Project Overview
Project Overview
As more homeowners look for more grid independence, FranklinWH stands out with its intelligent, scalable, and future-proof energy solution. Designed to meet your evolving energy needs, FranklinWH offers a thorough home energy system that adapts as your needs grow.
FranklinWH is a fully integrated home energy management system that connects solar, battery storage, grid power, generators, and EV charging. Franklin is designed for long-term reliability with continuous battery backup during outages and peak demand times – if you’re looking to reduce your reliance on the grid and future-proof your home, FranklinWH is a great choice.
The aPower2 battery has a high capacity with 15 kWh of storage and 10 kW continuous output. The aPower 2 can easily power large appliances and essential loads at the same time, even during blackouts. It’s built with safe lithium iron phosphate and wrapped in a weatherproof design; it’s quiet, durable, and dependable, with a 15-year warranty and over 10,000 charge cycles.
If you need more power, that’s not a problem with FranklinWH – they make it easy to expand. With FranklinWH, you can add up to 15 aPower 2 batteries, which total up to 225 kWh. FranklinWH can handle it all, large homes, air conditioning, EVs, expanding solar systems, etc. You can even upgrade your current system, making it perfect for families planning to expand their energy capacity as their needs grow.
FranklinWH has three smart circuits that independently control critical and non-critical loads, it automatically starts/stops high-energy devices during an outage, there’s even a customizable circuit for EV charging, and it extends your battery life by managing load priorities.
FranklinWH is a complete, future-ready, battery backup system built to adapt, expand, and deliver peace of mind. Whether you’re going solar, expanding your current system, looking to enhance your home’s resilience, or upgrading for EV readiness, Franklin WH offers a smarter, quieter, more powerful solution.
Solar has become one of the most promising and sustainable solutions for homeowners looking to lower their energy costs and minimize their environmental impact. Although solar is quite popular, several myths still exist about going solar – misconceptions that can discourage people from making the switch. Here are some common solar myths.
Myth #1 – Solar doesn’t work when it is raining
People can utilize solar in almost any environment, including rain and snow, because the sun still reaches the Earth. Battery backup is another solution, providing energy at night and when the sun’s not shining.
Myth #2 – Solar is too expensive
While cost varies for solar, you don’t have to pay it all upfront if you don’t have the means to do so, many companies, including Kokosing Solar, offer financing options. One of our solar experts will be happy to go over that with you during a consultation. Financing will allow you to pay for your system over time.
There are also local, state, and federal incentives that you can take advantage of to offset the total cost.
Myth #3 – Solar panels are too difficult to maintain
Solar panels require low maintenance; rain usually washes off dirt and debris, keeping them performing at their best.
You may need occasional inspections and cleaning, but solar panels require minimal upkeep.
Myth #4 – Solar Panels decrease the value of a home
Solar panels do not decrease the value of your home: in fact, they do the opposite! Homes with solar panels often have higher resale values because some buyers seek energy savings and environmental benefits. Homes with solar installations tend to sell faster and for higher prices compared to homes without. The home values may increase depending on the location, size of the system, and the local real estate market. Overall, people see solar panels as a home improvement.
Myth #5 – Free Solar from the Government
If you think free solar sounds too good to be true, that’s because it is! Although there are government incentives out there, nothing will cover your system’s expenses entirely. If someone claims your solar will be free, they’re likely trying to scam you or win your business at any cost.
Misleading ads claim local grant programs for homeowners, but solar has never been free—you’ll always pay for something.
Myth #6 – Going Solar is going Off-Grid
In most cases, you’re not going off-grid. If you live in a residential area, you will likely use a grid-tied system. This means you’re connected to the grid, earning credits for excess energy sent back, which can offset electricity costs at night or on cloudy days, while still having a backup power source when your panels aren’t producing enough energy.
Myth #7 – Solar is too complicated
Although professionals handle the setup, solar panels use straightforward technology and aren’t overly complicated. A professional will evaluate your roof’s condition, angle, and sunlight exposure to determine if solar panels are a good fit, then design a system tailored to your energy needs and roof. Your installer will take care of all the permits and approvals for local authorities or utility companies. Lastly, technicians will mount the panels, connect the system to your electrical panel, and ensure they integrate it safely with the grid. Then, the utility company will activate your system.
