Best Tesla Powerwall Alternatives 2023

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Solar Surge will teach you all about being energy independent and how to set up your home to run off-the-grid during an emergency. We empower families to take control of their energy generation and storage so that they will never be left in the dark without electricity.
In this video Joe from Solar Surge discusses the 3 best alternatives to Tesla's Powerwall.
SPAN Smart Panel: tinyurl.com/ykzb9rm4
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-Product Links-
SolarEdge Home Battery System: www.solaredge.com/en/products...
Enphase IQ Battery 10T: enphase.com/store/storage/iq-...
FranklinWH Battery System: www.franklinwh.com/

[@duanetanouye]

I really appreciate your videos. The discussions are very straightforward and comprehensive. Thank you!

[@SolarSurge]

Glad you like them!

[@davelindgren5245]

Just my personal opinion, unless you are using Tesla to do your solar install, the chances of actually getting a PowerWall is slim to none (and on top of the that Tesla will not do ground mounts if you wanted to use them for solar but need a ground mount). I waited almost a year for a PowerWall and then went with Enphase (The wait times might have improved since my experience with them). I am very happy with Enphase. 33 KW of batteries with 3 air conditioners. We did install soft starts on 2 of the the air conditioners. I am having more solar installed, at some point I will look for batteries for that new solar system. It will be a tough decision between all the choices out there now. Getting a system that supports bi directional EV charging is high on my list. The time of day electrical rates, using power from your car during peak rates and re charging it later that night at the cheapest rates is a game changer.

[@jamesg6071]

EG4 is a great cost effective solution

[@synaptichorizons]

First of all felt this was a very well presented and prepared overview of current whole home solar power systems. No one does it quite as good as you do. However that being said, etc.

[@johnanderson9735]

When I got my batteries my installer informed me that they didn’t know when they could get PW’s and presented me with Enphase Encharge as an alternative and I went with that. The equipment in this industry changes so fast, that if you wait for the latest and greatest you would never get anything installed. The Encharge batteries are working great!

[@kennethgirouard9776]

Thanks. Very informative.

[@strykerace]

Tesla is offering Powerwalls Direct (without Tesla Solar) again so likely they are building up a backlog. Expect an announcement on V3 Powerwall soon, possibly be lithium iron phosphate solution.

[@cyrusbirgani4209]

Great job. Joe thanks for information

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

Thanks for sharing. Never heard of Franklin.

[@bryanwhitton1784]

As soon as the sky stops dropping massive amounts of water(at least for here) I will be installing the Darfon Gen two Hybrid system on my house. I will have about 35kWh of energy and 9.6 kW of power when the grid is on and 7.6 kWs when the grid is gone. It is rated at about 14kW surge capacity with no grid as well. I will be replacing my older SunPower modules and SMA inverter with 8.2kW of PV and DC coupling that to the Darfon inverter installing a new roof as well. One really cool thing about this inverter is that it can be AC and DC coupled. Not or but and, if you are retrofitting to an existing array that can be AC coupled but if you need to add PV you can fun that directly into the inverter as well. I will also connect my existing 7.6kW Propane generator into it so if I have reduced PV I can recharge the battery from the generator.

[@campanileLabs]

4pm to 9pm peak hours in summer. Just a reminder, It would be nice to have one of those.

[@sailme2day]

joe , great update . Can you consider doing a video on all the present invertor and battery warranty's ? Most folks never read the warranty before their system purchase and they do not understand how the word "or" can way shorten the warranty period . details matter . I have not seen this type of youtube video yet . you can do it :)

[@nissanhawaiinationnhn9963]

Question, I have two solar systems on my home one is without a back up battery. It’s a 7 kW system and the second one is a 5 kW system with a tesla power wall 2 and if I decide to hook up the Franklin batteries with my 7 kW system, have you ever run into two different types of batteries operating your home?

[@dhrivnak59]

I like you evaluation and I agree the FranklinWH is a very good option. I installed one and have been quite pleased so far. And from my view the cost is noticably lower than SolarEdge. With EnPhase they have additional challenges in that from what I can tell the batteries, using the newer IQ8 microinverers do not play well with the not so old IQ7 or IQ6 microinverters. So from my view EnPhase and SolarEdge are onlyh apporiate on a new install. And I would be careful about overselling the EnPhase bi-directional charger as it is a bit ahead of it's time as VERY few EV's support power export. I think ONLY the Ford F150 Lightening is only shipping EV that will support power export.

