San José Homeowners Can Monetize Their FranklinWH Batteries
In a groundbreaking move, FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc. has announced that its FranklinWH System is now approved for enrollment in the San José Clean Energy's Peak Rewards for Smart Homes program. This initiative allows homeowners to not only utilize their battery systems for personal energy management but also to sell surplus energy back to the grid during peak demand hours. This dual function is a significant step towards a more sustainable energy future and provides residents with a chance to turn their energy investments into real financial gains.
Understanding the Program
The Peak Rewards for Smart Homes scheme operates as a virtual power plant (VPP), incentivizing homeowners to discharge energy stored in their 15 kWh FranklinWH aPower 2 batteries during high demand periods—specifically between 5 PM and 9 PM. Participants can earn a $120 upfront enrollment incentive and ongoing payments that may total more than $500 annually, depending on how much energy they contribute to the grid. Each kilowatt-hour discharged during these peak hours commands a payment of $0.13, with even higher rates during emergency periods; for example, $0.50 per kWh in winter and $1.00 during summer demand response events.
Simple and Automated Participation
One of the most appealing aspects of the program is its ease of use. Once enrolled, FranklinWH Systems automatically respond to grid dispatch events, requiring no manual input from homeowners. A user-defined battery reserve guarantees that household energy needs are met at all times. Furthermore, the FranklinWH App gives homeowners control, allowing them the option to opt-out of any specific event.
Gary Lam, CEO and co-founder of FranklinWH, expresses pride in this initiative which integrates economic benefits with energy sustainability. “As a company rooted in San José, we are thrilled to empower our neighbors to participate in the city’s energy transformation. People are increasingly focusing on reducing energy costs while ensuring reliability at home. This program enables homeowners to gain greater value from their battery systems while playing a crucial role in bolstering the grid during peak times.”
A Broader Impact on Energy Resources
The initiative stems from a broader effort by San José Clean Energy to expand the use of distributed energy resources and alleviate pressure on the grid during peak periods. The program not only focuses on providing financial incentives to participants but also targets the incorporation of modern energy management strategies.
Derapi, a key player in enabling the seamless integration of connected energy assets, contributes to this initiative by managing demand response coordination and providing the necessary API infrastructure that facilitates communication between FranklinWH Systems and grid management software. Stina Brock, CEO of Derapi, emphasizes the importance of simplifying processes for both homeowners and utilities to enable efficient energy use, stating, “We’re excited to facilitate the use of connected devices, transforming them into vital resources for the grid while ensuring a secure and effective communication channel.”
A Growing Network of VPP Programs
With the introduction of this program, FranklinWH adds to a portfolio exceeding 25 utility-led VPP and demand response programs across the U.S. The company operates out of its headquarters in San José and manufactures its energy storage systems locally in Santa Clara, where production is expected to quadruple in 2026.
Enrollment in the Peak Rewards for Smart Homes program is currently available on a first-come, first-served basis to qualifying San José Clean Energy customers with eligible FranklinWH Systems.
About FranklinWH Energy Storage
FranklinWH Energy Storage is dedicated to advancing residential energy efficiency through its innovative FranklinWH System. With a talented team possessing extensive experience in energy system design and manufacturing, FranklinWH aims to empower homeowners to achieve true energy independence. For more information on their products and services, visit
franklinwh.com.
This initiative is not just a win for homeowners—it represents a crucial shift towards smarter, more sustainable management of energy resources in the community.