With California’s transition to the 2025 Net Billing Tariff (NBT), PG&E customers are seeking the best home battery storage solutions to maximize their solar investment. Choosing the right battery can mean greater energy independence, lower electricity bills, and reliable backup power. The top contenders in the market today are Tesla’s Powerwall 3, Enphase’s IQ8 batteries, and FranklinWH’s aPower system. Let’s compare their features, benefits, and how they perform under PG&E’s rate structure.
Tesla Powerwall 3: High-Capacity Storage for Whole-Home Backup
The Powerwall 3 is Tesla’s latest home battery, designed for high energy output and seamless solar integration.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 13.5 kWh per unit
- Power Output: 11.5 kW continuous
- Integration: Works with both AC and DC solar systems
- Backup Power: Whole-home backup with automatic transfer
- Monitoring: Tesla app for real-time energy tracking
Pros:
Powerful enough for full home backup
Works seamlessly with Tesla solar and non-Tesla systems
Strong warranty and robust software support
Cons:
Higher upfront cost
Less compatibility with third-party inverters
Enphase IQ8 Batteries: A Scalable and Modular Approach
Enphase’s IQ8 battery system is perfect for homeowners who want flexibility, especially those with Enphase microinverters.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 3.36 kWh per unit
- Scalability: Expandable for greater storage
- Backup Power: Works with Enphase microinverter-based solar systems
- Monitoring: Enphase Enlighten app for energy insights
- Grid Optimization: Designed for maximum efficiency under NBT rules
Pros:
Highly modular—start small and expand over time
Optimized for Enphase solar setups
Ideal for partial-home backup and load management
Cons:
Lower power output per unit
More units required for whole-home backup
FranklinWH aPower: Smart Energy Management for Maximum Savings
FranklinWH has gained popularity with its smart load management and powerful storage capacity, making it a strong competitor.
Key Features:
- Capacity: 13.6 kWh per unit
- Power Output: 5 kW continuous per unit
- Backup Power: Strong whole-home backup potential
- Energy Optimization: aGate energy management system for smart load control
- Monitoring: Intuitive mobile app for real-time insights
Pros:
Intelligent energy management optimizes PG&E rate structures
Large storage capacity per unit
Strong performance for whole-home backup
Cons:
Requires additional energy management hardware (aGate)
Currently less well-known brand compared to Tesla and Enphase
Which Home Battery Is Best for PG&E Customers?
- For Whole-Home Backup: Tesla Powerwall 3
- For a Scalable, Modular System: Enphase IQ8 Batteries
- For Smart Load Management & Cost Savings: FranklinWH aPower
With PG&E’s changing electricity rates and solar policies, having the right battery storage system can make a big difference in your energy savings and resilience. Whether you need full-home backup, a modular solution, or intelligent energy management, these three options offer strong benefits.
Looking for the best battery solution for your home? Contact us today for expert guidance on maximizing your solar investment in PG&E territory!
