Finn's FranklinWH Batteries Review & Verdict
Finn Peacock has been a Chartered Electrical Engineer since 1998, and is ex-CSIRO
FranklinWH is a newish entrant in the Australian home battery market, with the first residential installation in 2023. So, it remains to be seen if their X-01-AU battery has what it takes to do consistently well down-under.
FranklinWH Batteries: Pros & Cons
- New to Australia (first installation in 2023)
About FranklinWH
FranklinWH is a residential energy management and storage solutions firm headquartered in the USA's San Francisco Bay area.
Australian Contact Details
Address: Suite 4, Level 4, 4 Drake Ave, Macquarie Park NSW 2113
Phone: 1800 161 300
Email: mail: [email protected]
Website
Company Information
FranklinWH was founded in 2019 with funding from Sequoia Capital. So, what's with the name?
It seems it was inspired by Benjamin Franklin, who first coined the word “battery”. That explains the first part of the name (Franklin), but as for the WH - that initially stood for watt-hour, which is a unit of energy; but it then evolved to mean to "whole home". Naming a company after someone who fiddled with electricity has worked well for Tesla; but it's arguably a much snappier name.
While an American company, FranklinWH batteries are reportedly manufactured in China - although you won't find this mentioned on the company's website.
FranklinWH aPower X-01-AU Battery
The core Franklin Home Power components are the aPower battery, the aGate intelligent controller, and the FranklinWH App for monitoring and configuration. aPower product highlights include:
- AC coupled system
- Lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry
- 13.6kWh usable capacity
- 5kW continuous output / 10kW surge 10 S
- You can increase continuous (20kW) and surge (40kW) output by stacking multiple aPowers.
- Up to 15 aPowers can be deployed per aGate (204KWh)
- Natural air cooling
- IP67 (Battery and Inverter), IP56 (Wiring Compartment)
- Operating temperature: -20C - 50C
- Auto black start feature enabled
- Generator compatible
- Off grid capability
The aGate is a separate bit of kit allowing you to integrate solar, grid, generator and aPower batteries to support home loads.
Warranty Information
The FranklinWH aPower X-01-AU is accompanied by a 12 year product warranty. The firm also guarantees the aPower will have the rated energy capacity of 13.6 kWh from the outset, and capacity retention will be not less than 70% of the rated capacity when either the 12-year warranty period expires, or the aggregate energy throughput has reached 43MWh - whichever comes first.
The communication module in the aGate carries a 5-year warranty.
Images from customers
FranklinWH has 1 solar battery in our database
Filter by:
Battery Type
Usable Storage
Power
All-In-One unit
Off-grid capable
Product Name
Approx Price
Battery Type
Usable Storage Capacity
Power
All-In-One unit
Off-grid capable
FranklinWH aPower X-01-AU
$7,550
Lithium-ion (Lithium Iron Phosphate)
13.6 kWh
5kW steady, 10kW peak (10 seconds)
Kind of. Includes AC battery inverter but requires solar inverter.
Yes
FranklinWH Reviews (16)
Show Most Relevant reviews from All time
- 5 star 12
- 4 star 3
- 3 star 1
- 2 star 0
- 1 star 0
View Timeline
22 May 2025
Installed By
27 February 2025
The installation process was exceptionally smooth and professional, with the team displaying remarkable expertise and meticulous attention to detail at every step. I’m extremely satisfied with Franklinwh's performance and reliability.
17 March 2025
The Franklin WH is brilliant. Zero issues, really easy to use app , with generator back up capable it’s nearly off Grid
19 March 2025
Cant be happier with the look and performance of the FranklinWH system.
The backup is smooth and reliable.
We have cruised through serval blackouts since the battery installation.
The backup is smooth and reliable.
We have cruised through serval blackouts since the battery installation.
25 March 2025
Very impressed with the whole system. Early days but all is going well. So impressed that I have recommend system to friends already
07 April 2025
Beautifly designed Battery. App is excellent. Had four blackouts since install anf did not know i had one till i looked at the App notifacions
15 April 2025
The battery provider has been helpful in assessing, identifying and alleviating any problems with our battery.
