The Franklin aPower 2 home battery: whole-home backup, built to last 15 years.
Solar Assure installs the Franklin aPower 2 across Missouri and Kansas because it earns the recommendation: 15 kilowatt-hours of storage per unit, 10 kilowatts of continuous output, lithium iron phosphate chemistry, IP67 weatherproof, and an industry-leading 15-year warranty. One unit can power most homes through a 24-hour outage. Stack up to 15 for off-grid living. Here is everything a homeowner needs to know about why this battery, what it costs installed, and how to size it for your home.
Three reasons home batteries make sense in Missouri and Kansas.
Battery storage was a luxury when grid electricity was cheap and reliable. In 2026, grid electricity is neither. Three converging factors make whole-home battery backup the smart move for residential customers across the Midwest.
Rate hikes are accelerating
Ameren raised rates 12% in June 2025. Liberty Utilities rates phase up another 11 to 13% over three years starting after the January 2026 PSC settlement. Evergy Missouri Metro filed for 14.9% effective January 2027. Every utility-rate increase makes solar-plus-battery economics better because your stored sunshine displaces increasingly expensive grid power.
Grid outages are getting worse
Missouri and Kansas sit in tornado alley with severe ice storms in winter and supercell thunderstorms through summer. Liberty Utilities reports an average outage duration of 170 minutes per event. The aPower 2's IP67 weatherproof rating and -4°F cold start mean it keeps working when the grid goes down, even in extreme weather.
Time-of-use rates reward storage
Evergy Missouri put all customers on time-of-use rates in October 2023. Peak rates from 4 to 8 PM run approximately 38 cents per kilowatt-hour in summer. A battery charges from cheap off-peak power (or solar) and discharges during peak hours, capturing roughly 29 cents per kilowatt-hour in arbitrage value on top of net metering credits.
A fourth reason worth noting: the federal residential solar Investment Tax Credit (which had covered 30% of battery cost when paired with solar) expired December 31, 2025. The 2026 federal incentive landscape is more limited, which makes the underlying economics of higher-rate states like Missouri and Kansas matter more in the payback math. Solar Assure's 25% Midas Wealth check program (using third-party commercial tax credits) provides a partial offset for qualifying residential customers, but it applies to the solar side rather than the battery side of the project.
▸ The Specs
Franklin aPower 2 technical specifications.
The full technical breakdown for the Franklin aPower 2, model APR-10K15V2-US. Verified against the manufacturer datasheet (December 2025 revision).
Usable Capacity15 kWh
Continuous Output10 kW
Peak Output15 kW for 10 sec
LRA Surge185 A
Battery ChemistryLithium Iron Phosphate (LFP)
Round-Trip Efficiency90%
Warranty15 years or 60 MWh throughput
Cycle Life~10,000 cycles at 80% DoD
Operating Temperature-4°F to 131°F
Enclosure RatingIP67 / NEMA Type 3R
CoolingNatural air, fan-less
Noise Level30 dBA (whisper)
Output Voltage120/240V split-phase
ArchitectureAC-coupled (with built-in inverter)
Maximum Stack15 units (225 kWh)
Dimensions45.2 × 29.5 × 11.8 in
Weight357 lb
MountingWall or floor
CommunicationsWi-Fi, Ethernet, CAN
ComplianceUL 3141, IEEE 1547, UN 38.3
▸ Pricing
Honest pricing, no hidden fees.
Solar Assure prices the Franklin aPower 2 at $15,500 for the first unit installed and $12,800 for each additional unit. Pricing covers the battery, the aGate controller, all electrical interconnection, permits, and utility net metering paperwork (Ameren, Evergy MO, Evergy KS, or Liberty). No surprise fees at the end.
1 unit
$15,500
15 kWh
~12 hr essentials
2 units
$28,300
30 kWh
~24 hr essentials
3 units
$41,100
45 kWh
~36 hr essentials
5 units
$66,700
75 kWh
~2.5 days off-grid
Pricing is per battery, fully installed at your home. The math is simple: $15,500 + $12,800 × (N − 1) where N is the number of units. Maximum stack is 15 units per aGate controller, totaling $194,700 for a 225 kWh system (typically off-grid or small commercial scale). Try the Solar Assure cost calculator with the battery configurator to see your specific system size, expected backup runtime, and total project cost in about 60 seconds.
These prices are for battery-only installs or batteries added to an existing solar system. When pairing with new solar at the time of original installation, the integrated quote may have small efficiencies that reduce the marginal battery cost. All pricing is subject to in-person verification of your electrical panel capacity, mounting location, and any local permitting variations.
▸ vs Tesla & Enphase
Franklin aPower 2 vs Tesla Powerwall 3 vs Enphase IQ Battery 5P.
