tesla Powerwall: In-Depth Comparison
Battery Chemistry
- FranklinWH & Tesla: LFP (safer, longer lifespan)
- Enphase: NMC (higher energy density, but shorter lifespan and more heat-sensitive)
LFP is widely seen as the better chemistry for home energy storage due to its safety and durability.
Scalability
- FranklinWH: Up to 15 batteries per system (204 kWh max)
- Tesla: Typically limited to 2-3 units per system
- Enphase: Modular, but higher-capacity setups get expensive
FranklinWH wins on scalability. If you need a ton of storage, it’s one of the most flexible options out there.
Smart Features
- FranklinWH: Smart energy management with aGate, circuit-level control
- Tesla: Smart control via Tesla app, seamless solar integration
- Enphase: Modular setup, works best with Enphase microinverters
Tesla has the best integration with its solar ecosystem, but FranklinWH’s circuit-level management gives homeowners more control over how power is used.
Pricing & Value
Pricing is similar between FranklinWH and Tesla. Enphase can be more expensive when scaling up. FranklinWH brings strong value, especially for those who need scalability and whole-home backup.
Installation & Maintenance
The system is AC-coupled, meaning it’s compatible with most existing solar inverters. Installation should be done by a certified professional.
FranklinWH offers a 12-year warranty—longer than the industry standard of 10 years. With proper use, the battery should last even longer.
A dedicated FranklinWH app allows homeowners to monitor energy production, consumption, and battery status in real-time.
Pros & Cons of the FranklinWH Battery
Pros:
✔ High capacity & power output (for its class)
✔ Safe & long-lasting LFP chemistry
✔ Scalability (up to 15 batteries per system)
✔ Advanced smart energy management (circuit-level control)
✔ 12-year warranty (better than many competitors)
✔ Can run large appliances, including AC units
Cons:
✖ High upfront cost
✖ Less brand recognition than Tesla/Enphase
✖ Lower continuous power output than Powerwall 3
✖ Must be professionally installed
Who Should Get a FranklinWH Battery?
This battery is best for:
- Homeowners who want whole-home backup
- Solar users who want to maximize self-consumption
- People in areas with frequent power outages
- Those who need a scalable system
- Homeowners who prioritize safety & longevity
It’s not ideal for:
- People on a tight budget
- Those who only need minimal backup power
Final Verdict: Is FranklinWH Worth It?
FranklinWH might not have the name recognition of Tesla, but it delivers where it counts. With strong capacity, excellent scalability, and advanced energy management, it’s a top-tier home battery system.
It’s not cheap—but if you want a whole-home backup, flexibility, and long-term reliability, it’s worth the investment.
For homeowners looking to cut grid dependence, it’s a serious contender. Tesla might have the higher power output, and Enphase might offer modular flexibility, but FranklinWH holds its own as a premium, scalable solution.
If you need more storage, more control, and a battery that can run your whole house—FranklinWH is absolutely worth considering.