28 April 2025
I had FranklinWH aGate and aPower (aka FHP) installed in late July 2024 and it has worked perfectly with no issues. The FHP system is not compact and uses a large amount of space as it not a modular unit. But the build quality and all cabling has been neatly hidden away by the installer.
Overall it is a solid premium product (not cheap) with flexibility ideal fit complex or simple retrofit on or off-grid usage.
Long feedback / review follows:
I purchased to store my excess solar PV generated during the day. Especially as feed-in tariffs are reducing significantly and TOU tariffs plus demand charges are becoming the default.
Installation by Aussie Hybrid Solar was straightforward and the on and off-grid modes tested (and the mobile app) was demonstrated to me. I was especially keen to have Solar PV operating during grid outages. This worked fine after got FranklinWH to tweak settings so the micro inverters happily powered up whilst off grid..
I elected for whole home backup (to simplify installation) and my existing Enphase micro inverters and 6.6kW solar system works well with it. My low home grid usage and high excess solar PV export afforded me this option.
I like that 4G comms is included and installed within the aGate (no dongles hanglng out the side) an initial (4 year) prepaid data plan included as a backup for internet connectivity. No need to worry about NBN outages, etc. as it auto switches back and forth - as required. There is Ethernet port for LAN connectivity as well 2.4 GHz wifi
I purchased the Smart Circuits module and it was installed for future load shedding during outages and the optional scheduling during on-grid periods.
I hope to install a EV(SE) charge lt and my high wattage kitchen or laundry appliances to these - to limit off-grid usage and limit peak kW utilisation. Not that the grid goes down much - or for long.
The FranklinWH (FHP) mobile app has improved significantly since I started using it. It allows export and import from the grid plus optional scheduling of TOU rates to optimised self/consumption and minimal grid charges.
The FHP app now has very similar functionality that other leading batteries have.
For a few users like myself, the lack of local Web browser admin or user access or local API for integration into Home Assistant or similar local smart home software is a limitation.
I do use an unofficial Home Assistant FranklinWH Cloud API based to pull metrics , control the Smart Circuits and it has no operating mode control. Lack of full control and being able to control the aGate PV or Grid relays are on or off it on grid modes made adequate.
Likewise customers keen on Amber Electric only have access to the so-called wholesale rates via Evergen. The lack of automation via Ambers SmartShift or being able write your own local integration limits the benefits of Amber. Unless you can be bothered to switch operating modes manually via the FHP app (cumbersome and tedious) when prices require you to optimise your solar PV exports and/or aPower battery grid import/export usage.
FranklinWH and Amber hopefully will resolve the lack of SmartShift support. However, Amber doesn’t support Enphase micro inverters either - sigh. :(
In the time I have owned the FranklinWH battery - I have tested almost all the features of the AU/NZ model (excluding generator module which did not get) - excluding the auto or manual black start function. This where the battery fully discharge uses the 1kW reserve to schedule a restart automatically when sufficient solar is available.
I particularly like build quality of the FranklinWH system as some brands have plastic covers or feature semi or fully exposed cabling that do not look good nor particularly safe.Kikewise they may not last well under the harsh Australian sun.
The FHP 12 year warranty and 43 MWh battery throughput warranty is pretty good.
There is a helpful local sales/support office plus the local / global support team always respond pretty promptly and are very helpful in my experience.
Overall it is a solid premium product (not cheap) with flexibility ideal fit complex or simple retrofit on or off-grid usage.
Long feedback / review follows:
I purchased to store my excess solar PV generated during the day. Especially as feed-in tariffs are reducing significantly and TOU tariffs plus demand charges are becoming the default.
Installation by Aussie Hybrid Solar was straightforward and the on and off-grid modes tested (and the mobile app) was demonstrated to me. I was especially keen to have Solar PV operating during grid outages. This worked fine after got FranklinWH to tweak settings so the micro inverters happily powered up whilst off grid..
I elected for whole home backup (to simplify installation) and my existing Enphase micro inverters and 6.6kW solar system works well with it. My low home grid usage and high excess solar PV export afforded me this option.
