Challenge
- Simon's coastal home experienced frequent grid outages, especially during severe storms.
- A June 2026 storm left his home without grid power for more than 48 hours.
Solution
- Simon installed the FranklinWH System with a 13.6 kWh aPower X-01 battery to store solar energy and provide whole-home backup power.
Result
- The FranklinWH System powered Simon's home continuously throughout the 48+ hour blackout.
- It reduced his electricity bills while significantly enhancing his home energy resiliency.
Unstable Grid Power in a Storm-Prone Coastal Community
Living in the quiet coastal town of Myalup, Western Australia, Simon and his family enjoyed a peaceful lifestyle. The trade-off, however, was an unreliable electricity supply. As Simon explained, "the power supply to our small coastal suburb was notoriously unstable and we were frequently affected by extended blackouts."
The grid vulnerability became especially apparent on 1 June 2026, when severe thunderstorms with wind gusts approaching 100 km/h damaged power infrastructure across the Bunbury region, leaving Myalup without electricity for more than 48 hours.
Ride Out Storms with Continuous Whole-Home Power
In December 2025, Simon installed the FranklinWH System with a 13.6 kWh aPower X-01 battery to store excess solar energy generated during the day for use at night. "The financial benefits of this installation were immediate," Simon said, as the system significantly reduced his need to purchase electricity for nighttime consumption.
Beyond the economic benefits, the system provided reliable whole-home backup when the grid went down. Unlike conventional solar-only systems that stop generating electricity when the grid fails, the FranklinWH System continued safely and reliably working with Simon's existing solar array throughout the blackout.
As Simon explained, the solar panels "kept producing solar energy whilst the grid was still unavailable," allowing solar to power the home's daytime loads while simultaneously recharging the battery for use after sunset.
When the June storm knocked out grid power for more than 48 hours, the FranklinWH System helped his home safely weather the storm with continuous power. "My FranklinWH System with an aPower battery did exactly as it was supposed to do and kept my whole home powered through the blackout," Simon recalled. Instead of dealing with spoiled food, no internet, no lighting or hot water, his family's daily life continued uninterrupted throughout the extended outage.
Designed for Reliability, Even in Harsh Environments
Mitch, FranklinWH’s Head of Product for Australia and New Zealand, explained what makes the FranklinWH System stand out and a trusted solution for families. “Reliable backup power requires more than simply adding battery capacity,” Mitch said. Working closely with installers every day, Mitch focuses on improving outcomes for families by ensuring the system is flexible to install, resilient in challenging environments, and reliable throughout its service life.
“One of the key advantages of the FranklinWH System is its AC-coupled solar configuration,” Mitch explained. Compatible with all solar inverters, the system makes it easier to retrofit battery storage into existing solar homes with minimal changes. It also allows generator and vehicle-to-load (V2L) integration, adding another layer of backup resiliency.
Mitch also underscored the importance of backup power that can handle demanding household loads. “During an outage, families should not have to compromise on any appliance,” he said. With 200% peak output for 10 seconds and 120 A locked rotor amps (LRA), the system can easily start not only essentials, but energy-hungry appliances, such as an AC.
For homes exposed to harsh environmental conditions, FranklinWH incorporates multiple layers of protection. “To address diverse environmental challenges, the aPower unit is built with an IP67 rating to be waterproof for flooding and heavy rain, C5 salt spray resistance for corrosive coastal environments, and a seismic-resistant structure tested to safeguard against up to M8 earthquakes,” Mitch explained.
Battery longevity was another area Mitch emphasized. “Long-term reliability also depends on maintaining battery performance over time,” he said. The steel band design firmly holds cells and reduces pack deformation, while active balancing technology ensures all cells maintain optimal uniform capacity over time. Meanwhile, per-cell temperature monitoring and dual-sided cell heating blankets enable reliable charging and discharging in colder conditions.
For extended outages, Mitch pointed to the intelligent black start that allows the system to automatically restart after the battery is depleted, when solar production returns, even when the grid is still down.
These thoughtful and meticulous engineering features give homeowners the unrivaled confidence that their home energy system is always there when it matters most, delivering the set-and-forget peace of mind needed during extreme weather conditions.
Invest in the Right Home Energy Solution
When seeking a home energy management and battery storage solution, don’t look solely at headline specifications such as battery capacity. Look for a system that can stand the test of time and endure harsh conditions, delivering long-term value, resiliency, and peace of mind. With engineered reliability, the FranklinWH System is built to meet that standard and has earned the trust of a vast network of homeowners. Reflecting on his family's experience, Simon said, "I have to say we are off to a flying start. I would recommend the FranklinWH System to anyone."
A home energy system is not a small investment. Buy once, buy right.