FranklinWH battery cost typically runs about $14,000-$24,000 installed for one aPower battery with the required control equipment, before incentives. Capacity, electrical work, installation region, and whether the quote includes solar panels or backup upgrades are the biggest price drivers.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One aPower battery system | $14,000 | $19,000 | $24,000 | Installed, before incentives |
| Battery equipment | $9,000 | $12,000 | $15,000 | Battery and compatible controls; quote contents vary |
| Installation labor | $2,000 | $4,000 | $7,000 | Standard site versus complex electrical work |
| Added battery | $10,000 | $14,000 | $19,000 | May cost less when gateway and wiring are already installed |
Installed FranklinWH aPower pricing for one home battery
A typical quote for one FranklinWH aPower 2 battery, with approximately 15 kWh of storage, is around $14,000-$24,000 installed. A straightforward project in a lower-cost market may land near $14,000-$17,000; higher labor rates, backup-panel work, or long wiring runs can push a project above $20,000. The midpoint is roughly $19,000, but local quotes and included equipment matter.
Compare the full installed price, not just the battery hardware line. Some bids include the aGate controller, electrical balance-of-system parts, commissioning, and permits; others list some items separately. Assumptions: One battery, standard residential access, no major service-panel replacement, and no solar-panel purchase.
What aGate, wiring, and electrical labor add to the quote
The battery is only one part of the project. The aGate control system and transfer equipment coordinate the battery, solar, and backed-up loads. Electrical work can include circuits, conduit, disconnects, permitting, inspection, and commissioning. Costs rise if the home needs a service-panel upgrade or a subpanel to isolate essential loads.
| Quote component | Low | Typical | High | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery and controls | $9,000 | $12,000 | $15,000 | Model, included gateway, dealer pricing |
| Electrical labor | $2,000 | $4,000 | $7,000 | Wiring distance, panel changes, crew hours |
| Permits and inspection | $200 | $700 | $1,500 | Local fees and plan requirements |
| Conduit and other parts | $500 | $1,200 | $2,500 | Run length, mounting, disconnects |
| Panel or load-management work | $0 | $1,000 | $4,000 | Only when site conditions require it |
Ask the installer to identify any panel upgrade as a separate, conditional line item. This makes it easier to tell whether a high total reflects the battery package or unrelated electrical work.
How 15 kWh capacity and backup loads change the price
One aPower 2 stores about 15 kWh, while usable energy and actual backup runtime depend on operating limits, household demand, and system configuration. A second battery adds substantial equipment expense, although shared controls and existing wiring can reduce the incremental installation charge. Expect roughly $10,000-$19,000 for an added unit when the original system supports expansion; new controls or extensive rewiring can raise that figure.
Load selection affects the electrical scope. Backing up a refrigerator, lights, internet, and selected outlets is usually simpler than supporting central air conditioning, an electric range, or multiple high-draw appliances. A 3-ton air conditioner, for example, may require careful load and startup-current planning, and could call for additional storage or equipment.
More battery capacity does not automatically mean every appliance can run at once. Request an estimated backup-load list and runtime calculation rather than choosing capacity based only on square footage.
Can an existing solar system lower the aPower installation cost
An existing solar array can avoid the expense of buying new panels, but compatibility and wiring still need review. Adding a battery to a solar system with suitable equipment may cost about $10,000-$19,000 for one battery, depending on whether the aGate and necessary electrical connections are already part of the setup. A retrofit that requires new controls, a critical-load panel, or extensive rewiring may approach the price of a complete battery installation.
Get a site-specific compatibility check before treating a solar quote as a simple battery add-on. Ask whether the proposal includes backup during a grid outage, how existing solar equipment connects, and which circuits remain powered.
Why installer labor rates and job time vary by location
Installation labor commonly accounts for $2,000-$7,000 of a one-battery project. A standard installation may take a crew one to two days on site, while panel changes, long conduit runs, or inspection corrections can extend the schedule. Labor rates and permitting costs vary; dense metro areas and higher-cost states may price 10%-25% above a straightforward installation in a lower-cost market. Rural travel or limited installer availability can also add charges.
Compare at least two itemized quotes based on the same backup scope. Confirm crew labor, electrical materials, permit fees, and commissioning are included so a low headline price does not omit necessary work.
Three aPower quotes for different backup setups
| Example scope | Estimated price | Typical work | Budget notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| One battery, essential circuits | $14,000-$17,000 | About 16-24 labor hours | Short wiring run, no panel replacement |
| One battery, broader home backup | $18,000-$24,000 | About 24-40 labor hours | More circuit work and possible load controls |
| Two batteries with new controls | $25,000-$38,000 | About 32-56 labor hours | Higher storage, added wiring, site-dependent scope |
These are planning ranges, not fixed dealer prices. They assume residential installation before incentives and exclude solar-panel purchases; service upgrades or difficult access can exceed the listed high end.
Which FranklinWH quote charges can be avoided or reduced
Costs are easiest to control before equipment is ordered. Have the installer confirm which circuits need backup, keep the battery close to the electrical equipment when practical, and ask whether existing conduit or a suitable panel can be reused. A shorter wire run can reduce both materials and labor. Avoid paying for a second battery until a load and runtime estimate shows that one unit will not meet the intended need.
Request a written scope that separates required work from optional upgrades. Compare warranty terms, monitoring, commissioning, and permit handling alongside price. Do not remove code-required protection or electrical work to lower a bid; instead, ask the contractor to explain and document any proposed cost-saving alternative.
How incentives and taxes affect the final battery price
Incentives can change the net amount, but eligibility depends on current federal rules, state programs, utility offerings, ownership, and installation details. Some programs require an approved installer, specific equipment, or enrollment in a utility plan. A quote should show the installed price before incentives and list any assumed rebate separately rather than deducting uncertain savings from the upfront total.
Verify program availability and eligibility before using a credit to set the budget. Ask the installer for the battery model, invoice detail, and documentation needed for applications, then confirm tax treatment with a qualified tax professional or the relevant program administrator.