The three batteries Solar Assure customers most often compare. Here is the side-by-side as of April 2026, drawing on each manufacturer's official datasheets.
Spec
Franklin aPower 2
Tesla Powerwall 3
Enphase IQ Battery 5P
Usable capacity (per unit)
15 kWh
13.5 kWh
5 kWh
Continuous output
10 kW
11.5 kW
3.84 kW
Peak output
15 kW (10 sec)
17.4 kW (10 sec)
7.68 kW (3 sec)
Battery chemistry
LFP
LFP
LFP
Warranty
15 years / 60 MWh
10 years
15 years
Round-trip efficiency
90%
~97% (DC-coupled)
90%
Inverter integration
AC-coupled (works with any inverter)
Built-in solar inverter
AC-coupled (Enphase ecosystem)
Operating temperature
-4°F to 131°F
-4°F to 122°F
-4°F to 122°F
Maximum stack
15 units (225 kWh)
4 units (54 kWh practical)
~16 units modularly
Cooling
Fan-less (30 dBA)
Liquid-cooled
Fan-less
App for monitoring
FranklinWH
Tesla App
Enphase App
Compatible with Enphase microinverters
Yes
Limited
Native
The honest takeaway: all three are solid LFP-chemistry batteries from reputable manufacturers. Tesla Powerwall 3 wins on continuous and peak output and round-trip efficiency, but loses on warranty length and stacking flexibility. Enphase IQ Battery 5P wins on modularity (smaller 5 kWh increments) but gets expensive when scaled to whole-home capacity. The Franklin aPower 2 wins on storage per unit, warranty length, scaling capability, temperature tolerance, and operates fan-less for silent operation.
For Solar Assure customers using Enphase microinverters on the solar side, the AC-coupled Franklin aPower 2 is the natural pairing because it handles the storage side at lower cost than scaling Enphase IQ Battery 5P units to equivalent capacity. Customers who would otherwise need 3 Enphase IQ Battery 5Ps (15 kWh) get the same capacity for less in a single Franklin unit. This is why Franklin is Solar Assure's recommended battery for whole-home and off-grid configurations.
▸ Use Cases
Three configurations Solar Assure installs most often.
Most homeowners fit one of three patterns. The configuration determines unit count, electrical panel work, and total project cost.
▸ Most Common
Essentials backup, 1 unit
For homeowners who want to ride out storm-related outages without losing the fridge, freezer, lights, internet, or sump pump. Includes one window AC unit running occasionally. Most common configuration in the St. Louis metro and Kansas City suburbs.
For homeowners who want central HVAC, kitchen, and large appliances running through extended outages. Common in southwest Missouri (Liberty territory, ice storms) and Kansas tornado alley. Three units handles 36 hours of full-home use without rationing.
For homeowners on rural acreage who want true grid independence. Sized to cover 2 to 3 days of full-home consumption to ride out cloudy stretches. Common pairing for new builds in rural southwest Missouri or off-grid cabins in the Kansas Flint Hills.
5 × Franklin aPower 2 · 75 kWh · ~2.5 days off-grid · $66,700
▸ TOU Savings Math
A worked example: battery arbitrage on Evergy Missouri.
For Evergy Missouri customers on the default Standard Peak Saver time-of-use plan, batteries unlock daily arbitrage value on top of net metering credits. Here is what the math looks like for a typical Lees Summit home with a 9 kW solar system and one Franklin aPower 2.
Daily arbitrage cycle · summer weekday on Evergy MO Standard Peak Saver
Off-peak / midday charge from solar:15 kWh stored at $0/kWh marginal cost
Solar exports during peak (excess production):~10 kWh × $0.38 = $3.80 net metering credit
Combined daily benefit (peak season):~$9.50 per day · ~$1,900 over summer season
This is on top of the underlying solar production savings. Annualized including shoulder seasons (lower peak rate differential in spring and fall, milder winter peak), the typical TOU arbitrage benefit on Evergy Missouri runs roughly $1,000 to $1,500 per battery per year. Stacked against the $15,500 first-unit price, that means the TOU arbitrage value alone delivers a 10-to-15-year payback on the battery, with whole-home backup, EV-charging support, and 15-year warranty bundled in. Customers on flat-rate utilities (Ameren Missouri, Evergy Kansas, Liberty Utilities Missouri) have less daily arbitrage opportunity but stronger backup-value justifications because of higher outage frequency in those service territories.
Note: this example assumes the Standard Peak Saver default rate plan. Evergy MO offers four TOU options and the math varies by plan. Solar Assure models expected battery savings against your specific historical usage and rate plan during the in-person quote, so you see realistic dollar figures rather than marketing averages. For more on Evergy Missouri's TOU rates and how solar interacts with them, see our Evergy Missouri Solar Guide.
▸ Compatibility
Works with your existing solar.
