Franklin Home Power Solution
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The term “battery” historically refers to the combination of two or more electrochemical cells that store chemical energy and convert it to electrical energy. It is a device that stores energy and discharges it when required.
A home battery is a residential energy storage system that stores energy from power grids or renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Home batteries can either be single or multiple batteries coupled for higher storage capacity.
Most popular home batteries are lithium-ion batteries which charge and discharge energy–like any rechargeable battery but on a much larger scale. They can power almost any appliance or device in the home, depending on the device’s power rating and the battery's storage capacity.
The annual installations of residential energy-storage systems in the United States increased from 185 megawatt-hours (MWh) in 2018 to 2.5 GWh in 2022. This shows that many energy users and consumers desire the added control, reliability, and resilience of having battery storage at home.
What Is a Home Battery Backup System?
A home battery backup system, also known as a residential energy-storage system, is a setup that allows homeowners to store electrical energy for later use. However, batteries don’t work alone, these systems are usually part of a larger, home energy management system that integrates the grid, solar, batteries, and other energy sources to provide stable energy to a home. It is the management system that provides the produced energy to the batteries to be accessed from the batteries when needed.
Home battery backup provides the following things:
Energy Storage: During times when the electricity demand is low or when renewable sources are generating excess power (e.g., sunny days for solar panels), the excess energy is stored in the home battery.
Power Supply: When electricity demand is high, or during periods of low renewable energy generation (e.g., nighttime, or cloudy days), the stored energy in the battery is used to power the home.
Backup Power: In case of a power outage, some home battery backup systems are designed to automatically provide backup power to essential appliances or the entire home, depending on the homeowner’s requirements.
Grid Interaction: Some home energy management systems allow homeowners to dynamically interact with the electrical grid. For example, during times of low electricity prices, users can charge their batteries, and during peak demand periods, they can use the stored energy, potentially saving costs.
Integrating Battery Backup for An Entire House
As the grid becomes more fragile, it is essential to add battery backup to the home for energy security and independence. Home energy management with battery storage creates a smart home energy solution.
Take the FranklinWH home energy management and storage system, for example. It integrates solar, grid, battery storage, and standby generators to form a powerful home energy management system to optimize home energy efficiency as well as increase solar ROI.
Home Battery Backup Installation
A professional installer should be used to install home energy management systems with battery backup, due to the electricity system's complexity. The installation process is typically as follows:
Initial Assessment: Begin by assessing your energy needs and determining the goals of the installation. Identify critical appliances you want to power during outages and evaluate your overall energy consumption.
Selecting the Right System: Choose the suitable battery storage volume based on your energy requirements, available space, and budget. Common battery technologies include lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, and emerging options with advanced features.
Solar Panel Integration (Optional): If you have solar panels, consider integrating them into the batteries through the energy management system. This allows you to store excess solar energy for use during periods of low sunlight or grid outages.
Location and Installation Site: Determine the optimal location for installing the system. The energy management panel is usually close to the main panel while batteries should be installed in a cool and well-ventilated area. Ensure that the installation site complies with safety regulations and guidelines.
Battery Installation: Install the batteries and connect it to the energy management center, which then usually connects directly to the solar inverters and to the main panel for grid access. Advanced systems can also connect to a generator.
Monitoring and Control System: Set up a monitoring and control system that allows you to observe the system's performance. This may include a user-friendly interface or a mobile app that provides real-time information on energy usage, battery status, and system health.
Testing and Commissioning: Conduct thorough testing of the entire system to ensure that it functions as intended. Verify the automatic transfer switch, battery charging and discharging, and overall system responsiveness.
Benefits of Home Battery Backup Systems
Uninterruptible Electricity
Reliable Power During Outages: Home battery backup provide a continuous and reliable source of electricity during power outages. This ensures the uninterrupted operation of essential appliances and critical systems in the home.
Seamless Transition: With automatic transfer switches, energy management systems seamlessly switch to battery power when a grid outage is detected. This instantaneous transition prevents disruptions, making the solution ideal for maintaining safety and productivity.
Emergency Preparedness: Homeowners can rely on the batteries for emergency preparedness, ensuring that crucial devices such as refrigerators, and communication devices remain operational during unforeseen power interruptions.
Affordable Energy
Energy Cost Savings: By storing excess grid energy during off-peak hours or from renewable sources such as solar panels, homeowners can reduce their reliance on the grid during peak demand periods. This can result in cost savings by avoiding higher electricity rates.
Time-of-Use Optimization: Batteries enable homeowners to capitalize on time-of-use electricity pricing. They can charge the batteries during periods of lower electricity costs and use stored energy during peak-rate periods, helping to manage and reduce overall energy expenses.
Financial Incentives: In many regions, homeowners may qualify for financial incentives, tax credits, or rebates for installing home energy management systems with battery backup. These incentives can contribute to making the initial investment more affordable.
Grid Support
Peak Load Management: Home energy systems can be integrated into broader grid management strategies. During peak demand, the stored energy in residential batteries can be used to reduce strain on the grid, contributing to a more stable and efficient energy infrastructure.
