The Franklin A Power 2 home battery system represents a significant advancement in residential energy storage. This review delves into the key features and benefits of this innovative system, comparing it to existing market leaders like the Tesla Powerwall 3. We'll examine its impressive 15 kWh usable capacity, scalable design allowing for up to 225 kWh total storage, and substantial power output of 10 kW continuous and 15 kW peak. The unique "Black Start" capability and integration with the Franklin AATE intelligent energy management system will also be highlighted.This in-depth analysis explores the Franklin A Power 2's AC-coupling architecture, its compatibility with various solar inverters and its support for Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging and generator integration. We'll assess the user-friendly Franklin app, the comprehensive 15-year warranty, and the overall cost-effectiveness considering the federal solar tax credit. Finally, we'll weigh its advantages against competitors, offering insights to help homeowners determine if the Franklin A Power 2 is the right choice for their energy storage needs.
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Capacity and Scalability
The Franklin A Power 2 boasts a usable capacity of 15 kWh, a significant upgrade from its predecessor's 13.6 kWh. This falls within the ideal range (10-15 kWh) for most homes, offering a balance between sufficient power during outages and easy scalability.
One of its key advantages is its stackability. You can connect up to 15 units, achieving a massive 225 kWh total storage capacity. However, most households will likely need only one to three units, depending on their energy consumption.
This scalability makes it adaptable to various home sizes and energy needs. The flexibility to expand the system as your requirements change is a valuable feature.
Power Output and Black Start Capability
The A Power 2 delivers a continuous output power of 10 kW per unit, double that of its predecessor, with a peak discharge power of 15 kW for short durations. This increased power output allows it to handle more significant home loads.
A notable feature is its 'Black Start' capability. A 1 kWh reserve is maintained, enabling the battery to accept solar power even when fully depleted, eliminating the need for a technician to jumpstart it after complete discharge.
This is a significant advantage for homeowners as it ensures uninterrupted solar charging even during prolonged power outages, providing greater peace of mind.
Franklin AATE: Intelligent Energy Management
The Franklin AATE (pronounced 'ate') acts as the central hub for your home energy system, intelligently managing power from various sources: solar panels, the battery, the grid, generators, and even EVs.
This intelligent transfer switch allows for optimized energy usage, enabling features like load shifting and potentially participation in virtual power plant programs for additional savings and revenue.
The AATE includes smart circuits to monitor and control specific loads during outages, offering remote control via the Franklin app for greater convenience and energy conservation.
AC Coupling Advantages and Microinverter Compatibility
Unlike Tesla's DC-coupled Powerwall 3, the Franklin A Power 2 is AC-coupled. This allows for easier integration with existing solar panel systems, including those with different inverters, without requiring complete system replacements.
AC coupling offers flexibility for retrofits and upgrades. Adding a battery to an existing system or expanding the solar capacity later becomes much simpler with the Franklin A Power 2.
The compatibility with various inverters, including older models, is another key benefit of AC coupling, offering greater choice and freedom from vendor lock-in.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) Charging and Generator Integration
The Franklin A Power 2 supports V2L charging through the AATE, allowing compatible EVs to power your home during outages. This significantly expands your backup power capacity.
The integrated generator module within the AATE automatically switches to your generator when the batteries are depleted, ensuring continuous home power. This redundancy enhances reliability and minimizes downtime.
This combination of V2L and generator integration offers a powerful and versatile backup power solution, providing peace of mind during extended outages.
App Features, Warranty, and Pricing
The Franklin app offers real-time monitoring and control of your battery system, providing insights into energy usage, solar production, and estimated backup time. It also allows switching between different operation modes (self-consumption, time-of-use, emergency backup).
The A Power 2 features a 15-year warranty with a guaranteed throughput of 60 MWh (approximately 10,000 cycles). This surpasses most competitors' warranties, offering greater long-term assurance.
Installed prices start at just under $15,000 for the first unit (including the AATE) and approximately $9,000 for each additional unit. The 30% federal solar tax credit can significantly offset these costs.
Conclusion
The Franklin A Power 2, with its impressive capacity, power output, and innovative features like Black Start, AATE integration, V2L, and generator compatibility, presents a compelling home battery solution.
Its AC coupling offers greater flexibility and compatibility than DC-coupled systems, making it ideal for retrofits and upgrades. The comprehensive 15-year warranty provides long-term peace of mind.
While on the pricier side, the advanced features and robust warranty justify the investment for homeowners prioritizing reliable and versatile energy storage and management. Whether it's superior to the Tesla Powerwall 3 depends largely on individual needs and preferences regarding installation flexibility and desired system features.