Eaton, FranklinWH team to expand home storage system options
Power management company Eaton and home storage firm FranklinWH have announced a partnership to make new home energy systems more available to the North American public.
Aiming to supply the burgeoning U.S. energy storage market with intelligent and flexible home systems, the partnership combines Eaton’s AbleEdge smart breakers with the FranklinWH System. The companies say the integration helps improve energy affordability for customers, and allow contractors and homeowners to more easily bring solar and storage into their homes.
“This collaboration raises the bar for home electrification,” says Paul Ryan, VP and general manager of energy transition at Eaton. “We’re bringing intelligence to residential circuit breakers—so homeowners can control the loads that matter most, extend backup power and reduce wasted energy.
“AbleEdge smart breakers integrate with multiple storage systems, work right out of the box and are available through Eaton’s established distributor network—making it easy for contractors to install at scale.”
The new integration allows for load management during peak hours, as well as extended backup power duration during a grid outage. Additionally, the AbleEdge smart breaker will be able to support virtual power plant (VPP) capabilities for eligible customers.
Enabling homeowner energy independence
FranklinWH representatives say their company is focused on giving power back to the homeowner, both literally and figuratively. Under the terms of the new partnership, the company’s home energy system will align with Eaton’s existing ‘Home as a Grid’ strategy.
From there, the two firms will be able to “enable customers to do more with the power they have,” officials say, retrofitting existing FranklinWH systems for VPP functionality.
“FranklinWH is committed to enabling more resiliency and energy freedom for homeowners looking to add storage to their home,” says Gary Lam, CEO and Co-Founder of FranklinWH. “By integrating Eaton’s AbleEdge smart breakers with our FranklinWH System, homeowners will gain new visibility and control over their energy use. Through the FranklinWH App, these insights enable smarter home energy management system, saving money and increasing energy security in the home.”
Eaton smart breakers can also be added to FranklinWH’s Meter Adapter Controller, supporting both retrofit and new construction projects. Homeowners and contractors alike will be able to monitor and manage technology from both companies through the FranklinWH app, representatives add.
Energy system deployment with participating utilities will allow homes around the U.S. to operate as VPPs, the firms say. Homeowners will be able to give power back to the grid to generate revenue or credits for their own monthly energy bills.
