Franklin Home Power Solution
Challenge
A large property in Boerne, Texas, faced high energy consumption and unreliable grid power. Previously, the customer relied on a 60 kW generator for power backup, but its high fuel costs, noise, and environmental impact made it less sustainable for long-term use.
Solution
The customer installed a FranklinWH Home Power System with 4 aGates and 16 aPower batteries paired with solar arrays, offering remarkable 217.6 kWh of storage.
Result
- 90%-95% reduction in generator use, cutting fuel and maintenance costs.
- Reliable energy backup, even during low solar production
- 30% tax credit reduced upfront costs, making the shift to renewable energy more affordable.
Completed in August 2024, the Texas residential PV + storage project, the 218 kWh Power Behemoth, showcases a revolution in residential energy solutions by pairing solar panels with unprecedented 16 Franklin aPower batteries, boasting a massive 217.6 kWh storage capacity.
Located in Boerne, Texas , this system exemplifies the integration of advanced energy storage with solar power to tackle the challenges faced in a rural setting. Situated on a 4.18-acre property, this installation addresses the issues of unreliable grid power and significant energy demands with a state-of-the-art solar and battery storage solution.
The Power Generation Challenge
The property, characterized by its substantial size and high energy consumption, previously depended on a 60 kW generator for backup power. However, this was not only expensive and inefficient but also posed environmental concerns due to high fuel consumption and noise.
The Game Changer: 4 Franklin aGates + 16 Franklin aPower Energy Management and Batteries
To achieve a more reliable and cleaner energy supply while reducing generator fuel costs, the customer installed four FranklinWH systems. Each system features one aGate intelligent energy controller and four aPower batteries, paired with an 16.2 kW solar array. Altogether, the four aGates and 16 aPower batteries can all be managed through a single FranklinWH App.
The setup is expected to achieve a remarkable 90%-95% reduction in generator usage, resulting in lower fuel and maintenance costs. The project also benefits from a 30% tax credit, which substantially mitigates the upfront investment costs.
A key feature of this project is its integration with the previous generator. The 800 A distribution panel allows the 60 kW generator to simultaneously charge all sixteen Franklin batteries. This means that when any battery’s state of charge (SOC) drops to a critical level due to insufficient sunlight, the generator can be activated to recharge the batteries during the day, without disturbing nighttime tranquility.
FranklinWH’s Unrivalled Compatibility with Solar Inverters
The FranklinWH system stands out as a top choice for retrofit applications, offering significant advantages in the industry. Its flexibility allows it to integrate seamlessly with all types of inverters, making it exceptionally versatile. In this project, the system is paired with different generations of Enphase microinverters, specifically IQ7 and IQ8 models. This seamless compatibility and capacity to manage multiple energy sources ensures optimal performance and adaptability, enabling the FranklinWH system to work efficiently with existing solar infrastructure while accommodating future upgrades.
Dedication to a Greener Future
Beyond its technical achievements, this project also highlights the customer’s dedication to energy resilience and sustainability, particularly crucial in Texas, where extreme weather and frequent power outages are common. Leveraging over a decade of experience in solar energy, the customer has focused on achieving energy independence and enhancing environmental responsibility. This project not only guarantees a reliable power supply during outages but also supports environmental sustainability by significantly lowering the home's carbon footprint.