[@SolarSurge]

Good feedback. I agree that, for Enphase storage, you should use all current state-of-the-art micro-inverters.

[@alwayslearning3671]

I've been looking at the Franklin for one reason that I never heard mentioned--"black start" that allows solar panels to charge the battery during a power outage.

[@SolarSurge]

All of these batteries allow solar battery recharging during off grid operation.

[@alwayslearning3671]

@@SolarSurge Thanks for clearing that up and thanks for providing valuable info.

[@alphonsobrownlee7269]

Can you mix power walls to obtain whole house system, I presently have one Tesla power wall, and I’m looking to increase my power wall to obtain whole house capabilities

[@johnsteach9622]

HI Joe!! and thanks for the information. I have a 13kwh Solar install with a mix of LG and Panasonic. Will be installing 1 Franklin WHB Setup next month. My Question is going forward will I have to stay with Franklin for more battery capacity or are the other solutions ?

[@SolarSurge]

Yes, if you are using the Franklin aGate transfer switch then you should stick to all Franklin batteries.

[@tomkomadina7390]

I'm curious what Joe would say about the advisability of getting a generator if a consumer either has or plans to get an electric vehicle that can do bi-directional charging (i.e. could be used to power a home during a prolonged outage). I also am wondering about the Solar Edge battery. I tried to get a system with a local installer but they would only do a grid tied Solar Edge system, not one with a backup battery. They told me that they have too many call backs on this battery and they don't get paid for labor costs to remove the old battery and install the new one.

[@Sylvan_dB]

If you do not have access to the grid, how many days of autonomy do you want at what lifestyle? If your car is able to provide that and you are happy with draining your car that amount, then you don't need a generator. In my area I might have a week or more with effectively no solar. Battery, even a car, isn't going to provide for that long without me severely restricting use. Worse, these days usually are cold and I need heat. I need either grid or a generator (or both).

[@chancestreetman8314]

I'll be interested to see how things will change with the Tesla Powerwall 3.

[@SolarSurge]

Me too.

[@Tearitupsports]

Do any of the systems have a bumpless transfer from grid to battery in the case of an outage? Also on the Franklin how is the battery charged? My neighbors here in TX supposedly have to charge their Tesla Powerwall battery from excess solar only (except in emergencies). The Franklin is not tied to any solar though, and I was wondering how that worked. For reference I have an older and small SolarEdge system (before EnergyHub), and an F-150 lightning with the ProCharger. The F150 backup has a several minutes downtime after the grid goes out, so I am trying to piece something together to cover that gap potentially.

[@SolarSurge]

Yes. I believe all of these have seamless automatic transfer with no downtime.

[@alphonsobrownlee7269]

It appears to me that I have a combination of interphase and Teslar products because I have both software monitoring on my phone and tablet. Which leads me to believe but I am unsure because I am not an installer, Or tech. I’m just end user. I have 30 panels on my home and I am located and Tennessee.

[@matthewhuszarik4173]

I have a Tesla Power wall and it is enough to back up my house almost indefinitely with natural gas heat, a gas range, and a gas dryer. In the last two years there has only been three periods where it wouldn’t have. What I found interesting is even during most cloudy weather my solar panels supply enough power not only to recharge my battery, but supply the nominal loads I have. I had a heat pump installed and I plan to replace my range and dryer in the near future. To give me the backup capacity to go completely electric requires more than one Power Wall. I have over 50% more solar power generated a year than I use. So I am looking for additional storage capacity about another 30-40kwh. My peak use is on hot days with maximum AC load where I use as much as 60kwh. My ideal solution would be a vehicle that has a 60+kwh battery that can supply home loads. Why this would be ideal for myself is the only time I need a lot of electricity is when I am home and a BEV would be in the garage.

[@SolarSurge]

Yes with natural gas heat, you can carry a lot on a single battery.

[@tonytango6676]

I recall hearing that, during the Texas long term outage, that the Tesla power wall‘s stopped working after 48 hours of not being able to contact the Internet. Something to do with the warranty, but obviously unacceptable.

[@SolarSurge]

Yes I heard similar reports. We are not sure if the shutdowns were due to lost internet connectivity or extreme cold temperatures.

[@kevineichhorst4905]

Since Tesla just announced the powerwall is again available for 9200 plus tax, is this still much more expensive than the other options?

[@edjlennon]

I've heard that the SolarEdge battery system requires a special restart or reset should it ever drain down to below 10%. Can you tell me if this is true? But more important, does Franklin have that same limitation?

