The Future of Residential Energy Storage with Vince Ambrose | EP245
Batteries are the new black for solar (solar is already black so maybe batteries are the double black?). If you’re a solar contractor you MUST go long into battery storage. As the value of net metering goes away (NEM 3.0 beware), the importance of BESS goes up. In California, ESS attachment rates have gone above 80 percent. In this episode of the Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Vince Ambrose, the Chief Commercial Officer of Franklin Whole Home (WH), one of the hottest battery companies to burst onto the scene in the last five years. We explore the rapidly evolving world of residential energy storage. Vince shares his extensive experience in the solar and renewable energy industries, providing valuable insights into the current state and future of residential ESS.
We explore the parallels between the resi storage market and the cell phone industry, highlighting the potential for widespread adoption and the disruption of traditional utility models. Vince emphasizes the importance of innovation, efficiency, and cost reduction in driving the energy transition, while also addressing the challenges posed by utility regulations and the need for consumer education.
This episode will help you understand Franklin WH's unique offering, which combines a battery system with a "microgrid in a box" gateway. This intelligent device allows homeowners to manage their energy inputs and outputs, prioritize critical loads, and even operate off-grid during power outages. The episode also explores the value stack of residential storage, including its potential for energy arbitrage, grid services, and cost savings.
Throughout the conversation, we discuss the barriers to residential storage adoption, such as high upfront costs and complex permitting processes. We also highlight the importance of financing options and third-party ownership models in making this technology more accessible to a broader range of homeowners.
Whether you're a homeowner interested in energy independence, a solar installer seeking to expand your offerings, or an industry professional curious about the future of the grid, this episode of the Clean Power Hour is a must-listen. Tune in to gain valuable insights and stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving world of residential energy storage.
Social Media Handles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-ambrose-622887b/
https://www.franklinwh.com/
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The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America’s number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. CPS America has offices in California, New Jersey, and Texas. Learn more at https://www.chintpowersystems.com/
00:00 - Intro and Welcome to Clean Power Hour
02:58 - Vince Ambrose's Journey in Renewable Energy
06:50 - The Current State of Residential Storage
10:07 - The Changing Grid, Consumer Expectations and Market Transformation
14:24 - Utilities' Opportunity in the Energy Transition
17:54 - Franklin Whole Home: Micro Grid in a Box Technology
21:09 - Load Shedding and Energy Management
22:54 - Cost Barriers and Value Proposition of Energy Storage
25:38 - Grid Interactive Services and Technology
27:31 - Customer Education and Affordability Challenges
29:57 - Financing and Third-Party Ownership
34:21 - Franklin's Customer Service Approach
37:28 - Product Reliability and LFP Battery Technology
39:51 - Closing Thoughts on the Future of Residential Storage
