In short: The Tesla Powerwall 3 is the high-power, all-in-one choice: large capacity, strong output for whole-home backup, and a built-in solar inverter. The Enphase IQ Battery 5P is modular and pairs naturally with Enphase microinverter systems, with a longer warranty but less power per unit. The FranklinWH aPower 2 offers large capacity per unit, a long warranty and strong generator integration. The best one depends on your existing solar, your backup needs, and which installers serve your area.
Home batteries are a big purchase, and the three most talked-about brands are built on different ideas. This guide compares them on the things that actually matter, without pretending there is a single winner. For a more general starting point, read Do You Need a Solar Battery? How to Decide first.
Quick comparison
Figures below are approximate, for US models, and based on manufacturer and installer information at the time of writing. Configuration matters (for example, the number of units and the gateway or controller used), so always check the current datasheet.
| Tesla Powerwall 3 | Enphase IQ Battery 5P | FranklinWH aPower 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity (per unit) | about 13.5 kWh | about 5 kWh | about 13.6–15 kWh (varies by source and configuration) |
| Continuous power | about 11.5 kW | about 3.84 kW per unit | up to about 10 kW (configuration dependent) |
| Built-in solar inverter | Yes (hybrid) | No (uses Enphase microinverters, AC-coupled) | Yes, hybrid inverter; works with a gateway controller |
| Chemistry | LFP (lithium iron phosphate) | LFP | LFP |
| Warranty | 10 years | 15 years (with cycle and capacity terms) | 15 years (with throughput and capacity terms) |
| Modularity | Stackable, several units | Very modular, many small units | Stackable, several units |
| Best fit | New solar + battery, whole-home backup | Existing Enphase solar, flexible sizing | Large homes, generators, heavy loads |
About prices: installed prices for a single whole-home battery in the US have ranged from roughly $10,000 to $17,000 or more in 2026 quotes, depending on the brand, gateway or controller, labor, permitting and region. Always compare complete written quotes: see How to Compare Solar Quotes and Spot Red Flags.
Tesla Powerwall 3
The Powerwall 3 combines a battery and a hybrid solar inverter in one unit. It has become the reference point for home batteries because of its power output and its popularity with installers.
Pros
- High power output (about 11.5 kW continuous), which can run heavy loads like central air conditioning, well pumps and electric heating.
- Integrated solar inverter, which can simplify installation for new solar-plus-storage projects.
- Large capacity in a single unit, with the option to add more.
- LFP chemistry, generally regarded as safer and longer-lasting than older lithium chemistries.
- Widely installed, with strong app and outage-preparation features.
Cons
- Shorter warranty (10 years) than the other two.
- Less flexible sizing: capacity comes in large steps.
- Installer-dependent quality: availability and service depend on who installs it in your area.
- Rules vary by market: product versions and features differ by country.
Enphase IQ Battery 5P
The IQ Battery 5P is a small, modular battery designed to work with Enphase’s microinverter ecosystem. You stack several units to reach the capacity and power you need.
Pros
- Modular design: start with what you need and add units later.
- Long warranty (15 years, subject to cycle and capacity terms).
- Works well with existing Enphase solar systems, and uses microinverter architecture that avoids a single point of failure.
- LFP chemistry and passive cooling (no fans).
- Single app for solar and storage monitoring if you already use Enphase.
Cons
- Lower power per unit (about 3.84 kW), so whole-home backup for a large house needs several units.
- Cost per kWh can be higher than large single-cabinet batteries.
- Needs Enphase system components (such as a system controller) for backup.
- Best inside the Enphase ecosystem, less attractive if your solar uses another inverter brand.
See how microinverters work in Best Solar Inverters: String vs Microinverters.
FranklinWH aPower 2
FranklinWH is a newer brand built around large capacity, load management and generator integration, mainly sold in North America.
Pros
- Large capacity per unit (about 13.6–15 kWh, depending on source and configuration).
- Long warranty (15 years, subject to throughput and capacity terms).
- Strong load management and integration with generators.
- LFP chemistry and an outdoor-rated design.
- Works with a range of solar setups (confirm compatibility with your existing inverter).
Cons
- Newer company: shorter track record, so the strength of the warranty backing matters more. See Best Solar Panel Brands by Warranty and Reliability for how to judge this.
- Requires the FranklinWH gateway/controller, which adds cost.
- Smaller installer network than Tesla or Enphase in some areas.
- Specs vary by configuration: confirm continuous power in your installed setup.
The concepts that decide the winner
Capacity (kWh) vs power (kW)
Capacity is how much energy the battery stores; power is how fast it can deliver it. A large capacity with low power can run a few loads for a long time; high power lets you run more things at once. See kW vs kWh for the basics. For whole-home backup with electric heating or air conditioning, power often matters more than capacity.
