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Trusted NC Solar & Battery Storage Solutions

A graphic with a FranklinWH apower 2 battery, franklin mobile monitoring app, and a solar panel

Finding the Right Solar and Battery Storage Option for Your Home

There are several battery storage options on the market today, including many Tesla Powerwall alternatives. Whether you’re looking for advanced battery features like generator integration or are interested in maximizing local North Carolina solar and battery incentives from Duke Energy, we can help compare battery storage options to find the best system for your home. Request a free solar and battery assessment to get started.

franklinwh a power2 product in a green circle

Product Feature

FranklinWH aPower 2

If you’re new to the solar game and looking for the latest battery integration features, the FranklinWH aPower 2 could be a good fit for you! With generator integration and smart circuit technology, the aPower 2 offers a more customizable solar and battery experience. 

2025 Incentives

If you are a Duke Energy customer, you can save up to $9,000 through the PowerPairSM incentive when you install a new solar + battery system. Systems are also eligible for the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit, providing up to 50% off system costs.

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Comparing Tesla Powerwall Alternatives

Evaluating factors such as capacity, warranty, cost, and compatibility with your existing solar setup can help ensure you get the most value from your investment. With over 23 years of experience installing solar and battery solutions across North Carolina, our solar designers can help customize the right solar and battery solution to meet your energy goals. Reach out today for a free solar and battery assessment to start your journey toward energy independence and power security.

Energy Capacity Warranty Unique Features Duke Energy Battery Incentive
FranklinWH aPower 2
  • 15kWh/unit
  • Stackable up to 15 units
15 years
  • Smart circuit energy controls
  • Generator Integration
  • 240v EV integration
  • Pairs well with other solar manufacturers
  • Responsive customer service from the manufacturer
$552/year
Tesla Powerwall 3
  • 13.5kWh/unit
  • Stackable up to 3 units per Powerwall 3
12 years
  • Manufactured in USA
  • Established product
  • Eligible for full $9K PowerPair incentive when using a Tesla Inverter
  • Within the Tesla ecosystem for existing Tesla users
$624/year
Enphase IQ 5P
  • 5.0kWh/unit
  • Stackable 4-8 units depending on system configuration
15 years
  • Modular design for customizable system sizing
  • Integrated microinverters
$204/year
Generac PWRcell M12
  • 18kWh with 6 module configuration
  • Stackable up to 2 cabinets with a max of 12 battery modules
10 years
  • DC Coupled
  • Integration with ecobee smart thermostat for enhanced battery optimization
  • Flexible module configurations for customized storage capacity
$420/year

Benefits of Battery Storage in NC

Maximize Your Solar Energy

Keep your surplus solar energy at home instead of sending it back to the utility's grid so you can your power at home – where it matters most

Uninterrupted Power Security

Protect yourself from grid outages with seamless emergency backup power that automatically engages when the grid goes down – no more dragging out noisy generators and smelly fumes

Prepare for the Future

The future of home energy is smart and connected – From solar power to EVs and smart thermostats, battery storage is the next step in optimizing your energy use to create a resilient, and sustainable home energy ecosystem

Two installers from Southern Energy install two franklin apower 2 battery systems outside a blue home

North Carolina's Original Solar + Battery Installer

Founded and led in Raleigh, NC, Southern Energy Management has been designing and installing solar in North Carolina since 2001. With 23+ years of experience installing 3,500+ solar systems and 1,000+ batteries across North Carolina, our team of 190 solar and building performance professionals have the experience and expertise to find the best solar solution for your energy goals. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Our average cost of a single solar battery ranges from $15,000 to $18,000 depending on the product and whether you are installing it with a new or existing solar system. Additional units range from $11,000 to $13,000 per unit. Don’t forget, if you are a Duke Energy customer in North Carolina, you could be eligible for the PowerPair incentive worth up to $9,000 on a new solar + battery install. Battery systems are also eligible for the 30% Federal Tax Credit which can offset 30% of the installed cost.

Adding a battery to your existing solar setup? Congrats! It’s an investment that brings more energy independence and resilience to your home. While there is a bit of a premium – typically around $1,500 – it’s there to cover all the essentials. This includes the admin and mobilization to ensure your system is seamlessly integrated and ready to shine. It’s worth it to keep your lights on and your energy clean.

Currently, there is not a solar tax credit offered at the state level in North Carolina. However, the 30% Federal Tax credit is available to North Carolina residents for solar and/or battery installations. If you are a Duke Energy customer in North Carolina, you are also eligible for an incentive called PowerPair, worth up to $9,000 on a newly installed solar + battery system.

Check out the NCSEA’s Squeaky Clean Podcast to hear our very own, Graham Alexander, talk about the details of this new monumental program for NC.

Right now, the FranklinWH aPower 2 offers strong competitive technology to the Powerwall 3. Advanced features like generator integration and smart circuit technology allows you to have more customizable access to backing up your home’s energy needs during a grid outage.

The aPower 2 also offers very similar app features to the Powerwall such as ‘storm hedge’ mode to prepare for potential outages based on incoming weather alerts. A 15 year warranty and slightly larger energy capacity makes the aPower 2 even more competitive in the battery storage arena.  

Overall, if you’re looking for a Tesla alternative and willing to spend a little more for the advanced features, ask your solar designer if the aPower 2 makes sense for your home and energy goals.  Schedule a free consultation with one of our solar educators to learn more. 

You can install a battery without solar in NC, but it is incredibly important to discuss your backup goals with a solar designer. Without the ability to have a solar system recharge the battery, your backup duration will be reduced. If you’re in Duke Energy territory, you’d also be missing out on up to $9,000 off your solar + battery system through the PowerPair Incentive Program.

That’s a bit like asking how long a piece of string is, it all depends! In the solar world, giving a one-size-fits-all answer can be tricky, so it is super important to sit down with a knowledgeable solar designer to set your expectations just right.

For most folks in North Carolina, if you have a single battery without a solar resource, you could be looking at 12-24 hours of backup. That’s without cranking the HVAC. To get more time, stack those batteries! More units mean more backup time, though it’s still wise to keep an eye on your energy usage.

Time of year plays a big part too. Spring or fall might bless you with a few days of backup, but if you hit a grid outage during the middle of summer and your AC is hooked up to the backup, you might only get a few hours of cool air before your battery waves the white flag. We can help you plan accordingly!

What areas do you serve?

Southern Energy Management is North Carolina’s most established solar installer. For 23+ years, we’ve helped homes and businesses across North Carolina make the switch to solar & battery storage. Our Raleigh-based team of in-house solar experts is proud to serve the areas of:

  • Apex
  • Cary
  • Chapel Hill
  • Charlotte
  • Clayton
  • Durham
  • Fayetteville
  • Fuquay-Varina
  • Garner
  • Greensboro
  • Holly Springs
  • Knightdale
  • Morrisville
  • Raleigh
  • Wendell Falls
  • Wilmington
  • Winston-Salem

Ready to Start Saving?

Request a free virtual solar + energy storage evaluation today!