I like that 4G comms is included and installed within the aGate (no dongles hanglng out the side) an initial (4 year) prepaid data plan included as a backup for internet connectivity. No need to worry about NBN outages, etc. as it auto switches back and forth - as required. There is Ethernet port for LAN connectivity as well 2.4 GHz wifi
I purchased the Smart Circuits module and it was installed for future load shedding during outages and the optional scheduling during on-grid periods.
I hope to install a EV(SE) charge lt and my high wattage kitchen or laundry appliances to these - to limit off-grid usage and limit peak kW utilisation. Not that the grid goes down much - or for long.
The FranklinWH (FHP) mobile app has improved significantly since I started using it. It allows export and import from the grid plus optional scheduling of TOU rates to optimised self/consumption and minimal grid charges.
The FHP app now has very similar functionality that other leading batteries have.
For a few users like myself, the lack of local Web browser admin or user access or local API for integration into Home Assistant or similar local smart home software is a limitation.
I do use an unofficial Home Assistant FranklinWH Cloud API based to pull metrics , control the Smart Circuits and it has no operating mode control. Lack of full control and being able to control the aGate PV or Grid relays are on or off it on grid modes made adequate.
Likewise customers keen on Amber Electric only have access to the so-called wholesale rates via Evergen. The lack of automation via Ambers SmartShift or being able write your own local integration limits the benefits of Amber. Unless you can be bothered to switch operating modes manually via the FHP app (cumbersome and tedious) when prices require you to optimise your solar PV exports and/or aPower battery grid import/export usage.
FranklinWH and Amber hopefully will resolve the lack of SmartShift support. However, Amber doesn’t support Enphase micro inverters either - sigh. :(
In the time I have owned the FranklinWH battery - I have tested almost all the features of the AU/NZ model (excluding generator module which did not get) - excluding the auto or manual black start function. This where the battery fully discharge uses the 1kW reserve to schedule a restart automatically when sufficient solar is available.
I particularly like build quality of the FranklinWH system as some brands have plastic covers or feature semi or fully exposed cabling that do not look good nor particularly safe.Kikewise they may not last well under the harsh Australian sun.
The FHP 12 year warranty and 43 MWh battery throughput warranty is pretty good.
There is a helpful local sales/support office plus the local / global support team always respond pretty promptly and are very helpful in my experience.
07 May 2025
I'm so grateful that my installer suggested I spend a little bit extra to get a FranklinWH system installed with whole home backup. Since it was installed 6 months ago, our town has lost power countless times and our FranklinWH battery system hasn't missed a beat. Not only does it look fantastic, it gives us compete peace of mind. Highly recommended.
09 May 2025
We've had the FranklinWh on our home for a couple of years now and it was installed pre-NSW and federal rebate. It was a strong winner over the Tesla PW2 for our home at the time and we're actually looking to expand with another one soon.
We were originally small energy users before solar and battery, but since adding both over time and two EV's we have massively increased our consumption habits knowing it's all there free to use. We have also benefited greatly from having our excess power stored for later use and are considering a VPP soon which I'm let to believe is easily compatible with companies like Amber.
The Franklin app has been so good that we stopped using our sun grow monitoring system entirely and have maintained power through two blackouts and one planned power outage. Absolutely seamless.
It also serves as a cool blue nightlight in our garage (that can be turned off, too). We knew that batteries would eventually get cheaper and other incentives would come down the line - which, they have...but overall we are saving close to $9,000 per year with the entire setup and have used less than 5% of our power from the grid.
We were originally small energy users before solar and battery, but since adding both over time and two EV's we have massively increased our consumption habits knowing it's all there free to use. We have also benefited greatly from having our excess power stored for later use and are considering a VPP soon which I'm let to believe is easily compatible with companies like Amber.
The Franklin app has been so good that we stopped using our sun grow monitoring system entirely and have maintained power through two blackouts and one planned power outage. Absolutely seamless.
