Episode 2 of Energy Matters transported us to Kilsyth in Victoria to the home and business of Bernie. Bernie owns Greenscapes Nursery, and the large property is also the location of his residence. James Treble visited the nursery to check out the property’s solar installation and an intriguing battery storage system from FranklinWH.
The first thing James noticed was how warm the nursery was. Many of the plants require 24/7 temperature control, which was driving Bernie’s electricity bills through the roof. Blackouts would not only require the use of a diesel generator but often result in loss of plant life. As a business owner, this was untenable and required a solution that would save money while maintaining the integrity of the nursery.
After researching the best solution, Bernie settled on a FranklinWH battery storage system installed by Melbourne Energy Group. The system utilised the existing 13 kW solar panel system on the nursery roof. Three FranklinWH aPower X units were installed on the property, all expertly managed by the FranklinWH aGate. The unique features of the Franklin Whole Home system include the ability to connect a generator should one be required.
Bernie’s setup has another clever advantage—his FranklinWH system can operate independently of the solar panels when needed. Thanks to time-of-use tariffs, it can draw power from the grid for free at certain times of the day, ensuring the battery is always topped up. This means Bernie maximises his energy savings while keeping the nursery running smoothly, no matter the conditions.
As a home and business that requires seamless and uninterrupted power, Bernie and Greenscapes Nursery is now positioned to generate and store enough power for days.
The Franklin Whole Home (WH) system is an advanced home battery solution designed to store, manage, and optimise energy use in Australian homes and businesses. Unlike many standard battery systems, FranklinWH offers a complete energy management solution, combining battery storage with an intelligent control system. This allows homeowners to maximise their solar power, reduce electricity bills, and maintain energy security—even during blackouts.
At the heart of the system are two key components:
One of the standout features of FranklinWH is its flexibility. It doesn’t just work with solar panels—it can also charge from the grid during off-peak times when electricity is cheaper, ensuring you always have low-cost power available. It also supports generator integration, making it ideal for homes and businesses that need backup power.
For Australian households, this means greater energy independence. Whether you want to cut down on electricity bills, avoid peak-time charges, or keep your home powered during blackouts, FranklinWH provides a reliable and intelligent solution. With its smart technology, high-capacity storage, and seamless integration, the Franklin Whole Home system is a game-changer for Australians looking to take control of their energy future.
Battery type: Lithium iron phosphate (LFP)
Usable capacity: 13.6 kWh per unit
Scalability: Up to 15 units (204 kWh total)
Continuous power: 5 kW per unit
Peak power output: 10 kW (for 10 seconds)
Backup capability: Yes
Solar integration: Yes
Grid charging: Yes
Generator compatibility: Yes (with the optional Generator Module)
Weight: 185 kg
Dimensions (H x W x D): 1150 mm x 750 mm x 290 mm
Installation: Floor-standing or wall-mounted, indoor or outdoor
Operating temperature: -20°C to 50°C
Altitude: Up to 4,000 meters
Ingress protection rating: IP67 (battery and power converter), IP56 (wiring compartment)
Scalability: Supports up to 15 aPower units per aGate.
Maximum supply fault current: 10 kA.
Communications: Ethernet, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
Dimensions (H x W x D): 650 mm x 480 mm x 160 mm.
Weight: 23 kg.
Installation: Suitable for indoor or outdoor wall mounting.
Operating temperature: -20°C to 50°C.
Altitude: Operates effectively up to 4,000 meters.
Ingress protection rating: IP55, indicating protection against dust and water jets.
Additionally, the aGate offers optional modules to enhance its functionality:
Smart Circuits Module: Allows manual and scheduled control of individual electric circuits via the FranklinWH App.
Generator Module: Enables seamless integration of a standby generator into the power supply system, working alongside aPower batteries, solar systems, and the grid.
FranklinWH is a global energy technology company that has gained traction in Australia with its innovative home battery storage solutions. Founded with a mission to provide reliable and intelligent energy management, FranklinWH focuses on integrating renewable energy with advanced storage systems. Their flagship product, the FranklinWH Whole Home (WH) System, includes the aPower X battery and aGate energy management system, designed to optimise energy use, enhance grid independence, and provide seamless backup power.
In the Australian market, FranklinWH stands out for its ability to work alongside solar panels while also drawing power from the grid when it’s most cost-effective. This is particularly beneficial in Australia, where electricity prices fluctuate throughout the day, and solar feed-in tariffs continue to decline. With the aGate system intelligently managing energy flow, Australian homes and businesses can store excess solar power, charge the battery during off-peak times, and use stored energy when grid prices are high. This results in lower electricity bills, improved energy security, and reduced reliance on fossil-fuel-powered electricity.
FranklinWH’s expansion into Australia reflects the growing demand for smarter, more flexible battery solutions. Their systems are designed to handle the unpredictable nature of Australian energy markets, extreme weather conditions, and the increasing push towards self-sufficiency and sustainability. Additionally, the system’s generator integration option makes it an attractive choice for regional and rural properties prone to blackouts. As Australia moves towards a decentralised and renewable-focused energy future, FranklinWH is positioning itself as a key player, helping homes and businesses maximise savings, improve energy resilience, and reduce their carbon footprint.
Subscribe today to keep up to date with all things renewable, get the latest news, and receive fantastic deals.
Serving Canberra, ACT; Sydney, NSW; Melbourne, Victoria; Adelaide, SA; Perth, WA; Brisbane, Queensland; Hobart, Tasmania; most Australian cities and regional areas including Gold Coast, QLD and Newcastle, NSW.
© 2005-2024 Energy Matters | ACN: 632 317 545 | ABN: 41 632 317 545
