Batteries

Tesla Powerwall 3 vs FranklinWH aPower 2

Side-by-side comparison based on specs, real pricing, and our crew's installation experience. Updated for 2026.

Tesla

FranklinWH

Choose Tesla Powerwall 3 if:

Whole-home backup with a single unit
Homes needing high continuous power (11.5 kW)
Tesla vehicle owners (unified Tesla app)
Starting heavy loads like AC and well pumps (185 LRA)

$15,400 installed

Choose FranklinWH aPower 2 if:

True whole-home backup with highest capacity (15 kWh)
Homes with high-draw appliances (central AC, well pumps, EV chargers)
Generator integration — seamless hybrid backup
Maximum power output (10 kW continuous, 15 kW peak)

$17,500 installed (with aGate)

Spec-by-Spec Comparison

Specification

Tesla Powerwall 3

FranklinWH aPower 2

Price

$15,400 installed

$17,500 installed (with aGate)

Warranty

10 years

15 years

Usable Capacity

13.5 kWh

15 kWh

Continuous Power

11.5 kW

10 kW

Peak Power

11.5 kW sustained

15 kW (10 sec)

Round-trip Efficiency

89%

Chemistry

LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate)

Weight

287 lbs (130 kg)

331 lbs (150 kg)

Dimensions

43.25 x 24.0 x 7.6 in

43.5 x 30.0 x 14.6 in

Operating Temp

-20°C to 50°C

-20°C to 55°C

Connectivity

Tesla Gateway + Wi-Fi/Cellular

FranklinWH aGate + Wi-Fi/Ethernet

NuWatt Rating

9/10

Pros & Cons

Tesla Powerwall 3

Pros

+11.5 kW continuous output — highest of any residential battery
+Integrated solar inverter (up to 20 kW DC input) — simplifies installation
+LFP chemistry — safer and longer-lasting than NMC
+Tesla app with Storm Watch auto-prepares for outages
+Can start motors up to 185 LRA — handles central AC easily
+Expansion packs add 13.5 kWh each (up to 3)

Cons

-10-year warranty — shortest in our lineup
-Availability can be inconsistent — 3-6 month waits common
-Requires Tesla-certified installer
-$1,140/kWh — more expensive per kWh than competitors

FranklinWH aPower 2

Pros

+15 kWh capacity — largest single residential battery
+10 kW continuous / 15 kW peak — handles heavy loads
+aGate controller manages loads intelligently via app
+IP67 waterproof — install anywhere, indoor or outdoor
+Seamless generator integration for extended outages
+Scales up to 15 batteries per aGate (225 kWh)

Cons

-$17,500 installed — highest total cost (includes aGate)
-aGate required — adds $3,000-4,000 to system cost
-Heavier than competitors at 330+ lbs
-Smaller installer network than Tesla or Enphase

Installation Notes from Our Crew

Tesla Powerwall 3

Powerwall 3 has a built-in solar inverter, so it replaces both the battery and inverter in a new solar+storage system — saves $2,000-3,000 vs separate components. Our Tesla-certified crew installs in 4-6 hours. The 11.5 kW continuous output means a single unit can back up the whole house including AC. Expansion packs ($5,900 each) add capacity without another inverter.

FranklinWH aPower 2

The aPower 2 is our whole-home backup champion. The aGate controller installs next to the main panel and handles automatic load management — it can prioritize circuits and integrate with a generator for extended outages. Total install runs 5-7 hours with a two-person crew. IP67 rating means we can mount it outdoors without a shelter. Best choice when the customer wants to back up everything including central AC and EV charger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tesla Powerwall 3 or FranklinWH aPower 2 better?

The Tesla Powerwall 3 scores 9/10 vs 9/10 in our rating. It excels at: whole-home backup with a single unit. The FranklinWH aPower 2 is the better choice if: true whole-home backup with highest capacity (15 kwh). The right pick depends on your specific situation.

How much does the Tesla Powerwall 3 cost vs the FranklinWH aPower 2?

The Tesla Powerwall 3 costs $15,400 installed. The FranklinWH aPower 2 costs $17,500 installed (with aGate). Both prices include professional installation by NuWatt Energy. State incentives may reduce your net cost — use our calculator for exact pricing.