The Franklin aPower 2 is AC-coupled, meaning it integrates with virtually any solar inverter on the market. Adding it to an existing system requires an amended interconnection agreement with your utility but does not require replacing your solar inverter.
If you have Enphase microinverters
Most Solar Assure customers do. The aPower 2 pairs natively with Enphase microinverters because both are AC-coupled architectures. The Franklin sits at the home's electrical panel rather than between the panels and the inverter. Your existing Enphase App continues monitoring solar production while the FranklinWH app handles battery state-of-charge and outage management. Two apps, but each does what it does best.
If you have a string inverter
Also fine. AC-coupled architecture means the aPower 2 attaches to the AC bus downstream of your existing string inverter. Compatibility verified across most major string inverters including SolarEdge, SMA, Fronius, and others. The retrofit electrical work is similar to a new battery install: the aPower 2 ties into the main electrical panel, and the aGate controller handles the islanding logic when the grid goes down.
If you have no solar yet
The aPower 2 can install standalone as a grid-charged battery. This works particularly well on Evergy Missouri's TOU rates where peak vs off-peak arbitrage delivers daily value even without solar. However, pairing solar at the time of original installation is more economical because solar provides daily zero-marginal-cost charging. For a fresh installation, Solar Assure typically recommends the integrated solar-plus-battery quote rather than battery-only.
If you have a generator
The aPower 2 plays nicely with backup generators. The aGate controller can prioritize battery discharge first, then start the generator only when the battery reaches a configurable lower threshold. This extends generator runtime and reduces fuel consumption during extended outages. Useful for rural homes in Liberty Utilities Missouri or Evergy Kansas Central territories where grid outages can last 24 hours or longer.
▸ FAQ
Common questions about the Franklin aPower 2.
How much does the Franklin aPower 2 cost installed?
Solar Assure installs the Franklin aPower 2 at $15,500 for the first unit and $12,800 for each additional unit. Two units total $28,300, three units total $41,100, and the math continues additively up to a maximum of 15 units per aGate for $194,700 (225 kWh). Pricing covers the battery, the aGate controller, electrical panel work, permits, and utility net metering paperwork. The federal residential solar Investment Tax Credit (which covered 30% of battery cost when paired with solar) expired December 31, 2025, so 2026 customers no longer have access to that incentive on the battery.
What is the Franklin aPower 2's storage capacity and power output?
Each unit has 15 kilowatt-hours of usable storage and delivers 10 kilowatts of continuous power (about 40 amps at 240 volts). Peak output reaches 15 kilowatts for 10 seconds with 185-amp locked rotor amperage (LRA) surge capability, enough to start a 5-ton air conditioner while running other essentials. A single unit can power most homes day and night including A/C, EV charging, electric heat, and large appliances.
How long does it back up my home during an outage?
Backup runtime depends on what you are running. Essentials only (refrigerator, lights, internet, fans, sump pump) at about 1.2 kW average load: ~12 hours per unit. Most of the home including HVAC at about 2.5 kW average load: ~5.7 hours per unit. Stacking two units doubles runtime to roughly 24 hours of essentials or 11 hours of full-home use. Three units stacked deliver about 36 hours of essentials backup, enough to ride out most Missouri or Kansas storm events.
Is the Franklin aPower 2 safe for indoor or garage installation?
Yes. The aPower 2 uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, significantly safer than older lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistry because LFP is much more resistant to thermal runaway. The unit is rated IP67 (fully dust-tight and water immersion resistant to 3.3 feet) inside a NEMA Type 3R enclosure, suitable for indoor or outdoor installation. Fan-less natural air cooling at just 30 decibels (whisper quiet) means no fan noise even during active charging or discharging.
How does the Franklin aPower 2 compare to the Tesla Powerwall 3?
Both use LFP chemistry and target the same whole-home backup market. The Franklin aPower 2 has slightly more storage (15 kWh vs Tesla's 13.5 kWh) and a longer warranty (15 years vs Tesla's 10 years). The Tesla Powerwall 3 has higher continuous output (11.5 kW vs Franklin's 10 kW) and an integrated solar inverter, while Franklin is AC-coupled requiring a separate solar inverter. Franklin scales further (225 kWh max with 15 units vs Tesla's 4-Powerwall practical cap), wins on warranty length, and integrates with any existing solar inverter (including the Enphase microinverters Solar Assure typically installs). Tesla wins on integrated ecosystem if starting from scratch with Tesla solar. For Solar Assure customers using Enphase microinverters, the AC-coupled Franklin is the better fit.
Can the Franklin aPower 2 work without solar panels?
