Franklin WH aPower vs HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh
The HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh wins this battery comparison by a decisive margin. It delivers 28.8 kWh of usable storage with 25.8 kW continuous output and a 6,000-cycle rating. The 15.2 kWh capacity advantage provides 20 additional hours of essential-load backup.
Key Differences
- • HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh provides 28.8 kWh vs 13.6 kWh usable capacity.
- • HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh achieves 96% round-trip efficiency vs 89%.
- • Franklin WH aPower offers a longer 12-year warranty vs 10 years.
Specifications Breakdown
Usable Storage Capacity
The Franklin WH aPower provides 13.6 kWh of usable capacity (13.6 kWh total, 100% DoD), while the HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh offers 28.8 kWh usable (28.8 kWh total, 100% DoD). At an average essential-load consumption rate of 750 watts, the Franklin WH aPower provides approximately 18.1 hours of backup versus 38.4 hours for the HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh. The HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh's 15.2 kWh capacity advantage translates to roughly 20 additional hours of essential-load backup during a grid outage. The Franklin WH aPower is scalable up to 15 units (204 kWh total), while the HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh scales up to 15 units (432 kWh total).
Power Output
The Franklin WH aPower delivers 5 kW continuous and 10 kW peak power, while the HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh provides 25.8 kW continuous and 40 kW peak. The HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh's higher continuous output means it can simultaneously power more demanding appliances during an outage. A central air conditioner typically draws 3-5 kW, a refrigerator 0.1-0.2 kW, and an EV Level 2 charger 7-11 kW. Peak power rating matters for motor-driven loads with high startup current, such as air conditioners, well pumps, and sump pumps. The HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh's 40 kW peak is capable of starting most residential HVAC systems.
Battery Chemistry & Cycle Life
The Franklin WH aPower uses LFP chemistry with a rated cycle life of 6,000 cycles (approximately 16.4 years of daily cycling), while the HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh uses LFP with 6,000 cycles (approximately 16.4 years). Both use LFP chemistry, which is considered the gold standard for residential energy storage due to its inherent safety, long cycle life, and environmental friendliness. Identical cycle ratings mean both batteries have the same expected operational lifespan under daily cycling.
Round-Trip Efficiency
The Franklin WH aPower achieves 89% round-trip efficiency versus 96% for the HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh. This means for every 10 kWh of solar energy stored in the HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh, 9.6 kWh is recoverable, compared to 8.9 kWh for the other. Over 10 years of daily cycling with 15 kWh average daily throughput, the more efficient battery saves approximately $575 in energy that would otherwise be lost as heat (at $0.15/kWh average retail rate). Higher round-trip efficiency is especially valuable in time-of-use rate environments where you are storing cheap off-peak energy for expensive peak-hour consumption.
Warranty & Long-Term Protection
The Franklin WH aPower carries a 12-year warranty and 43 MWh throughput, while the HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh offers 10 years. The Franklin WH aPower provides 2 additional years of manufacturer protection against capacity degradation and defects. Battery warranties typically guarantee the unit will retain 60-70% of original capacity by end of warranty, so the length of coverage directly impacts your financial risk over the system's lifetime.
Specification Comparison
| Specification | Franklin WH aPower | HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 13.6 kWh | 28.8 kWh |
| Usable Capacity | 13.6 kWh | 28.8 kWh |
| Power Output | 5 kW | 25.8 kW |
| Chemistry | LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) | LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) |
| Efficiency | 89% | 96% |
| Cycle Life | 6,000 | 6,000 |
| Weight | 130 kg | 206 kg |
| Warranty | 12 years | 10 years |
| Scalable | Yes | Yes |
5-Dimension Head-to-Head Analysis
1. Storage Capacity
Winner: HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWhThe HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh provides 28.8 kWh versus 13.6 kWh — 15.2 kWh more usable storage. At typical essential-load consumption of 0.75 kW, this equals approximately 20 additional hours of backup power. This is a substantial capacity gap.
2. Power Output
Winner: HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWhThe HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh delivers 25.8 kW continuous versus 5 kW. This is enough to run a central AC unit, refrigerator, and general household loads simultaneously. The 20.8 kW power gap significantly impacts what appliances you can run during outages.
3. Chemistry & Longevity
Winner: TieBoth use LFP chemistry with identical 6,000-cycle ratings. LFP chemistry provides excellent thermal stability, long cycle life, and no cobalt dependency.
