One of the most common questions we are asked is “Should I install a battery with my solar panel system?” With rising concerns over power grid outages during extreme weather events, energy storage has become a more important piece of the solar puzzle. Here at Good Energy Solutions, we mainly install three different brands of solar batteries, Tesla, Enphase and Franklin. Which battery makes the most sense for your situation? In this article, we’ll rundown the differences between all three battery brands, including capabilities, availability and stacking.

First let’s start with the basics of solar batteries. To put it simply, they store excess electricity generated by solar panels. That stored energy can power your home when your solar panels aren’t generating energy, including nights and cloudy days. They also can power your home when the power grid goes down.

It’s important to note that in most installations without a battery your home will not be able to utilize the electricity generated from your solar panels when the grid goes down. Because your solar panel system is wired into your electric company’s grid, they will stop producing energy if the power goes out for any reason. This is a safety mechanism that will allow the utility company’s workers to repair the lines during an outage without fear of being electrocuted. AC-coupled batteries like the Powerwall and Enphase IQ automatically disconnect your system from the grid when the power cuts out and use the solar panel system or battery bank to power your critical loads. This allows your solar panels or battery to operate as a code-compliant off-grid electrical system until the utility company can turn your power back on.

Another big selling point for solar batteries is the 30% federal solar tax credit, which you can apply towards the final price.

Tesla Powerwall vs Enphase IQ 5P vs Franklin aPower?

Let’s take a look at each battery and see how they stack up to each other. These three different batteries share a lot in common. All are AC-coupled, which makes them easier to install into an existing solar panel system. The three batteries are also designed to use primarily for emergency backup. Also, all three feature simple-to-use apps that allow you monitor your home energy system in real time and make changes to the way they dispense power throughout the day.

Tesla Powerwall 3

Tesla has designed this AC battery system for residential and light commercial use. It utilizes a lithium-ion battery that runs much quieter and cleaner than a conventional gasoline back-up generator. There’s no exposed vents that expel heat or visible wires making it a safer solution for households with kids or pets. The Tesla Powerwall 3 is compatible with new and existing solar panel systems. It can also work as a stand-alone home battery without solar panels. Tesla batteries can be installed with most brands of solar panels. You don’t need Tesla solar panels to install a Powerwall.

The Upside: The Powerwall has become the biggest name in solar batteries since launching in 2015.  It sports a sleek design and mounts nicely to the wall.  Multiple Powerwalls can be stacked together to boost storage capacity and power more appliances throughout your home or business. Also, the Powerwall is one of the least expensive solar battery options on the market. Unlike the other two batteries that we offer, the Powerwall 3 can be DC or AC coupled.

The Downside: Its lower price has created a waitlist for the Powerwall.  Depending on when you order one from Tesla, it could take months before your Powerwall arrives.  Also, the Powerwall requires multiple electric boxes and additional parts to meet local electrical codes. These add-ons take up space, limiting your ability to work them into a workable design scheme while leaving you fewer options for concealment.

Here are the Powerwall’s technical details:

Although they are one of the most recognizable brands in the solar industry for their line of microinverters, Enphase also offers an excellent alternative to the Tesla Powerwall. The company’s most popular solar battery option, the IQ Battery 5P, rivals the power output of larger batteries at half the capacity size. Enphase has designed its line of batteries to be installed in bundles, creating a modular storage system where capacity and power output stack with each battery installed.  This makes it easier to size a battery system for your specific needs. The Enphase IQ Battery 5P seamlessly integrates with the Enphase Enlighten monitoring system, giving you real-time insights into your energy usage and storage.

The Upside: Enphase is one of the most trusted companies in the solar industry. They back up their reputation with one of the best solar battery warranties on the market with 5P. Enphase IQ batteries can also be paired with gas-powered generators for extra backup protection and flexibility. The batteries’ lithium iron phosphate chemistry is safer and lasts longer than other competitors. Their smaller energy output comes with a lower cost, making them an excellent choice for backing up circuits that cover important smaller electronics like medical devices or sump pumps.

The Downside: Enphase batteries have a lower power output individually than others on the market. These need to be stacked in order to provide enough backup protection for the biggest electrical appliances in your home.

Here are the IQ’s technical details:

Franklin Whole Home Battery System

Franklin is newcomer to the market introducing its first home battery in 2022. The company has quickly gained positive reviews and is now a notable option for homeowners considering solar batteries. Franklin designed the aHome battery with a focus on providing “whole-home backup,” ensuring that property owners maintain power during outages. The battery supports a peak power output of 10 kW and a continuous output of 5 kW. The aPower battery will also need to be teamed with a smart energy management unit from Franklin called the aGate. The aGate controls battery charging and power flow in the home. It can be set to charge the batteries from solar, the grid, and even an AC backup generator.

The Upside: You can install up to 15 aPower battery units for a total energy storage capacity of 204 kWh. While this amount of power is more than most homes will ever require, it’s nice to know you have the ability to expand your system with new aPower units as needed.

The Downside: The Franklin whole home backup system is more expensive than some other batteries on the market.

Here are the aPower’s technical details:

Several variables will factor into which battery will work best for your solar installation. Here at Good Energy Solutions, we stand behind all three battery systems and see the benefits of adding any of them to your energy plan.  Our consultants can work with you to choose the right option for your solar installation based on price, power needs, maintenance and longevity.  If you would like to talk with one of our solar consultants about battery backup systems for your home or business, contact us here.