Yes. The aPower 2 is grid-chargeable and can install as a standalone backup battery without solar. Charging from the grid during off-peak hours and discharging during peak hours or outages works particularly well on Evergy Missouri's mandatory time-of-use rates, where peak rates reach approximately 38 cents per kilowatt-hour from 4 to 8 PM in summer while off-peak rates run around 9 cents. Charging at 9 cents and discharging during 38-cent peaks captures roughly 29 cents per kilowatt-hour in arbitrage value. However, pairing with solar is more economical because solar provides daily charging at zero marginal cost.
How many Franklin aPower 2 units do I need?
Most homes need just one unit for essentials backup (refrigerator, lights, internet, sump pump, occasional A/C). One unit handles a 5-ton central A/C plus other essentials simultaneously. Larger homes with electric heat, EV charging, well pumps, or two HVAC zones benefit from two units. True off-grid living typically requires 3 to 5 units depending on home size and load profile. The Solar Assure cost calculator's battery configurator suggests an appropriate count based on your monthly bill, with the final number locked in during the in-person quote based on your specific loads.
What is the warranty on the Franklin aPower 2?
Franklin offers a 15-year limited warranty on the aPower 2 or 60 megawatt-hours of throughput, whichever comes first. This is one of the longest warranties in the home battery market (Tesla Powerwall 3 offers 10 years, most competitors offer 5 to 10 years). The warranty guarantees at least 70% capacity retention at the end of the 15-year period and covers approximately 10,000 charge cycles at 80% depth of discharge. For homeowners using the battery aggressively for daily TOU arbitrage on Evergy Missouri, the throughput cap (60 MWh) is unlikely to bind because typical residential use cycles 10 to 15 MWh over 15 years.
Where is it installed and how big is it?
The aPower 2 is wall-mounted or floor-mounted, typically in a garage, basement, utility room, or against an exterior wall. Dimensions are 45.2 inches tall by 29.5 inches wide by 11.8 inches deep, weighing 357 pounds per unit. The IP67 weatherproof rating allows outdoor mounting in rain, snow, or extreme weather. Solar Assure handles the structural mounting, electrical interconnection, and permitting. Most installations complete in a single day for one to two units.
Does it work in cold Missouri winters or hot Kansas summers?
Yes. The aPower 2 operates reliably from -4°F to 131°F, easily covering Missouri and Kansas climate extremes (Kansas can hit 110°F in summer; Missouri winters occasionally reach -10°F). The unit derates performance above 122°F to protect cells but continues operating up to the 131°F upper limit. Lithium iron phosphate chemistry is much more thermally stable than older lithium-ion types, which is why LFP is preferred for outdoor or unconditioned-space installations in Midwest climates. Fan-less natural cooling means no fans to fail in extreme weather.
How does it work with Missouri or Kansas net metering?
Adding a battery to an existing solar net metering system requires an amended interconnection agreement with your utility (Ameren Missouri, Evergy Missouri, Evergy Kansas, or Liberty Utilities Missouri). The amendment includes updated equipment specification sheets and a revised one-line diagram. Utility review takes about 30 days for residential systems. The battery does not change your net metering credits because it is AC-coupled behind your meter. It does change how you use those credits: instead of exporting all surplus solar to the grid, you can store some for evening or outage use. On Evergy Missouri's time-of-use rates, this is especially valuable.
Can it charge an electric vehicle?
Yes, but with practical caveats. The aPower 2 outputs 10 kilowatts continuous, which is enough to power a Level 2 EV charger at 32 amps (about 7.7 kW), still leaving headroom for the rest of the home. However, charging an EV from the battery alone depletes capacity quickly: a typical EV needs 60 to 80 kilowatt-hours for a full charge, which would drain four to five fully charged aPower 2 units. The recommended approach is to charge the EV directly from solar during the day and use the battery for after-sunset home loads, including a partial top-off if needed.
What is the FranklinWH app and what does it show?
The FranklinWH mobile app shows real-time battery state of charge, charging and discharging power, daily and monthly energy flow data (solar to battery, battery to home, grid imports and exports), and provides smart energy management settings including time-of-use schedules, storm-watch automatic charging, and circuit-level load control if your installation includes the optional smart circuit module. The app is separate from the Enphase App that monitors your solar production. Solar Assure customers receive setup help for both apps during the system commissioning.
Ready to configure your battery?
The Solar Assure cost calculator includes a battery configurator: pick your option (solar only, backup power, off-grid), see your unit count, total storage, expected backup runtime, and project total in about 60 seconds.
Written by Joshua HayeslipCo-Founder, Solar Assure · Lake Saint Louis, Missouri
Joshua co-founded Solar Assure with his wife Tori in 2022 after a decade in solar sales and installation. He installs Franklin aPower 2 batteries personally for residential customers across Missouri and Kansas. Reach him at josh@solarassure.net or (636) 679-0998. Read more →
By Joshua Hayeslip · Co-Founder, Solar Assure
Updated April 25, 2026
~ 14 min read