[@SolarSurge]

I remember this was a problem with the original SolarEdge StorEdge with LG battery. I'm not aware of this problem with the current generation for SolarEdge battery.

[@CyclingaroundGuilinChina]

“Like we always do here in the winter time.” Where is “here”. Would I need a backup generator in Florida?

[@SolarSurge]

I like in SC, but I was referring to the continental US in general. Almost all states have a rainy or cloudy season.

[@TicoRealtors]

You missed a big one what about the LG battery with the solar edge? The new LG Prime's have a much higher output.

[@SolarSurge]

That's true, but the SolarEdge inverter becomes a bottleneck regardless of battery power.

[@dewholdingsllc1050]

You don’t mention price point of Franklin

[@TrustedSolarAdviser]

Is it a good practice to increase the size of the solar system to accomodate battery charging? Rule of thumb in % increase?

[@SolarSurge]

10%

[@Anavllama]

HI Sir, Can you hook up the Franklin battery to the enphase Smart Switch (iq8 system)? The smart switch handles the power from a. grid. b. backup-generator and c. solar panels. But can the Franklin batteries replace the enphase battery in that sort of system?? Why is enphase so far behind franklin in battery power? You also noted a Canadian battery in another video?

[@SolarSurge]

Hi Alex and thanks for writing in. The Enphase and Franklin systems are very similar in terms of functionality. Both support, solar, batteries, and backup generator. The Franklin batteries are just physically larger than the Enphase batteries, thus more storage capacity and power per battery.

[@Anavllama]

@@SolarSurge Ahh okay, so difference in design philosophy more than technology. What about compatibility? Can the franklin batter fit right into the enphase system, just provide the backup power or not really encouraged do to some either loss in functionality or loss in whole system monitoring?

[@solarsurgepodcast]

​@@Anavllama Franklin is compatible with Enphase micro-inverters, but you need to use the Franklin aGate for the transfer switch.

[@Anavllama]

@@solarsurgepodcast Much thanks, already have the smart switch hooked up, so Franklin Batteries are a non-starter. Thanks, will wait for enphase to discover better battery tech that is cheaper............... looks like generac generator will get my $$

[@jackpeace5330]

I have 1 Tesla Powerwall and 12 solar panels, can I add a different brand battery to my system? I also have a Span Electric Panel.

[@davehasenford3985]

no.

[@QE007]

You would have to have your second battery power a separate sub panel and you can land the PW into the span panel

[@peterroenke8720]

How does this compare to the Ecoflow Delta Pro home backup system?

[@SolarSurge]

The EcoFlow is not really in the same category. All of these batteries are fixed for home backup. EcoFlow is more of a portable, DIY solution.

[@dennydewaal137]

Does it really matter if the inverter is in ore next to the battery.. not really if you ask me.. what does matter is is the battery a pouch cell ( a pufferfish 🐡 in the making) ore a cilinder wall cell ( pressure tank ) .. no 2 beats nr 1 .. in the long run

[@user-ld7fq9xb5e]

I am looking at installing a Franklin battery (no solar panels) with a gas powered generator as back up but also want to install a SPAN panel. SPAN does not include Franklin in there list of supported whole home batteries. What kind of issues should I expect or is SPAN not even possible in this mix until they have support for Franklin?

[@SolarSurge]

Franklin has their own smart load management. For a similar solution, consider Enphase. SPAN is now integrated with Enphase. See here: www.span.io/enphase

[@user-ld7fq9xb5e]

@@SolarSurge But the Franklin load management is just for 2 circuits. I wouldn’t necessarily compare it to what SPAN does. Was hoping to go with Franklin. Seen your other videos on home batteries and saw how great Franklin product is. Had originally decided on Tesla but after your videos and doing more homework on Franklin changed my product decision. Any word if SPAN will introduce integration with Franklin? If there isn’t integration between the two does it mean that the install is not possible or just that I lose some capability? Thanks. Great videos.

[@SolarSurge]

@@user-ld7fq9xb5e SPAN just announced integration with Enphase batteries. I would think Franklin is coming soon.

[@lawrencewebb2970]

How about prices. I really like Franklin with the generator hookup.

[@QE007]

You can get a aGate and aPower for around $11,500. It’s how much mine cost

[@lawrencewebb2970]

@@QE007 installed?

[@metnmagic1]

Do you have to update your electric panel to use the agate?

[@SolarSurge]

No. Franklin aGate can be connected above the main breaker panel, similar to a whole house generator transfer switch.

