FranklinWH System: Modern Energy Technology Transformed a 300-Year-Old Historic Property

Location
Glastonbury, Connecticut, USA
System Allocation
1 aGate+3 aPower X
System Size
40.8 kWh
Client
Doug Kirkpatrick
Installer
West Electric

Challenge

Doug Kirkpatrick owned a historic home in Glastonbury, Connecticut, built in 1752, and needed to improve its energy efficiency and resiliency.

Solution

  • Doug chose the FranklinWH energy management system, which is perfectly compatible with his existing solar panels and offers long-lasting performance that closely aligns with the lifespan of solar technology.
  • The FranklinWH App provides real-time monitoring and control, allowing easy energy management. 

Result

  • Doug's home became more energy-efficient and resilient, significantly reducing reliance on the grid and eliminating the need for a gas powered generator.
  • The property now easily weathers storms with reliable backup power and helps local grid stability by supplying energy to it.
  • Doug’s experience proved that modern energy technologies can seamlessly integrate with historic homes, ensuring sustainability and energy independence for the future. 

A Rare Historic Building Requires Improvement of Efficiency and Power Resilience

Doug Kirkpatrick, a homeowner in Glastonbury, Connecticut, offers a compelling example of how modern energy technology can be smoothly integrated into a historic property. His home, built in 1752, is a rare and valuable piece of early American architecture, predating the American Revolutionary War. With original timbers, floors, and a massive fireplace in the basement, all from the 18th century, the house stands apart with well-preserved historic features. Even the barn, which now holds the solar panels, serves contemporary needs while preserving its legacy. 

When Doug and his family purchased the home in May, 2024, he immediately recognized its potential for modern upgrades. The solar panels, installed by previous owners in 2014, caught his attention as an opportunity to enhance the property’s efficiency. Having a background understanding of energy systems, Doug was well aware of the benefits of coupling solar energy with energy storage. He knew this combination would not only save money but also increase the resiliency of his home in a region prone to extreme weather events. Living in New England, where thunder storms and ice storms frequently threaten power reliability, this was a crucial consideration.

FranklinWH Offers an Exceptionally Reliable and Enduring Power Solution

What stood out to Doug was Connecticut’s financial incentives for homeowners to adopt energy storage solutions. These incentives made his decision both feasible and cost-effective. After exploring various storage options, Doug quickly identified FranklinWH as the most desirable choice for his needs. The FranklinWH System stands out for its innovative technology and unrivaled compatibility with solar systems. Unlike older lithium-ion batteries, which suffered from shorter lifespans and declining performance, the LFP aPower batteries are designed with unrivaled robustness and longevity, providing the longest-lasting reliability and financial benefits. “What FranklinWH has done is commercialized a battery technology that is closely aligned with the lifetime of the solar technology,” Doug said. 

Doug installed three aPower units—two inside and one outside—along with an aGate intelligent gateway that efficiently manages and optimizes the energy flow. The system prioritizes solar energy and batteries for the home’s consumption and can charge from the grid to prepare for severe weather, ensuring that his family has a reliable power source. Additionally, the system supports the local utility by allowing the grid to draw power from the batteries as needed, improving grid stability. For Doug, this integration of solar and storage represented a leap forward in sustainable and independent living. 

The installation process, facilitated by FranklinWH, exceeded Doug’s expectations. The FranklinWH service team connected him with local installers who completed the project efficiently and professionally. For post-installation, the FranklinWH App became an amazing tool for monitoring and managing the system. Doug was fascinated by the level of insight it provided into his home’s energy consumption, as well as the ease it enabled for energy management. “I have an engaging app on my phone that lets me check on the battery and overall energy use, so I don't have to crawl down here in the basement and look at the battery indicator, making everything incredibly easy,” Doug mentioned. 

Create a Home That Honors Its History While Embracing the Energy-efficient Future

Doug reflects on his decision to install the FranklinWH System with unreserved enthusiasm. For him, the combination of solar and storage eliminates the need for a gas powered generator, a common backup solution in New England. It also provides a sense of security in the knowledge that his home, built when Benjamin Franklin (the man who coined the word battery) was alive, can remain powered even when the grid fails, whether caused by thunderstorms or ice storms. Financially, the system allows his home to make the most use of their solar energy thanks to the large capacity and longevity of aPower batteries, reducing reliance on the grid and cutting energy costs. 

Doug’s experience illustrates the transformative potential of integrating modern energy technologies into even the oldest homes. His journey demonstrates that innovation and tradition can coexist harmoniously, creating a home that honors its history while embracing the future. For Doug, the FranklinWH System is beyond just a solution; it’s a commitment to a more sustainable and independent way of living. Reflecting on his experience, he says, “It’s incredibly easy to use, and it's just a level of security and a level of financial and grid independence that just makes a ton of sense. Would I recommend this? Well, I’ve already have, and it’s a great system.”