A Comparison of the Franklin Battery vs Tesla Powerwall 3

Solar panels are an excellent way of using the sun’s rays to produce usable electricity, making for a more effective, sustainable, and cost-efficient home. While the sun can produce a lot of energy, most homes do not use enough electrical power to result in a net zero amount. This is where batteries come into play. With solar batteries, you can store the excess power for later use, like when the sun isn’t shining and your solar panels can produce at their peak performance without letting the resulting product go to waste. There are a variety of different batteries on the market, each with its own different features. In this blog post, we will look at two of the most popular options: the Franklin Battery and the Tesla Powerwall 3.

Tesla Powerwall 3 Battery Backup System for Home

The Tesla Powerwall is one of the most popular batteries on the market, made by tech powerhouse Tesla. The latest model, the Powerwall 3 offers significant improvements over the previous models, the Powerwall+ and the Powerwall 2. Here's what makes it special:

• Energy Storage Capacity of 13.5kWh–a battery with a larger capacity allows homes to stay powered for longer during a blackout.
• Energy Availability of 11.5 kW of continuous power—more than double its predecessors and enough to run most homes and their appliances as usual, even during an outage.
• It uses a new type of battery called Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)—this lasts longer and is safer than older types.
• It is a DC-coupled hybrid system with an integrated solar inverter meaning it can efficiently charge directly from solar panels to maximize energy capture.
• It has a 10-year warranty as long as it stays connected to Wi-Fi. 
  

The Powerwall 3 represents Tesla's latest innovation in home energy storage. Its high power output can support most homes' energy needs during a blackout, providing peace of mind during outages. The sleek, aesthetic design not only looks great but is also engineered for easy expansion as your energy needs grow. It has a user-friendly app for monitoring and control. The Powerwall 3 is a powerful, smart, and sleek way to take control of your home's energy. You can get more detailed information about the Powerwall 3 and how it compares to previous Tesla home batteries here. 

Franklin Battery Backup System for Home

The Franklin Battery, also known as the Franklin aPower, is another popular option for home energy storage. Here's what makes it stand out:

• Energy Storage Capacity of 13.6 kWh–allowing homes to stay powered for a similar duration during outages to the Powerwall 3.
• Energy Availability of 5 kW of continuous power—while lower than the Powerwall 3, it is scalable and while not necessary for the vast majority of homes, you could add up to 15 aPower units for maximum energy availability.
• It also uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)—just like the Powerwall 3.
• It is an AC battery with a built-in inverter. 
• It comes with a 12-year warranty—covering up to 6,000 cycles or 43 MWh throughput (whichever comes first).

The Franklin aPower Battery is a key component of the comprehensive Franklin Home Power system. This integrated solution is designed to seamlessly coordinate power from solar panels, the grid, and even backup generators. It includes a user-friendly mobile app for real-time monitoring and control of your energy usage. It includes a user-friendly mobile app for real-time monitoring and control of your energy usage. The entire system is engineered for straightforward installation, operation, and maintenance, making it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking an all-in-one solution to manage their household energy needs efficiently. If you want more details about the Franklin Home Battery system, read our blog post. 

Battery Technology

Both the Tesla Powerwall 3 and the Franklin Battery use Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery technology, which offers several advantages. LFP batteries are known for their longer lifespan, enhanced safety, and better performance in extreme temperatures. For those who live in climates with more stark temperatures and seasonal changes, the tolerance to extremes of the LFP batteries make them a better option.

Tips For Choosing the Right Battery

Solar panel batteries are not one-size-fits-all. What your neighbor, friend, or family member uses may not necessarily be what works best for you. Ultimately, choosing the right solar battery depends heavily on your home’s energy needs, the size of your solar panel system, and where your home is located.

Electrical Usage

Before choosing a battery, take an inventory of your electrical appliances. Do you own an electric car? Do you have a variety of high-wattage appliances? Depending on your answers, you may need a battery with a much higher energy density than you had previously thought.

Solar Panel System and Home Size

If your solar panel system is sizable, you may want to consider a larger battery size, or several batteries. Understanding how much power your solar panel system will generate compared to how much energy your home uses can give you a good idea of the resulting storage needs.

Solar Panel System and Home Location

The climate that surrounds your home and solar panel system is an important factor to consider. Some batteries are better suited for more extreme temperature changes, while others are too sensitive for very hot and very cold days. If you live in a more temperate region, you may not even need to worry about how much heat or cold your battery can withstand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I install a solar battery?

When it comes to solar battery installation, do not try to install it yourself. Battery installations can be dangerous and very costly if done incorrectly. Contact a trusted solar installer to set up any and all your battery needs.

Are either of these batteries eligible for the solar tax credit?

Yes, both of these batteries are eligible for the solar tax credit. In fact, any battery that can hold at least 3kWh of energy and is installed in 2023 or later is eligible for the solar tax credit.

Making an Informed Decision

Using what you know about your home and energy usage, you can make the most informed decision. And, Citadel Roofing and Solar is here to help. Our team of industry-leading experts can help guide you on your solar journey. We are happy to work with you to find the perfect solar solution for your household. To take your first steps into solar, call us today.