It also serves as a cool blue nightlight in our garage (that can be turned off, too). We knew that batteries would eventually get cheaper and other incentives would come down the line - which, they have...but overall we are saving close to $9,000 per year with the entire setup and have used less than 5% of our power from the grid.
12 May 2025
We had our Franklin Battery installed last year and have really noticed the drop in our power bills. With the solar panels and battery, our power bills are about 1/4 of what they used to be.
We have 3 phase power at our house and battery and system was able to be installed and integrated into house no problem.
The app on the phone lets us monitor power usage and also make adjustments to how and when we use the battery power vs grid power. Very impressed with the simplicity of the app and the savings we are getting.
Definitely worth pairing up the Franklin battery with our solar panels and the installation is very neat and professional.
We have 3 phase power at our house and battery and system was able to be installed and integrated into house no problem.
The app on the phone lets us monitor power usage and also make adjustments to how and when we use the battery power vs grid power. Very impressed with the simplicity of the app and the savings we are getting.
Definitely worth pairing up the Franklin battery with our solar panels and the installation is very neat and professional.
12 May 2025
After the battery fully discharged after a few days of rain while my son was in the house with no internet and no way of knowing the battery status Kevin was the most helpful and accommodating contact we had with FranklinWH. Saturdays, Sundays, after hours. Nothing was a problem to get things up and running again. Above and beyond is all I can say about his service to us
17 May 2025
Early days but very impress with the whole system including the app to control the FranklinWh batteries.
Solid build and the team did a great job with the installation. Would happily use the installers again in the future
Solid build and the team did a great job with the installation. Would happily use the installers again in the future
22 May 2025
The installation of the FranklinWH Battery storage has given excellent back up to our Resinc Solar Panels, the installation was extremely professional and painless for our organization, with good outcomes into the future guaranteed when our Power Outages will no doubt occur. Our organization is extremely grateful to Franklin for their amazing support.
15 July 2025
After reviewing numerous battery reviews from around the world, I concluded that the Franklin system was a perfect fit for me. Although it is still early days in Australia for FranklinWH, they are well-established in the USA as a preferred battery system among installers and customers.
I installed a single Franklin battery in June 2024, and within a couple of months, I installed a second battery due to its ease of use and reliability. The smart circuits work beautifully to manage my car charger and hot water via the easy-to-use app. Overall, I couldn’t be more pleased with this system, highly recommend.
I installed a single Franklin battery in June 2024, and within a couple of months, I installed a second battery due to its ease of use and reliability. The smart circuits work beautifully to manage my car charger and hot water via the easy-to-use app. Overall, I couldn’t be more pleased with this system, highly recommend.
05 August 2025
Over the past 12 months, I’ve been researching battery systems that could meet the needs of my household. As a high energy user - averaging between 50 to 70 kWh per day during the winter months - my power bills were regularly exceeding $800 a month. This was largely due to our ducted heating, in-slab hydronic system, and the general demands of a large home.
One of my key requirements was a battery system capable of powering large appliances when the sun was shining but the grid was down. Living in Tasmania, we experience multiple power outages each year, which became especially disruptive during the COVID pandemic while working from home.
Most battery suppliers I spoke with only offered limited backup options - typically just one or two circuits, such as lights and few power points. For a system of this cost, that level of backup just didn’t make sense. I needed whole home backup, which significantly narrowed my choices.
FranklinWH – all metal design, longer warranty 12 year warranty, generator port option, 2 smart circuits, easy to use app, works with practically all inverters.
Sigenergy SigenStor – Plastic covers, more expensive over multiple batteries, 10 year warranty, app and warranty keeps on changing, uncertain of future, 1 smart circuit, generator addon available (believe via using the smart circuit)
Tesla Powerwall – all metal design, 10 year warranty, more suited if you have a Tesla vehicle, limited smart circuit, works with some inverters.
I compared the above systems including total system costs and installation after rebates and ultimately chose the FranklinWH battery system installing 3 batteries at a total 40.8kwh.
FranklinWH stood out for several reasons:
High Startup Power: A 10-second ramp-up of 10 kW allows for reliable startup of power-hungry appliances.
