New York Homeowners Can Get Paid To Invest In Battery Storage

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Homeowners in New York state are eligible for incentives to purchase home energy management and battery storage systems. The incentives come from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and virtual power plant (VPP) programs provided by National Grid’s ConnectedSolutions and Orange & Rockland Utilities’ Smart Savers Battery Program.

Gary Lam, CEO and co-founder of FranklinWH, answered some questions about the incentives. (There are similar incentives in Puget Sound.)

What do New York homeowners need to purchase and what are the incentives?

New York homeowners may receive about $3,000 through incentives from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to purchase a battery such as FranklinWH Energy Storage Inc’s aPower 2 or aPower S, which offer usable storage capacity of 15 kWh and the ability to manage up to 20 kW of PV input power.

In addition to the upfront incentive, utilities including National Grid and Orange & Rockland Utilities provide ongoing payments to the homeowner when their batteries are tapped to strengthen the grid when necessary. 

New York is one of five states that offer state-level incentives through NYSERDA. Combined with utility incentives, these significantly reduce upfront costs.

What is the program name and how do they sign up for the program?

The programs are ConnectedSolutions from National Grid and the Smart Savers Battery Program from Orange & Rockland Utilities.

Homeowners enroll through their installer. Once the FranklinWH System is installed and connected,  the utility is able to  draw on stored energy during peak-demand events.

What are the installation costs and do homeowners need to hire a local electrician?

Installation costs vary depending on system size and home configuration. Homeowners work with certified local installers, including licensed electricians, who handle permitting, installation, and utility interconnection.

How long does it take to install a home battery?

Installation typically takes one to two days once permits and approvals are complete. The full process, including permitting and utility coordination, usually takes a few weeks.

What is the typical battery size for a home and what is the battery chemistry?

FranklinWH’s aPower 2 and aPower S provide 15 kilowatt-hours of usable capacity per unit. The FranklinWH System is designed to scale with multiple batteries depending on household needs.

The batteries use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which is known for thermal stability, long cycle life, and safety.

What is the battery warranty?

FranklinWH Systems, including both the aPower 2 and aPower S, have a 15-year warranty.

Will the batteries be used in a virtual power plant if homeowners share stored electricity?

Yes. When homeowners enroll in utility programs, their systems can participate in a virtual power plant (VPP). During periods of high demand, utilities draw small amounts of energy from many homes at once. These systems are designed to balance grid participation with maintaining backup power for the home.