Tesla Powerwall 3 vs FranklinWH aPower 2
Specs verified 2026-07-16 Methodology
Spec scoreboard: Powerwall 3 wins 6 of 12 · aPower 2 wins 3 of 12 (green = winner per row)
| Spec | Tesla Powerwall 3 | FranklinWH aPower 2 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $9,300 | $10,500 |
| Capacity | 13,500 Wh | 15,000 Wh |
| Max expandable | 54.0 kWh | 225.0 kWh |
| Continuous output | 11,500 W | 10,000 W |
| Surge | 22,000 W | 20,000 W |
| 240V output | Yes | Yes |
| Cycle life | n/a | n/a |
| AC recharge (0-100%) | n/a | n/a |
| Max solar input | 20,000 W | n/a |
| Weight | 287 lb | 374 lb |
| Warranty | 10 years | 15 years |
| $ per kWh | $689 | $700 |
Runtime head-to-head
Computed from rated capacity at 85% inverter efficiency — the numbers marketing pages don't show side by side.
| Scenario | Powerwall 3 | aPower 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (150W, 35% duty) | 9.1 days | 10.1 days |
| CPAP overnight (60W) | 8.0 days | 8.9 days |
| Sump pump in storm (800W, 20% duty) | 3.0 days | 3.3 days |
| Home essentials (~330W bundle) | 2.9 days | 3.2 days |
Strengths & trade-offs
Tesla Powerwall 3
- Integrated solar inverter (6 MPPTs)
- 11.5kW continuous - starts nearly anything
- Lowest $/kWh installed
- Requires professional install
- Certified-installer network only
- Whole unit replacement if inverter fails
FranklinWH aPower 2
- 15kWh - largest single-unit residential battery
- 15-year warranty beats Tesla's 10
- AC-coupled: works with any existing solar
- No built-in solar inverter
- Higher upfront cost than Powerwall 3
Neither might be your size
Most buyers over- or under-size by 2x. Thirty seconds in the calculator ends the guessing.
Size my actual load →Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the Tesla Powerwall 3 or the FranklinWH aPower 2?
On raw spec wins it's Tesla Powerwall 3 (6 to 3) across our 12 tracked specs - but the right pick depends on your load. Get quotes for both - installer pricing varies more than hardware specs.
How long will the Powerwall 3 and aPower 2 run a refrigerator?
At 150W and a 35% duty cycle: the Tesla Powerwall 3 runs about 9.1 days, the FranklinWH aPower 2 about 10.1 days (85% inverter efficiency).
Is the price difference worth it?
The Powerwall 3 costs $689/kWh of storage vs $700/kWh for the aPower 2 at MSRP. Both discount frequently - check current prices before deciding, and size your actual load with our calculator first.