The onset of the Cheaper Home Batteries Program ushered in a new era of home energy storage. Once a novelty and a nice-to-have, the influx of cheaper batteries promising homeowners mammoth savings has seen almost 150,000 installations since 1 July 2025. While many batteries will go on to save their owners thousands of dollars during their warranty period, many more will undoubtedly fail. Whether it be the quality of the manufacturing or the inexperience of the installer, time will soon reveal a clear divide between batteries designed to perform and those that will need ongoing maintenance or replacing. With over 100 brands competing for pride of place in your home, it can be difficult to sort the wheat from the chaff.
FranklinWH is firmly positioned as a premium home energy storage solution. The term ‘Premium’ is often met with resistance. Is it too expensive? Does it have too many flashy or unnecessary features? Investing in quality components, research & development, and stringent safety protocols has seen FranklinWH achieve industry-leading results in the ANSI/TIA-942 Reliability Tier System testing. Achieving exceptional results across a host of reliability tests, FranklinWH demonstrates why investing in a premium system is paramount to a sound investment.
Let’s explore the FranklinWH difference.
Why reliability matters more than ever
Many homeowners judge batteries on capacity, chemistry, and warranty length. These are important, but reliability sits at the heart of a worthwhile investment. A household depends on a battery during storms, blackouts, scorching summers, and chilly winter mornings. A reliable system must operate safely and predictably through years of hard use.
The industry average tells a mixed story. Many batteries pass standard compliance tests, yet struggle when pushed to real-world extremes. Issues like deep cycling fatigue, rapid temperature changes, moisture intrusion, and overcharging often show up after installation. These issues can shorten lifespan, compromise safety, or cause frustrating downtime.
FranklinWH takes the opposite approach. Instead of aiming for minimum compliance, FranklinWH designed its system to thrive in harsh conditions. This focus on long-term resilience sets it apart in a fast-growing market where some products prioritise low price over lasting quality.
FranklinWH reliability testing that sets a new standard
FranklinWH recently completed a comprehensive reliability study that pushed its whole home system through tests typical of data centre-grade engineering. The suite included accelerated aging, severe weather simulation, and mechanical stress testing. These tests show how a system responds to years of wear in a compressed timeframe.
C5 salt spray test
Australia enjoys coastal living, but pays the price of faster salt corrosion. The C5 tests simulate the highest corrosion level found in industrial zones and coastal areas. The FranklinWH enclosure handled this exposure without degrading its structure or finish. The results show strong protection for homes from Broome to Wollongong.
Rapid temperature change (RTC) test
The RTC test exposes the unit to sudden and extreme temperature shifts. A typical Aussie summer can swing from boiling hot to storm-cooled in minutes. The battery must stay stable during these changes. With thermal blankets on the cells to protect them in temperatures as low as -20 °C, and a passive cooling design to ensure no single point of failure to keep the cells working up to 50 °C, FranklinWH passed with minimal thermal stress, demonstrating excellent resilience in harsh climates.
Dust and water ingress test
FranklinWH achieved strong ingress protection performance. This test sprays water, dust, and airborne contaminants at pressure/ Many mid-tier systems stumble here. A compromised seal can cause moisture ingress and early failure. With its all-metal casing and IP67 weatherproofing, FranklinWH maintained internal integrity, making it ideal for sheds, garages, and outdoor installations.
Seismic simulation test
Although Australia sees fewer earthquakes than some regions, ground vibration still matters. Trucks, machinery, or even local construction can introduce stress. FranklinWH held its stability during vibration simulations, showing consistent performance even in demanding environments.
Drop impact test
The drop test simulates mishandling during transport or installation. FranklWH endured a
13-foot (4 metre) impact without functional failure. This result reflects solid construction and thoughtful internal design.
Overcharging protection test
Safety begins with battery chemistry, but is strengthened through advanced battery management. FranklinWH passed overcharge scenarios without thermal runaway. The system’s electrical architecture isolates faults and manages cell behaviour with precision. This feature protects homeowners and extends battery life.
Together, these results reinforce FranklinWH’s reliability tier leadership. Few home batteries undergo this breadth of testing. Fewer still achieve strong outcomes across every category.
What makes FranklinWH a premium solution
Reliability does not come from luck. It comes from design decisions that place durability, safety, and long-term value ahead of shortcuts. FranklinWH takes this approach from the ground up, which is why the system performs so strongly in independent testing.
Homeowners face a confusing market at the moment. More than 100 home battery brands compete for attention, and each promises huge savings. Sorting through these claims can be difficult, which is why seasoned installers often stress quality and reliability over everything else. As Andrew Mitchell, Senior Product Manager for FranklinWH, puts it:
“With one chance at the rebate, you need to buy right, so you only buy once. Ask your installer about the solution for your home, and how reliable it’s going to be 5-10 years from now.”
FranklinWH stands out because it focuses on the whole of life experience. This begins with its expert local team. The company maintains a Sydney office and supports customers nationwide with its dedicated team. This local footprint means help is close, and that matters when your home depends on consistent power.
FranklinWH builds each battery to last. Every unit is tested individually rather than by the batch. This uncommon approach supports consistent performance and helps the company maintain a very low return rate of 0.21 per cent. It also underpins the 12-year warranty, which remains one of the strongest in the Australian market. Homeowners can expect long-term support, clear guidance, and help if challenges ever arise.
Finally, FranklinWH requires that installers be further certified to install the whole home system. The FranklinWH Certified Installer process ensures that your installation meets the strict standards FranklinWH requires – another measure to maintain a high level of care and attention to detail that further solidifies your investment.
Designed for whole-home performance
FranklinWH’s system is more than a battery. It is a full home energy platform designed to manage real household loads rather than lab conditions. It brings:
- Smart circuits that control major appliances
- Support for generator inputs for rural or remote locations
- V2L backup compatibility for temporary EV-powered supply
- High surge and sustained output for modern high-demand appliances
- Smooth load management during outages
These features give households flexibility, comfort, and reliable backup during unexpected events.
A commitment to quality over compromise
FranklinWH avoids cutting corners because resilience under pressure matters. The system is built with premium components and a strict testing process that focuses on real conditions. This commitment includes:
- Testing every unit individually rather than testing by batch
- A 12-year warranty supported by proven reliability
- A 0.21 per cent RMA rate that reflects outstanding consistency
- A national support team ready to help when needed
- A design philosophy centred on Energy Freedom and peace of mind
Quality may cost more upfront, yet the long-term value becomes clear as the years pass. A reliable battery supports higher savings, stronger backup protection, and a smooth path toward full home electrification.
Families that want the confidence to go off-grid need a system built for that challenge. FranklinWH delivers this through meticulous engineering, strong local support, and a focus on longevity that many competing systems cannot match. The result is a premium solution that Australians can depend on, no matter what their energy journey looks like.