Scalable Storage: The ability to stack multiple batteries means I can power my entire home during extended outages.
Durable Build: All-metal construction ensures longevity and resilience in the harsh Australian climate - no flimsy plastic covers to warp in summer heat, unlike another popular brand.
User-Friendly App: The interface is polished with plenty of information available, with several smart operating modes to optimise performance.
Generator Port Add-on: Provides a backup option for extended outages (we experienced a 3-day outage a few years ago where this would have been invaluable).
Smart Circuits: I’ve connected the two smart circuits to our highest-demand appliances. These automatically shut off if the battery drops below a set threshold, extending available power for lighting and essential loads.
Storm Hedge Feature: Monitors weather events and can automatically charge the battery from the grid ahead of potential outages, this can be set to manual or automatic, in manual mode the app will alert your phone via a message where you can allow or deny the battery charge.
Near-Instant Switch-over: Seamlessly changes between grid and battery power.
I now highly recommend Franklin batteries to family and friends. Their sleek design, backed by excellent customer service, makes them a worthwhile investment. Based on our current usage, I estimate a payback period of around 7 to 8 years. With a 12-year warranty and a minimum 70% retained capacity expected beyond that, I’m confident these batteries will last at least 20 years.
It’s only been a week since the system was installed, but I’ve already experienced one weather event and one minor outage; both handled flawlessly. For the first time last night, I can run our washing machine and dryer during peak power periods without concern.
One of my key requirements was a battery system capable of powering large appliances when the sun was shining but the grid was down. Living in Tasmania, we experience multiple power outages each year, which became especially disruptive during the COVID pandemic while working from home.
Most battery suppliers I spoke with only offered limited backup options - typically just one or two circuits, such as lights and few power points. For a system of this cost, that level of backup just didn’t make sense. I needed whole home backup, which significantly narrowed my choices.
FranklinWH – all metal design, longer warranty 12 year warranty, generator port option, 2 smart circuits, easy to use app, works with practically all inverters.
Sigenergy SigenStor – Plastic covers, more expensive over multiple batteries, 10 year warranty, app and warranty keeps on changing, uncertain of future, 1 smart circuit, generator addon available (believe via using the smart circuit)
Tesla Powerwall – all metal design, 10 year warranty, more suited if you have a Tesla vehicle, limited smart circuit, works with some inverters.
I compared the above systems including total system costs and installation after rebates and ultimately chose the FranklinWH battery system installing 3 batteries at a total 40.8kwh.
FranklinWH stood out for several reasons:
High Startup Power: A 10-second ramp-up of 10 kW allows for reliable startup of power-hungry appliances.
Scalable Storage: The ability to stack multiple batteries means I can power my entire home during extended outages.
Durable Build: All-metal construction ensures longevity and resilience in the harsh Australian climate - no flimsy plastic covers to warp in summer heat, unlike another popular brand.
User-Friendly App: The interface is polished with plenty of information available, with several smart operating modes to optimise performance.
Generator Port Add-on: Provides a backup option for extended outages (we experienced a 3-day outage a few years ago where this would have been invaluable).
Smart Circuits: I’ve connected the two smart circuits to our highest-demand appliances. These automatically shut off if the battery drops below a set threshold, extending available power for lighting and essential loads.
Storm Hedge Feature: Monitors weather events and can automatically charge the battery from the grid ahead of potential outages, this can be set to manual or automatic, in manual mode the app will alert your phone via a message where you can allow or deny the battery charge.
Near-Instant Switch-over: Seamlessly changes between grid and battery power.
I now highly recommend Franklin batteries to family and friends. Their sleek design, backed by excellent customer service, makes them a worthwhile investment. Based on our current usage, I estimate a payback period of around 7 to 8 years. With a 12-year warranty and a minimum 70% retained capacity expected beyond that, I’m confident these batteries will last at least 20 years.
It’s only been a week since the system was installed, but I’ve already experienced one weather event and one minor outage; both handled flawlessly. For the first time last night, I can run our washing machine and dryer during peak power periods without concern.