Which has a better warranty?

The Tesla Powerwall 3 has a 10-year warranty (10-year warranty with 70% capacity retention guarantee). The FranklinWH aPower 2 has a 15-year warranty (15-year warranty with 60 MWh throughput guarantee). FranklinWH offers the longer warranty.

Does NuWatt install both the Tesla Powerwall 3 and FranklinWH aPower 2?

Yes. NuWatt Energy installs both products and our crew has hands-on experience with each. We can help you choose based on your home, energy goals, and budget during a free consultation.

Can I switch from Tesla to FranklinWH later?

In most cases, yes. Batteries can be added to or replaced in existing solar systems. The main consideration is inverter compatibility and electrical panel capacity. Contact NuWatt for a specific assessment of your system.

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Spec-by-Spec Comparison

Specification

Tesla Powerwall 3

FranklinWH aPower 2

Price

$15,400 installed

$17,500 installed (with aGate)

Warranty

10 years

15 years

Usable Capacity

13.5 kWh

15 kWh

Continuous Power

11.5 kW

10 kW

Peak Power

11.5 kW sustained

15 kW (10 sec)

Round-trip Efficiency

89%

Chemistry

LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate)

Weight

287 lbs (130 kg)

331 lbs (150 kg)

Dimensions

43.25 x 24.0 x 7.6 in

43.5 x 30.0 x 14.6 in

Operating Temp

-20°C to 50°C

-20°C to 55°C

Connectivity

Tesla Gateway + Wi-Fi/Cellular

FranklinWH aGate + Wi-Fi/Ethernet

NuWatt Rating

9/10

Pros & Cons

Tesla Powerwall 3

Pros

+11.5 kW continuous output — highest of any residential battery
+Integrated solar inverter (up to 20 kW DC input) — simplifies installation
+LFP chemistry — safer and longer-lasting than NMC
+Tesla app with Storm Watch auto-prepares for outages
+Can start motors up to 185 LRA — handles central AC easily
+Expansion packs add 13.5 kWh each (up to 3)

Cons

-10-year warranty — shortest in our lineup
-Availability can be inconsistent — 3-6 month waits common
-Requires Tesla-certified installer
-$1,140/kWh — more expensive per kWh than competitors

FranklinWH aPower 2

Pros

+15 kWh capacity — largest single residential battery
+10 kW continuous / 15 kW peak — handles heavy loads
+aGate controller manages loads intelligently via app
+IP67 waterproof — install anywhere, indoor or outdoor
+Seamless generator integration for extended outages
+Scales up to 15 batteries per aGate (225 kWh)

Cons

-$17,500 installed — highest total cost (includes aGate)
-aGate required — adds $3,000-4,000 to system cost
-Heavier than competitors at 330+ lbs
-Smaller installer network than Tesla or Enphase

Installation Notes from Our Crew

Tesla Powerwall 3

FranklinWH aPower 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tesla Powerwall 3 or FranklinWH aPower 2 better?

How much does the Tesla Powerwall 3 cost vs the FranklinWH aPower 2?

Which has a better warranty?

Does NuWatt install both the Tesla Powerwall 3 and FranklinWH aPower 2?

Yes. NuWatt Energy installs both products and our crew has hands-on experience with each. We can help you choose based on your home, energy goals, and budget during a free consultation.

Can I switch from Tesla to FranklinWH later?

Update Location

Tesla Powerwall 3 vs FranklinWH aPower 2

Choose Tesla Powerwall 3 if:

Choose FranklinWH aPower 2 if:

Spec-by-Spec Comparison

Pros & Cons

Tesla Powerwall 3

Pros

Cons

FranklinWH aPower 2

Pros

Cons

Installation Notes from Our Crew

Tesla Powerwall 3

FranklinWH aPower 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Not Sure Which to Choose?

Tesla Powerwall 3 vs FranklinWH aPower 2

Choose Tesla Powerwall 3 if:

Choose FranklinWH aPower 2 if:

Spec-by-Spec Comparison

Pros & Cons

Tesla Powerwall 3

Pros

Cons

FranklinWH aPower 2

Pros

Cons

Installation Notes from Our Crew

Tesla Powerwall 3

FranklinWH aPower 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Not Sure Which to Choose?