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Battery owner wants more storage, then hears only a Tesla Powerwall will keep warranties

A mismatched configuration could undermine the reliability and simplicity of the system.

A white charging station and FranklinWH battery mounted on a textured wall beside an electric vehicle.

Photo Credit: FranklinWH

A homeowner who wanted to increase their home battery storage capacity was worried when their provider said they could only combine their existing system with another brand's technology. "Are there problems I should expect with that kind of setup?" they asked.  

Here's what to know

In Reddit's r/FranklinWH, the homeowner explained that the provider that installed their existing battery storage was now only installing Tesla products, but they already had a Franklin system.

"I was a bit confused, because they are still listed as a Franklin distributor/contractor, on their own website," they shared. That disconnect made them feel "extremely dubious."

Complicating matters, they could only keep their warranties together if they agreed to let the provider incorporate a Tesla Powerwall into their current setup. 

Adding battery storage is one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and gain more energy independence, but a mismatched configuration could undermine the system's reliability and simplicity. If you're considering your options, explore EnergySage to learn about home battery storage and obtain competitive installation estimates.

EnergySage has teamed up with electrification brand Qmerit to help homeowners get the best price on home battery storage solutions. 

What can be done?

Instead of taking their original provider's word at face value, commenters advised the OP to shop around. One warned that configuring two different types of tech could be like trying to mix oil and water. "Find another installer," they said. 

Others said to find a certified Franklin installer and read their installation contract closely.

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"Why would using someone else to add another Franklin to your system change your existing warranty?" one person wondered. Another said: "If you switch to another certified installer, their warranty usually stays intact. (Do verify with them first)."

For people who aren't ready for a whole-home backup system, Pila's plug-and-play batteries cost a fraction of what a whole-home backup system would.

Where can I learn more?

Battery storage solutions continue to evolve and prove themselves a reliable, cleaner alternative to conventional propane-powered generators. 

• A master electrician highlighted the best next-gen alternatives to Tesla for home backup.

• In 2023, Tesla surpassed half a million Powerwall installations worldwide as home battery demand kept climbing.

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