Grid Independence: By storing energy locally, homes with battery backup contribute to reduced grid dependence. This decentralized approach enhances overall grid resilience and can be particularly beneficial during extreme weather events or other emergencies.
Clean Energy
Integration with Renewables: Home battery backup works synergistically with renewable energy sources such as solar panels. Excess energy generated during sunny periods is stored in batteries for later use, promoting the integration of clean and sustainable energy practices.
Reduced Environmental Impact: By using stored energy during peak demand, homeowners can reduce their reliance on fossil fuel-based power plants, decreasing environmental impact. This contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions and a more sustainable energy ecosystem.
Personal Contribution to Sustainability: Installing home battery backup allows homeowners to actively participate in the transition to cleaner energy. It empowers individuals to reduce their carbon footprint and make environmentally conscious choices in their daily energy consumption.
Long-Term Cost Benefits
Investing in home energy management with battery backup can yield significant long-term cost benefits, making it a financially sound decision for homeowners. The various cost benefits are listed below.
Grid Independence and Resilience: The battery backup systems provide a level of grid independence. In regions where grid electricity is prone to outages or disruptions, having a reliable backup source ensures continuous power supply to essential appliances. This resilience can prevent potential financial losses associated with disruptions, such as food spoilage or damage to electronic devices.
Improved ROI of Solar Panels: For homeowners with solar panels, home batteries can extend the lifespan of the solar panels. Excess solar energy generated during the day can be stored in the battery for use during the night or cloudy days. This reduces the need to draw power directly from the grid and can enhance the overall efficiency and durability of solar panel installations.
Financial Incentives and Rebates: Many financial incentives and rebates for installing home batteries are available around the country. Taking advantage of these incentives can significantly offset the upfront costs, making the investment more financially attractive over the long term.
Increased Property Value: Homes equipped with energy-efficient and sustainable features, including home battery systems, may experience an increase in property value. Potential buyers often perceive these systems as valuable assets that contribute to lower utility costs and enhanced energy resilience.
Franklin Home Power
Franklin Home Power is an all-in-one integrated whole-home energy management and battery storage solution. It is designed to integrate and manage energy sources, such as solar, grid, battery storage, and generator, to increase energy efficiency and maximize solar ROI.
The Franklin Home Power system contains two primary parts: aGate and aPower.
aGate is the intelligent energy controller. It integrates solar, grid, battery storage, and generator and manages them intelligently. The aGate Smart Circuits allow homeowners to remotely control household unique loads.
aPower is a 13.6 kWh AC-coupled battery storage system, using extremely safe lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry.
The Franklin Home Power system can be expanded up to 15 aPowers per aGate, constituting 204-kWh in storage capacity.
Comparing FranklinWH vs Other Providers
Compared to other home energy solution providers, the main differentiating feature of the FranklinWH whole home energy management and storage system is its intelligent integration of multiple energy sources into one system. In this way, energy efficiency will be optimized, leading to more renewable energy usage, lower energy bills, and a home that is supplied with power under today’s challenging circumstances.
FAQs
How does a home battery backup system work?
A home battery backup system stores electricity, often from the grid or renewable sources like solar panels, in a battery. During a power outage or high-demand period, the system automatically switches to the stored energy, providing seamless power to the home.
What are the benefits of installing a home battery backup?
Installing home energy management with battery backup provides benefits such as uninterrupted power during outages, cost savings by using stored energy during peak hours, support for renewable energy integration, grid independence, and enhanced overall energy resilience.
Can home battery backup power my house during a blackout?
Yes, a properly sized home battery backup system can power your house during a blackout by automatically switching to stored energy, providing uninterrupted electricity during grid outages.
How long does the battery last on a single charge?
The duration of a battery backup charge varies based on factors such as the battery capacity, the amount of energy consumed, and the specific appliances being powered. It can range from a few hours to multiple days, depending on the system's size and usage patterns. A professional installer will help you plan a battery system to handle your personal home needs.
Is a home battery backup system eco-friendly?
A home battery backup system is eco-friendly as it stores energy from renewable sources such as solar panels, reducing reliance on traditional power sources and lowering overall environmental impact.
What is the cost of installing and maintaining a home battery backup system?
The cost of installing and maintaining a home battery backup system varies based on factors such as system capacity, brand, use, and optional features. It can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, with ongoing maintenance costs typically being minimal.
Final Thoughts
A home battery backup system provides uninterrupted power during outages, supports renewable energy integration, contributes to cost savings, and enhances overall energy resilience, making it a valuable investment for homeowners.
Energy Independence with FranklinWH
As a leading technology in home energy solutions, FranklinWH keeps improving to bring energy freedom to more households. With continuous innovation, The Franklin Home Power system will be extended and integrate more energy sources, making it the most complete and robust energy solution for homeowners throughout the market.
Learn more about FranklinWH's energy solution here.
Still have questions? Connect with our energy consultants today!