AC-coupled vs DC-coupled
- DC-coupled (like the Powerwall 3 with its integrated inverter) sends solar power directly to the battery, usually with higher round-trip efficiency, and is often easier in new installations.
- AC-coupled (like the Enphase 5P) charges from your existing AC system and is typically simpler to add to solar you already have.
Round-trip efficiency
This is the share of stored energy you get back. Published figures range from roughly 89% to the mid-90s depending on the battery, the coupling and how it’s measured. It matters for savings, but it is rarely the deciding factor.
Warranty terms
Compare the years, the guaranteed capacity at the end (for example, 60–70%), and any cycle or energy-throughput limits. A 15-year warranty with a throughput cap isn’t automatically better than a 10-year one with unlimited cycles, so read the details. Check whether labor is covered.
Backup design
Batteries only keep your home running during an outage if the system is designed for it, with a gateway or backup panel. Ask whether you get whole-home or partial backup, and how long it will run under your loads: see Whole-Home vs Partial Backup and Solar Batteries and Blackouts.
Which battery should you choose?
| Your situation | Likely fit |
|---|---|
| New solar plus battery, want whole-home backup and a simple install | Powerwall 3 (or a comparable hybrid system) |
| Existing Enphase solar, want to start small and expand | Enphase IQ Battery 5P |
| Large house, high loads, or a generator you want to integrate | FranklinWH aPower 2 (or Powerwall 3) |
| Existing solar from another inverter brand | An AC-coupled battery compatible with your inverter; ask your installer |
| Main goal is saving on time-of-use rates, not backup | Any of the three, so choose by price, warranty and installer quality |
| Limited budget | Start with a smaller system or partial backup; consider whether you need a battery at all |
Other options worth quotes
These three aren’t the only choices. Depending on your country, quotes may also include batteries from other reputable makers such as Generac, sonnen, Fox ESS, SolarEdge, Sungrow and others. In the UK and Europe, product ranges and certification requirements differ from the US, so start from what local MCS-certified or equivalent installers actually offer. See Best Solar Batteries and Backup Options.
Is a battery worth it at all?
It depends on your export rate, your tariff, your outage risk and your budget. Where exports are credited at full retail rates, a battery may not pay for itself through bill savings, and its value is mostly resilience. Where exports pay little, or you have big time-of-use price gaps, batteries can make more financial sense. Check Net Metering vs Export Tariffs and Grid-Tied vs Off-Grid vs Hybrid Systems.
Questions to ask before you buy
- Which exact model and configuration are you quoting, and what are its usable kWh and continuous kW in my setup?
- Does it work with my existing solar inverter, or do I need extra equipment?
- Is the backup whole-home or partial, and what will run during an outage?
- What are the warranty terms: years, guaranteed capacity, cycle or throughput limits, and labor coverage?
- Who services the battery in my area, and how long have you installed this brand?
- What are all the costs: gateway or controller, electrical upgrades, permits and labor?
- What happens if the manufacturer changes its software or discontinues the product?
Next steps
- Decide whether your priority is backup, bill savings or both.
- Check your existing solar equipment and how a battery would connect to it.
- Get at least two written quotes with different battery options.
- Compare them using our quote checklist and choose the installer you trust.
Where to next:
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Powerwall or Enphase battery?
Neither is better in every case. The Powerwall 3 offers more capacity and power in one unit and suits new systems and whole-home backup. The Enphase IQ Battery 5P is modular, has a longer warranty and suits homes already using Enphase microinverters.
How much does a home battery cost?
In the US, installed prices for a single whole-home battery have recently ranged from roughly $10,000 to $17,000 or more, depending on the brand, accessories, labor and region. Prices vary by country and change often, so get written quotes.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar panels?
Often yes. AC-coupled batteries like the Enphase IQ Battery are typically the simplest retrofit, and other batteries may work with additional equipment. Compatibility depends on your inverter, so ask your installer.
How long will a home battery power my house?
It depends on the battery’s capacity and what you run. Divide the usable kWh by your average load in kW: for example, 13.5 kWh at an average 1 kW load lasts about 13 hours, but at 5 kW it lasts under 3 hours. Solar can recharge the battery during the day if the system is set up for backup.
How long do home batteries last?
Warranties commonly run 10–15 years, with guaranteed capacity at the end (often 60–70%). Actual life depends on usage and conditions. See Solar Battery Lifespan and Replacement Cost.
Is the Franklin battery as good as the Powerwall?
It competes well on capacity, warranty length and generator integration. The main considerations are the company’s shorter track record, the required gateway, and the availability of qualified installers where you live.