[@alphonsobrownlee7269]

I have two hour conditioners and approximately 3200 ft.² and I would like to know approximately how much would cost to upgrade my system for whole house functioning. I am also very concerned with maintenance and servicing because in West Tennessee I’ve got service contract is hard to come by

[@Rkcuddles]

Wish you did more of a review instead of a marketing pitch

[@Vaitb85]

Can you comment on any issues with Enphase's parasitic draw? I've read that this can be up to 15% daily. I'm strongly considering an Enphase battery, but this gives me pause.

[@SolarSurge]

It’s true. The Enphase BMS and overhead is about 20W continuous draw per Enphase 10 battery. Systems should be sized to compensate for this.

[@brawlman]

Confirmation whether the newer IQ Battery 10T has the same draw? I didn't see it mentioned on tht spec sheet, but it makes sense with what's running/monitoring in the background

[@cjonesplay1]

Tesla announced yesterday. You can now order 1-3 Powerwall's. Without ordering solar panels.$8000 Per PW. If you alrdeady have a PW and or Solar panels. If you don't. Then its $9000. I have a 12kW 1 PW system. The one PW gives me a Whole home Backup. That works Amazingly. If my Grid goes down. I'm able to run my Hvac and all appliances. I Usually turn my HVAC off. To make the PW last longer for a grid outage. I will keep my eye on these current Powerwall deals. It is a great time to buy. If you can afford a PW. For the Price and Specs. The Tesla Powerwall is the Best. 13.5kW of usauble storage. I'm alos a Tesla Electric Customer. I'm in Texas. It would be Great if you did a video on Tesla Electric new Plan and upcoming Plan. That will be $30 for unlimited EV charging. Great video Joe.

[@SolarSurge]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@damon808]

Tesla PW NMC is a 3,000 cycle chemistry. FranklinWH and Enphase LiFePo is a 6,000 cycle chemistry. Franklin is also 13.6kWh usable. Enphase modular battery units are only 85lbs compared to 350 for Tesla and 400 for Franklin. Easier on the installer and better for replacement.

[@cjonesplay1]

@@damon808 Great info. I have my PW mounted on my garage wall. It sticks out about 5 inches. I can park my Tesla next to it. How wide /depth are the modular batteries?

[@siloeservice]

@@damon808 I think that enphase is better than tesla because of the life cycles

[@siloeservice]

@@SolarSurge hi I am installer from PR how to certified to install Tesla power wall and service

[@iabuchan]

Can Franklin do V2G? Thanks

[@SolarSurge]

Yes

[@George-hl2xm]

Can you use these things with a community solar system

[@SolarSurge]

The Franklin should support community solar. The other systems are designed for individual home use.

[@George-hl2xm]

@@SolarSurge thanks

[@montywm69]

Don't you love how going to each of these companies website links, and none provide any prices

[@SolarSurge]

The prices vary based on your location and who the installer is. I would budget $15k installed minimum for any of these solutions.

[@dewholdingsllc1050]

You talk about price of solar edge but not in phase

[@QE007]

An enphase 10T is about $8k and the IQ controller is about $2k

[@dcavic6157]

Man I cant wait to spend 30k-50k$ for a home battery to be functional

[@barriedear5990]

Odd that you can buy the same amount of kWh in a Model 3 as 4 powerwalls for the same price.

[@edc1569]

wow, that's pretty damming

[@brockallstate]

Idk why everyone wouldn’t want sonnen if it’s a forever home. Just cuz of the lifespan and cycle life of sonnen compared to Tesla…

[@haroldwalma255]

Not everyone has the option of a generator. Even if I had the space for one in my townhome the HOA would not allow it.

[@N0bull]

QHome didn’t make the cut?

[@SolarSurge]

No. Q.home is still an experimental product as far as I can tell. I haven't seen a single installation or heard of a homeowner review.

[@N0bull]

@@SolarSurge I guess I will be one of the first, I should have it in a couple of months.

[@Alan_bui]

this begs the question: How long will these backup batteries last? 10 yrs? I heard. If so the cost of the battery doesn't justify.

[@edc1569]

Powerwall is so outdated now compared to LFP solutions.

[@herbertvonsauerkrautunterh2513]

Renewable energy isn't clean or renewable. I'm currently putting together an off grid system myself and run most of my house off that and feed in to the grid more. The only reason, money. Not the BS reason a lot of people fall for

[@permafrost7781]

too much smart crap bruh