As storms intensify and grids age, more homeowners across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida are searching for dependable backup power. At Public Service Solar, we’ve worked with nearly every major battery platform on the market, and the latest from Franklin, the FranklinWH aPower 2 (15 kWh) has quickly become our top recommendation for battery backup.
Whether you already have solar or you’re considering a new system, FranklinWH stands out because it delivers what homeowners care about most: whole-home battery backup, high power output, an industry-leading warranty (15-years), and compatibility with virtually any solar inverter or generator. It’s powerful enough for large homes (especially when paired in 2 for 30 kWH!), flexible enough for retrofits, and reliable enough for families who never want to lose power again.
This article explains how the FranklinWH battery works, and how it can help homeowners in NJ, PA, and FL stay powered and prepared for extreme weather.
What are the components of FranklinWH battery system?
Most home batteries are essentially a battery box with an inverter. FranklinWH is different because it is a complete whole-home energy management system designed to replace the traditional backup gas generators and outperform the other battery systems on the market today.
The system includes two core components, the battery itself – the aPower 2 and the energy management system – the aGate.
aPower 2 Specs
- 15 kWh usable energy
- 10 kW continuous output
- 15 kW peak output (10 seconds)
- 8 kW charge rate
- AC-coupled design for maximum compatibility
- Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry
The aGate X Specs
- Automatic outage detection in under 16 milliseconds – you’ll never even notice the power went out.
- Smart Circuits Module for load control
- Compatible with any solar inverter
- Optional generator integration
- App-based monitoring
With the aPower 2 and the aGate combined, FranklinWH allows you to build a true home microgrid that intelligently manages solar, batteries, the grid, and even a standby generator if you have one.
A True Home Microgrid, Not Just a Backup Battery
Most home battery systems function as simple backup devices. When the grid fails, they turn on and hope the home’s electrical demand stays within limits. The FranklinWH aPower 2 is different because it operates as a true whole-home energy storage system, intelligently managing power instead of simply reacting to outages.
By combining the aPower 2 battery with the aGate energy management system, FranklinWH creates a self-balancing home microgrid that coordinates solar, battery power, the utility grid, and even a standby generator if one is installed. When an outage occurs, the system isolates the home almost instantly and actively manages energy flow to keep essential systems running.
With optional smart circuit controls, the FranklinWH system can automatically prioritize critical loads and manage larger appliances during outages. This allows homeowners to maintain comfort and safety without manually shutting off breakers or guessing what the battery can handle.
In real-world use:
- New Jersey and Pennsylvania homeowners can keep heat, sump pumps, and refrigerators running during winter power outages
- Florida homeowners can prioritize air conditioning and cooling systems during hurricane-related blackouts.
High-Powered Performance for Whole-Home Backup
Most batteries can handle small loads like lights, outlets, and Wi-Fi, but struggle with larger appliances. That’s because battery capacity (kWh) determines how long something can run, while power output (kW) determines what it can run at all. A 15 kWh battery can power a light for days, but heavy appliances require high output.
The FranklinWH aPower 2 is built for that demand, delivering 10 kW of continuous power (about 40 amps at 240 volts), along with 15 kW of short-term peak power and high surge capability for motor starts. This allows it to run equipment many other batteries can’t, including central air conditioning, well and sump pumps, water heaters, large appliances, and even EV charging at reduced rates, depending on system design.
For homeowners in NJ, PA, and FL, where outages often coincide with extreme temperatures, this level of power means less compromise and a home that continues to function normally when the grid goes down.
You can download the data sheet here and see for yourself the full specs on the Franklin battery system:
Benefits of FranklinWH Batteries
FranklinWH’s 15-Year Warranty
Warranty should always be a major consideration when choosing a home battery. Most home batteries on the market today have a 5 or 10 year warranty. FranklinWH is leading the way with a 15-year warranty, or 60 MWh of guaranteed power throughput, whichever comes first.
Safe, Stable, Long-Lasting Battery Chemistry
Not all batteries are built the same, and the chemistry inside the battery matters more than most homeowners realize. Many older battery systems use NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) chemistry, which offers high energy density but can be more sensitive to heat and long-term wear. The FranklinWH aPower 2 uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry instead, which is widely regarded as one of the safest and most stable battery technologies available today. LFP batteries run cooler, tolerate daily cycling better, and are designed for a longer lifespan with less degradation over time. For homeowners, that means a battery that operates more reliably year-round, from cold Pennsylvania winters to hot, humid Florida summers.
Works With Any Solar System (New or Existing)
One of the most homeowner-friendly advantages of FranklinWH is its AC-coupled, inverter-agnostic design. Unlike some batteries that lock you into a specific solar brand, FranklinWH works with virtually any solar inverter on the market, including: Enphase, SolarEdge, SMA, Fronius, and even older legacy systems. The system is also designed to integrate with standby generators, allowing for a true layered backup solution.
This flexibility makes FranklinWH an excellent choice for retrofits, where homeowners already have solar and want to add battery backup without replacing their existing equipment, as well as new installations, where it pairs seamlessly with modern inverter technology. The result is a system that adapts to the home, not the other way around.
Smart Energy Modes for Storm Readiness
Beyond backup power, FranklinWH supports multiple intelligent operating modes that help homeowners reduce energy costs and stay prepared:
- Emergency Backup Mode for automatic outage protection
- Self-Consumption Mode to maximize solar usage
- Time-of-Use Optimization where applicable (not available in NJ, PA or FL)
- Storm Mode to fully charge the battery ahead of severe weather
Everything is managed through the FranklinWH mobile app, which provides real-time visibility into solar production, battery status, grid usage, and remaining backup power. Homeowners gain transparency and control, while installers benefit from fast commissioning and remote system support.
Together, these features are what make the FranklinWH 15 kWh battery one of the most complete whole-home backup and energy storage solutions available for homeowners in NJ, PA, and FL.
Outdoor Rated and Scalable
The FranklinWH aPower 2 is fully outdoor-rated and designed for real-world installations in demanding environments. It can be installed outside, in garages, or near service equipment, and is built to withstand rain, snow, heat, humidity, and coastal conditions. With a wide operating temperature range, the system performs reliably through cold Northeast winters and hot Florida summers, making it a dependable choice for homeowners who need backup power that works year-round, not just in ideal conditions.
Scalable to Match Your Home
- 15 kWh of usable energy per battery
- Install up to 15 batteries on one system
- Scale up to 225 kWh of total energy storage
- Supports up to 38.4 kW of continuous output
Ready for True Whole-Home Backup?
If you’re looking for more than a basic battery, the FranklinWH aPower 2 delivers battery backup with the intelligence to manage power, protect critical systems, and keep your home running through outages and extreme weather. With high output, smart controls, and seamless integration with solar and generators, it’s one of the most complete backup solutions available today.
For homeowners in NJ, PA, and FL, now is the time to prepare. Schedule a free FranklinWH battery consultation with Public Service Solar and find out if a whole-home backup system is right for your home.
