This post breaks down the key upgrades of the FranklinWH aPower 2, how it compares to its predecessor, and why it could be the ideal choice for your home.
The aPower 2 brings several exciting improvements to the table:
Home batteries are becoming invaluable additions to solar systems, especially in California, where extreme heat, wildfires, and power outages are increasingly common. A battery system lets you:
With rolling blackouts and soaring electricity bills becoming the new normal, more homeowners are looking for ways to take charge of their energy use. Enter the FranklinWH aPower 2—a battery system designed to keep the lights on and your wallet happy.
FranklinWH has made significant improvements with its latest home energy storage solution, the aPower 2. It builds on its proven technology with enhanced capacity, increased power output, innovative thermal management, whisper-quiet technology, and an industry-leading warranty, making it an amazing choice for home energy resilience and backup power.
Let’s explore what’s new.
The FranklinWH aPower 2 boasts a 15 kWh battery capacity, a significant jump from the previous generation, and 10 kW continuous power output. This increased capacity means more stored energy for your home, while the higher power output allows you to run more appliances simultaneously. This means most homeowners can power their entire home during an outage, including energy-hungry appliances like refrigerators and HVAC systems.
The aPower 2's high continuous and peak output means you don't have to choose between running your AC or doing laundry during an outage–a single aPower 2 can handle multiple high-power appliances at once.
Plus, with 15 kWh of storage capacity, you'll have enough stored energy to keep most homes running through the night or during extended cloudy periods.
Efficient battery performance starts with temperature control, and the aPower 2's innovative fan-less cooling system eliminates a common pain point of other solar batteries. Instead of relying on fans that can wear out over time, it uses a fan-less convection cooling system to regulate the temperature. Without fans, there’s less risk of mechanical failure, fewer maintenance needs, and better long-term reliability.
Home energy systems need to be reliable, and the aPower 2 is built to withstand California’s toughest conditions–including high heat, dust, and extreme weather. Like its predecessor, the aPower 2 features IP67 weatherproofing, protecting it against dust and water. The system operates reliably in temperatures ranging from -4°F to 131°F, ensuring consistent performance throughout the seasons. The system uses safe, stable Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, which are known for their long lifespan and excellent safety record. This means your home's power stays reliable no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.
The aPower 2 brings a modern style to home energy storage. The slim profile features a vertical LED status light that runs the full height of the unit, making it easy to check your system's status at a glance. The customizable LED colors add a unique touch–whether you want to complement your home’s aesthetic or celebrate a holiday.
With an enhanced 8 kW charging rate, the aPower 2 can store energy quickly and efficiently. Faster charging capabilities mean you can store more energy in less time, making the most of daylight hours. It also provides more flexibility in taking advantage of off-peak utility rates, potentially increasing your cost savings.
The aPower 2 maximizes every bit of energy you store. With its advanced Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) technology and smart energy management system, the battery achieves an impressive 90% round-trip efficiency rating. When paired with the Franklin aGate energy management system, you can monitor and optimize your stored energy usage to maximize savings during peak rate hours.
With its impressive 15-year warranty, the aPower 2 has elevated FranklinWH to the top tier of the industry alongside Enphase IQ 5P, which has long been a leader in warranty coverage. This makes them the two standout options for homeowners seeking long-term reliability.
For comparison, the Tesla Powerwall 3 and most other home batteries typically offer only 10-year warranties. The aPower 2 is also guaranteed to deliver 60 MWh of total energy throughput, equivalent to approximately 10,000 charging cycles while maintaining optimal performance.
In practical terms, that means most homeowners could rely on their battery daily for well over a decade, with FranklinWH standing confidently behind its product. That’s the kind of long-term assurance homeowners can now expect from both FranklinWH and Enphase.
The FranklinWH aPower 2 builds on the strengths of the aPower 1, delivering more power, faster charging, and a longer lifespan. With more storage (15 kWh vs. 13.6 kWh) and double the continuous power output (10 kW vs. 5 kW), it can handle more of your home’s energy needs—whether that’s keeping the lights on during an outage or running multiple appliances at once. It also charges faster (8 kW vs. 5 kW), so you can store energy more efficiently. The new fan-less technology provides a quieter, more reliable system, and with the extended 15-year warranty, you can count on long-term performance.
When it comes to home energy storage, both the FranklinWH aPower 2 and Tesla Powerwall 3 offer valuable features—but there are some key differences to consider.
The aPower 2 stands out for its storage capacity, flexibility, and reliability, making it a strong choice for home energy storage. With its 15 kWh usable energy and an AC-coupled design, the aPower 2 provides dependable backup power and integrates easily with solar systems. While the aPower 2 does not include an inverter, its 10 kW continuous and 15 kW peak power output ensures reliable performance, even for high-demand appliances. Also, its modular design means the system can be expanded to meet growing energy needs.
The Tesla Powerwall 3, on the other hand, is a DC-coupled battery with a built-in inverter. It has a slightly higher continuous output of 11.5kW but a lower capacity of 13.5 kWh. Its DC-coupled design improves efficiency by minimizing power conversions, and because the inverter is built in, the Powerwall 3 is a more streamlined, all-in-one solution that simplifies installation and works seamlessly with Tesla solar products.
Both the aPower 2 and Powerwall 3 offer reliable backup power and solar integration, making them strong choices for homeowners looking to take control of their energy use. The best option depends on individual needs, whether it's flexibility and scalability with the aPower 2 or the all-in-one convenience of the Powerwall 3.
The aPower 2 is perfect for homeowners who:
While the aPower 2 is a high-capacity battery and offers impressive energy storage capabilities, it's important to note that it requires separate microinverters or string inverters to operate with solar panels. This differs from other solar batteries on the market that have built-in inverters, like the Tesla Powerwall 3. Looking ahead, FranklinWH is set to release later this year the aPower S, a model with an integrated inverter.
For California homeowners looking for a high-performance, durable, and scalable home battery backup system, the FranklinWH aPower 2 is a top contender. With its robust 15 kWh capacity and industry-leading warranty, it's designed to provide reliable home backup power for years to come.
As a leading installer of home energy storage systems, Citadel Roofing & Solar can help you determine if the Franklin WH aPower 2 is the right choice for your home. Our experts understand the complexities of home energy systems and can guide you through every step of the process.
Ready to protect your home with reliable backup power? Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how you can take control of your home's energy future.