4. Round-Trip Efficiency
Winner: HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWhThe HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh achieves 96% round-trip efficiency versus 89%. Over 10 years of daily cycling with 15 kWh throughput per day, the more efficient battery saves approximately 575 dollars in energy that would otherwise be lost as heat (at $0.15/kWh). This efficiency gap is significant and meaningfully impacts lifetime economics.
5. Warranty Coverage
Winner: Franklin WH aPowerThe Franklin WH aPower offers a 12-year warranty versus 10 years. Consider the remaining warranty period when evaluating total cost of ownership.
Franklin WH aPower
The Franklin WH aPower is a 13.6 kWh LFP battery designed to work with the Franklin aGate energy management gateway for comprehensive whole-home energy control. Its 10 kW peak power capability handles demanding startup surges from appliances like air conditioners and well pumps. With support for up to 15 units, the system scales to 204 kWh for commercial-grade residential applications. The inverter-agnostic AC-coupled design makes it compatible with virtually any existing solar installation, making it one of the most flexible battery options available. Franklin backs it with a 12-year warranty and 43 MWh throughput guarantee.
Pros
- + Exceptional scalability with up to 15 units for 204 kWh total capacity
- + 10 kW peak power handles heavy appliance startup surges
- + Inverter-agnostic AC-coupled design works with any solar system
- + 12-year warranty with 43 MWh throughput guarantee exceeds industry standard
Cons
- - Requires the separate aGate unit for full backup and management features
- - 89% round-trip efficiency is below average for LFP batteries
- - 5 kW continuous output per unit is modest for the capacity
HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh
The HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh uses 6 modules for a full day of storage for average US households. With 25.8 kW continuous power output, it handles whole-home backup including HVAC, EV charging, and high-draw appliances simultaneously.
Pros
- + 28.8 kWh covers a full day of average US household consumption
- + 25.8 kW continuous output handles any residential load scenario
- + Tool-free modular design — no inter-module wiring needed
- + UL 9540 and UL 9540A fire safety certified
Cons
- - 206kg requires dedicated floor space and structural support
- - High upfront cost for full 6-module configuration
- - 48V architecture means very high current at full power output
Choose Franklin WH aPower If...
- ✓ A 12-year warranty gives you the confidence you need
- ✓ Homeowners who need massive scalability and inverter-agnostic compatibility with a focus on whole-home backup
Choose HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh If...
- ✓ You need more backup storage to cover overnight consumption or extended outages
- ✓ You need to power demanding appliances (AC, EV charger) simultaneously during outages
- ✓ You want to minimize energy losses during daily charge/discharge cycling
- ✓ Whole-home backup and energy independence with high power demands
Our Recommendation
The HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh is the decisive winner in this battery comparison, outperforming the Franklin WH aPower in 3 of 5 dimensions. Unless you have a specific requirement that the Franklin WH aPower uniquely addresses, the HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh is the stronger choice for virtually every installation scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Franklin WH aPower or HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh?
The HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh wins this battery comparison by a decisive margin. It delivers 28.8 kWh of usable storage with 25.8 kW continuous output and a 6,000-cycle rating. The 15.2 kWh capacity advantage provides 20 additional hours of essential-load backup.
Which battery lasts longer?
The Franklin WH aPower is rated for 6,000 cycles versus 6,000 for the HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh. Both have identical expected cycle life. LFP chemistry generally outlasts NMC in cycle life testing.
Which battery provides more backup power?
The Franklin WH aPower provides 5 kW continuous (10 kW peak) versus 25.8 kW continuous (40 kW peak) for the HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh. HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh can run more appliances simultaneously during an outage. A central AC typically needs 3-5 kW, a refrigerator 0.2 kW, and an EV charger 7-11 kW.
Can I expand Franklin WH aPower or HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh storage later?
Franklin WH aPower: Yes, up to 15 units for 204 kWh total. HomeGrid Stack'd Series 28.8kWh: Yes, up to 15 units for 432 kWh total. Both offer the same scalability.
Which battery chemistry is safer?
Both use LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry, which is the safest lithium battery chemistry for residential use. LFP does not undergo thermal runaway, uses no cobalt, and is inherently stable.
Related Resources
Last updated: February 2026