Greenscapes Nursery in Victoria has blackout protection with not one but three FranklinWH aPower X battery storage units. James Treble visited the nursery in Kilsyth to see the batteries in action and to find out how Bernie and the team at Greenscapes are saving money. Episode 2 of Energy Matters delivered gorgeous plants, breathtaking technology, and a new way of thinking about how to power your home with battery storage.
About the episode
Generators are loud, smelly, fuel-guzzling, and inconvenient when running through the night. They cost a pretty penny to run, and Bernie found out first-hand what it’s like to run a power-intensive nursery day and night when refuelling is necessary. A need to blackout-proof his home and nursery, as well as save money on electricity bills, is what drove Bernie to investigate battery backup options.
James and Bernie toured the large property that is the location of Bernie’s home as well as the nursery and the equipment required to keep it operating. Heaters operate 24/7 in parts of the nursery to maintain the temperatures required for some plants to live and flourish. These heaters alone add thousands to Bernie’s electricity bills each year. When the power goes out, which happens occasionally in the region, the plants require backup power to survive.
With 13kW of solar panels on the roof, Bernie has benefitted from free daylight electricity. Unfortunately, solar is not enough when the power needs tick over into the night. Careful research led him to the Franklin Whole Home (WH) system and the team at Melbourne Energy Group. James chatted with Shane from Melbourne Energy Group, who explained the challenges and the solutions. Three FranklinWH aPower X batteries and an aGate Energy Management Controller provide seamless power to both the home and the nursery.
Speaking with Andrew ‘Mitch’ Mitchell from FranklinWH, James found out how the FranklinWH system not only integrates with external generators, if needed, but can draw from the grid at times when the rates are cheap or even free. Bernie now has a system that can effectively operate off-grid, provide his home and business with the energy they need, and save money in the process.
About FranklinWH
FranklinWH is a leading provider of home energy management and storage solutions. Their Franklin Whole Home (WH) system is designed to give homeowners complete control over their energy use, reducing reliance on the grid and maximising savings. With smart energy management, seamless backup power, and industry-leading battery technology, FranklinWH ensures that homes stay powered efficiently and sustainably.
The benefits of the Franklin Whole Home system
The Franklin Whole Home system is an advanced energy solution that brings together key components to create a seamless, intelligent power network. It includes:
- aGate – A smart energy management hub that connects and controls solar, battery storage, and the grid, ensuring efficient power distribution.
- aPower X – A high-capacity battery designed for whole-home backup, showcased in this episode of Energy Matters. It offers scalable storage, fast charging, and intelligent load management.
This system provides:
- Smart energy optimisation – The aGate prioritises solar energy usage, reducing grid reliance and electricity bills.
- Whole-home backup power – aPower X ensures critical appliances remain powered during blackouts.
- Seamless integration – Works with existing solar systems for maximum efficiency. Generators can also be integrated. If the battery is low and the grid is down, the system can activate the generator.
- Load control and safety – Intelligent power distribution protects appliances and maximises battery life.
The aPower 2 battery
FranklinWH’s latest innovation, the aPower 2, has just been announced, offering homeowners a next-generation energy storage solution. This new battery features:
- 13.6 kWh of usable storage – Ideal for meeting household energy needs.
- Scalability – Multiple aPower 2 units can be combined for increased capacity.
- Advanced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry – Ensuring safety, longevity, and efficiency.
- Fast charging and seamless backup – Providing quick energy replenishment and instant transition during outages.
With the introduction of aPower 2, FranklinWH continues to push the boundaries of energy storage, delivering cutting-edge solutions for a smarter, more resilient home.
Why FranklinWH is the choice for Australian homeowners
With rising energy costs and an increasing need for reliable backup power, the Franklin Whole Home system offers the perfect balance of efficiency, resilience, and smart energy management. Its seamless integration of solar, battery storage, and generator support ensures energy independence, while the aGate, aPower X, and new aPower 2 battery provide flexibility for different household needs. Whether reducing reliance on the grid, lowering power bills, or ensuring blackout protection, FranklinWH delivers a future-proof energy solution tailored for Australian homes.
Missed the episode? Catch up via encore screenings on on Sunday at 8am, Tuesday at 6:30am, and Thursday at 10:30am. Coming soon to 9Now.
