Note: Solar Choice is not affiliated with FranklinWH or any other battery manufacturer, so our reviews reflect an unbiased assessment of information on their products.
At a Glance: Franklin Batteries score 2.3 out of 5
Scoring is based on our solar battery scorecard, which is consistently applied to each brand and battery available on the Australian market. This scoring reflects FranklinWH’s aPower residential battery system.
$$$ Price: Based on data from Solar Choice’s network of solar installers, the average price for an installed Franklin battery is $1,130 per usable kWh. This places it in the higher-cost range, relative to other battery options.
- Company Backing and Trustworthiness (2 out of 5): Franklin has operated in Australia since 2023, with a registered office in Macquarie Park, NSW and a small local team. The limited local footprint and short market history reduce its score in this category.
- Warranty Offer (3 out of 5): Franklin batteries include a throughput warranty of 3.16MWh per usable kWh, a 12-year product warranty, and a minimum capacity rating of 70% at the end of the warranty period. The longer-than-standard warranty term boosts their score here.
- Customer Reviews (0 out of 5): As of now, Franklin has no verified customer reviews on Solar Choice’s independent platform. Due to the absence of data, this scores 0 under our review scoring framework.
- Functionality (4 out of 5): Franklin batteries are IP67 rated for outdoor use, AC-coupled, and UL 9540A certified for fire safety. However, they cannot be expanded with DC battery modules, which limits flexibility.
Overview of FranklinWH – Company History
FranklinWH is a relatively new player in the energy storage market, founded in the U.S. in 2019 with a vision to deliver whole-home energy management systems. Despite its youth, FranklinWH has rapidly gained a foothold in global markets and established a presence in Australia via FranklinWH Australia Pty Ltd.
Its flagship product is the Franklin Home Power (FHP) system, combining a high-capacity battery with an intelligent energy management gateway (aGate). With manufacturing based in the US, Franklin’s feature-rich batteries are placed on the premium end of the market.
FranklinWH Battery Range and Options
The key components of FranklinWH’s home solution are:
- aPower X-01-AU: A 13.6kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery
- aGate X-01-AU: An intelligent energy controller that manages grid, solar, generator, and backup loads
Each battery unit provides 5kW continuous and 10kW peak (10 seconds) output. Up to 15 batteries (204kWh) can be installed in parallel. The system is AC-coupled, meaning it can be added to any existing solar installation regardless of inverter brand.
Notably, FranklinWH supports whole-home backup (with correct design), and is generator and off-grid compatible, including black start capability. The aGate supports up to 2 solar circuits and optional modules for smart load control.
How Much Does a FranklinWH Battery Cost?
FranklinWH batteries are positioned in the mid to premium price range. As of mid-2025, an installed 13.6kWh FranklinWH battery system typically costs between $14,000 and $16,000, depending on site conditions and installer pricing. This range includes the aPower battery, aGate controller, and installation.
This equates to roughly $1,102 per usable kWh, which is more expensive than lower-cost modular brands but comparable to premium AC-coupled systems like the Tesla Powerwall or Sonnen Evo. Larger installations using multiple units may offer better per-kWh value due to economies of scale.
The battery cost can be reduce through the inclusion of the federal battery rebate which would provide a discount of around $4,692 off the prices mentioned above.
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Specifications Table for FranklinWH Battery
| Specification | Value | What It Means for Homeowners |
| Usable Capacity | 13.6kWh per unit | Large single-unit capacity; good for whole-home use |
| Scalability | Up to 15 units (204kWh) | Expandable for large residential or commercial needs |
| Output Power | 5kW continuous / 10kW peak | Suitable for high-demand appliances and loads |
| Backup Support | Yes, UPS-level (<20ms) | Keeps power on during blackouts with fast switch-over |
| AC Coupled | Yes | Easy retrofit to any solar system |
| Ingress Protection | IP67 (battery), IP56 (wiring) | One of the best IP Ratings on the market, great for outdoor installations |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to 50°C | Works reliably in hot or cold Australian conditions |
| Round Trip Efficiency | 89% | Competitive energy efficiency for daily cycling |
| Battery Chemistry | LFP | Safe, thermally stable, and long life |
| Warranty | 12 years / 70% Minimum Capacity / 43MWh Throughput | Beats most competitors in Australia |
FranklinWH’s Warranty Offer for Australian Customers
FranklinWH offers a strong 12-year warranty on the aPower battery and aGate controller, provided the system is installed by a certified installer. The beats most of the batteries available on the market.
The battery also comes with a performance warranty of:
- Capacity retention: At least 70% of original capacity after 12 years or;
- Throughput: For a 13.6kWh unit, 43MWh equals 3.16MWh per usable kWh
To maintain full 12-year warranty, the system must stay internet-connected for updates. If disconnected from the internet for extended periods, warranty may revert to a shorter 4-year term. This is a unique clause, so homeowners should ensure reliable connectivity.
Warranty claims can be processed via the original installer or FranklinWH directly. Replacement units (new or refurbished) are provided if the product fails within warranty terms.
See FranklinWH’s full warranty terms.
Pros and Cons of FranklinWH Batteries
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ High capacity per unit (13.6kWh) | ✗ Higher price point than modular alternatives |
| ✓ IP67-rated battery – top-tier outdoor protection | ✗ No DC-coupled option available |
| ✓ UPS-grade backup performance (<20ms switchover) | ✗ Fixed module size may limit sizing flexibility for smaller homes |
| ✓ Generator-compatible with black start | ✗ Limited brand awareness in Australia (but growing) |
| ✓ 12-year warranty with strong throughput and cycle allowance | ✗ Requires internet connection for full warranty |
Conclusion – Are FranklinWH Batteries a Good Option?
FranklinWH offers a feature-rich, whole-home energy storage solution that combines generous capacity, premium backup capabilities, and future-ready compatibility. It is particularly well-suited to homeowners who:
- Want a single-unit battery large enough to handle meaningful loads
- Prioritise outdoor durability and safety (IP67, LFP chemistry)
- Require UPS-level backup or generator integration
- Are comfortable with a premium price point in exchange for advanced functionality
While it lacks the long brand history of some competitors, FranklinWH is backed by solid specifications and growing support infrastructure in Australia. Early adopters benefit from cutting-edge features with the reassurance of a robust 12-year warranty.
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