FranklinWH Launches Innovative Solar and Battery Initiative in Ann Arbor

FranklinWH is set to initiate a groundbreaking pilot program in Ann Arbor, Michigan, focused on residential solar and battery systems. This innovative effort aims to enhance energy reliability and affordability for local residents, particularly those facing high utility costs.

Starting the week of April 27, the project will begin installations in participating homes within Ann Arbor's Bryant neighborhood. The initiative is spearheaded by the Ann Arbor Sustainable Energy Utility (A2SEU) and represents a distinctive first for U.S. city-owned utilities, which are now looking to invest in sustainable energy solutions for their communities.

By employing both solar energy and battery storage, the project seeks to address various challenges related to energy costs and grid reliability. Homes in the targeted area often contend with high energy bills, with some families dedicating over one-third of their income towards utilities. This pilot program aims to alleviate that burden by providing residents with renewable energy alternatives that can lead to lower costs while boosting resilience in energy supply during peak demand periods.

Gary Lam, CEO and co-founder of FranklinWH, stated, "Ann Arbor is showcasing how city initiatives can be pivotal in advancing local energy solutions. Through this city-led program, residents will benefit from reduced utility bills, improved energy reliability while also assisting in managing peak grid demand."

Approved by voters in November 2024, the Sustainable Energy Utility operates as an optional energy provider that exclusively delivers locally generated renewable energy. The pilot program will equip around 150 homes with the FranklinWH energy management system, incorporating the innovative aPower S battery. In the upcoming years, this initiative is projected to expand significantly, with plans to extend installations to 1,000 homes by 2027.

Shoshannah Lenski, the executive director of A2SEU, emphasized the distinctive performance of FranklinWH in both technical capabilities and user experience: "These systems paired with local solar generation have the potential to provide our community with more reliable energy." This initiative proves beneficial not only at a household level but also contributes to community-scale energy needs.

As part of the program, the FranklinWH System—a renowned solution for energy management and storage—will be integrated with solar installations from local partners, including Michigan Solar Solutions, Homeland Solar, and Oak Electric Service. Additionally, Texture's distributed energy management software will ensure that the systems function as a coordinated utility-scale resource, blending individual home energy systems into a larger energy resource.

FranklinWH is already active within a myriad of utility-led virtual power plant (VPP) and demand response initiatives. The Ann Arbor project presents a unique opportunity to leverage this model in a city-owned residential program, testing how collective home energy systems can efficiently operate at the scale of a community.

About FranklinWH

FranklinWH Energy Storage stands at the forefront of home energy solutions, designing and manufacturing cutting-edge systems aimed at empowering homeowners across the nation. With a base in the San Francisco Bay Area, the company's expertise spans over multiple facets of energy management, enabling customers to secure energy independence and sustainability. Discover more about their initiatives and products at franklinwh.com.