FranklinWH Home Battery Backup Systems

aPower 2 is an AC-coupled battery. It is the right choice when you already have solar and want to keep your existing inverter. aPower S has a built-in 10 kW hybrid inverter, so new solar panels connect directly to it. Both store 15 kWh, carry a 15-year warranty, and can run together in one system.

It depends on the battery. aPower 2 is AC-coupled. aPower S is hybrid: it accepts solar directly (DC-coupled) and can also AC-couple with aPower 2 batteries.

Most homes use 1-2 batteries. Two batteries (30 kWh) is a common choice for whole-home backup through longer outages. The right number depends on your daily usage, which loads you want backed up, and whether solar or a generator can recharge the batteries.

The original aPower stores 13.6 kWh with 5 kW continuous output and a 12-year warranty. aPower 2 stores 15 kWh, doubles continuous output to 10 kW, and carries a 15-year or 60 MWh warranty. Both use LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry.

Both provide whole-home backup. FranklinWH suits homeowners who want to keep an existing solar inverter (aPower 2), or who want generator integration and smart-circuit load control through aGate. Powerwall 3 includes a built-in solar inverter, as does aPower S. Compare output, expansion limits, warranty and installer availability in your area.

Yes. aPower 2 is AC-coupled and connects through aGate on the AC side, so you keep your current panels and inverter. It works with most grid-tied microinverter and string inverter systems, including Enphase, Hoymiles, SolarEdge, SMA, Growatt and Solis. Ask your installer to confirm compatibility with your specific model.

Yes. The batteries can charge from the grid or a generator and power your home during outages or peak-rate hours.

Yes. aGate has a dedicated generator interface that can charge the batteries when solar output is low. The aHub adds a 240 V generator connection and lets you use a V2L-capable electric vehicle as an extra power source.

FranklinWH is designed mainly for grid-tied homes with backup. Off-grid use depends on your solar size, battery capacity and generator. Contact us with your project details before buying for an off-grid site.

aGate connects to your main electrical panel, so a local electrical permit is usually required. If you are only adding storage, your utility may not need to re-approve your solar system, but rules vary. Your installer normally handles permits and interconnection paperwork.

Divide usable energy by the power your backup loads draw. For example, one fully charged 15 kWh battery running 3 kW of loads lasts about 5 hours (15 kWh divided by 3 kW). With a 20% backup reserve held back, plan on about 4 hours. Solar recharging extends this during the day.

FranklinWH switches to backup in milliseconds during a clean outage. If the grid first sags or fluctuates, aGate may wait 10-15 seconds to disconnect safely. This protects your electronics. For computers and network equipment, a small UPS is still a good idea.

Yes. FranklinWH supports black start. aGate wakes the system using the morning's first solar power and resumes charging automatically.

No. The system charges to 100% when solar is available. You can set a Backup Reserve, typically 10-20%, that stays saved for outages.

Yes. You can connect to aGate's built-in Wi-Fi hotspot for local control when cloud access is unavailable.

Backup loads are the circuits that must stay on during an outage, such as the fridge, lights and Wi-Fi. Non-backup loads are appliances you can live without. aGate smart circuits can switch off non-backup loads automatically to stretch battery time.

As a rough 2026 guide, a standalone installation with one aPower 2 and one aGate often runs $14,000-$18,000 installed, including permits and labor. Main panel upgrades and local labor rates can change this. Many customers buy equipment from Self2Solar and hire a local certified installer.

No. The 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025. State and utility incentives may still apply. Check your local programs or ask a tax professional.

It may. SGIP storage rebates are highest in the Equity and Equity Resiliency tiers, which depend on income, fire-threat district or medical-baseline status. General market rebates are lower. Program funding changes often, so check current availability with your utility or the SGIP program site before you buy.

Usually not, if you only add storage and do not increase your solar system's size. Utilities such as PG&E, SCE and SDG&E have specific rules for adding batteries to NEM 2.0 systems, so confirm with your utility or installer before you install.