Myth #8 – Solar is unreliable
Many people believe energy is unreliable because the sun doesn’t shine 24/7, while this is true, solar can pair with energy storage systems that allow homeowners to store excess energy during sunny periods and use it on cloudy days. Solar is far from unreliable, with advancements in energy storage and integration into the grid, solar provides a stable and continuous energy supply.
In conclusion, solar energy provides a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable solution for homeowners looking to cut energy bills and reduce their environmental impact. Advances in technology and available incentives have debunked myths about solar being expensive, hard to maintain, or unreliable. With grid-tied systems and low-maintenance panels, solar is a practical choice for nearly any home. Financing, tax incentives, and energy storage options make going solar more accessible than many believe.
If you opened your electric bill this summer and were shocked by a significant jump in your total charges, you’re not alone. Many Ohio residents—including AEP Ohio customers—are seeing electric rates rise by 10% to 30%, depending on how their electricity is supplied.
So, what’s behind the increase, and what can you do to take control of your energy costs?
Let’s break it down.
If you’re on AEP Ohio’s Standard Service Offer (SSO)—which means you haven’t chosen your own energy supplier—your generation supply charge increased by about $27/month starting in June 2025 (based on 1,000 kWh usage). That’s nearly a 28% jump.
💡 These are “pass-through” charges from the wholesale electricity market, where energy suppliers bid to serve your home.
Ohio’s power grid is managed by PJM, a regional transmission organization that spans 13 states. Each year, PJM holds an auction where energy suppliers bid to reserve power capacity for future demand.
In the 2024 auction for the 2025-2026 cycle, capacity prices surged by 833% compared to the previous year. That cost gets passed directly to you as part of your generation charges.
📈 Why the Surge?
If you’ve:
This is because these customers are not on AEP Ohio’s SSO and may be locked into more favorable rates secured before the capacity price hike.
💡 Tip: Check out energychoice.ohio.gov to see if switching suppliers could save you money.
Yes—though they may not offset the increases. This summer we saw:
But if you’re an SSO customer, you’re still looking at a net increase of about $13/month or more.
Electricity prices are volatile and largely out of your control—but your energy usage and sourcing aren’t. Here’s what you can do right now:
✅ 1. Shop for a Fixed-Rate Electricity Supplier
Visit the PUCO Apples to Apples comparison tool and explore fixed-rate plans to avoid future shocks.
✅ 2. Go Solar and Generate Your Own Power
Solar energy puts the power back in your hands—literally. With a rooftop or ground-mounted solar system:
💬 Kokosing Solar specializes in helping homeowners and businesses in Ohio make the switch to clean, affordable solar power.
There’s some hope. PJM has introduced market reforms that cap future capacity prices. That could mean smaller increases in 2026 and beyond.
But with extreme weather and energy demand still rising, volatility will likely continue.
Talk to Kokosing Solar about going solar and taking control of your energy future. With a system custom-designed for your home or business, you’ll never have to ask “Why is my electric bill so high in Ohio this summer?” again.
📞 Contact Us Today or request your free solar consultation.
BLACKMAN TOWNSHIP, Mich., May 2, 2025 – Kokosing Solar joined local leaders, Consumers Energy representatives, and members of the Jackson County community today for the Blackman Solar Gardens groundbreaking —a 2.5 megawatt (MW) community solar facility that will power approximately 2,500 homes and businesses when completed by the end of 2025.
The ceremony marked the official start of construction on Consumers Energy’s fourth community solar facility, expanding its Solar Gardens program. Spanning 30 acres and featuring nearly 5,000 solar panels, the Blackman Solar Gardens site will offer Michiganders a new opportunity to participate in renewable energy without installing solar panels on their own homes or properties.
“We want to continue working with the community as we build Blackman Solar. And we hope to find more opportunities in the future. We want to collaborate with more local leaders interested in developments just like Blackman Solar.” said David Hicks, Consumers Energy’s Vice President of Clean Energy Development.
As the design-build contractor, Kokosing Solar will manage all phases of construction, including sitework, single-axis tracker installation, panel and inverter installation, and system commissioning.
Brady Phillips, Vice President of Kokosing Industrial’s Private Industrial Group, addressed attendees during the groundbreaking event.
“We’re honored to be part of this forward-looking project for Jackson County and the state of Michigan,” said Phillips. “Kokosing has been building essential infrastructure since 1951, and our solar division has delivered solar projects since 2000—25 years of navigating the ‘solar coaster.’ We’ve gained resilience, expertise, and a deep commitment to quality.”
Phillips emphasized Kokosing Solar’s local hiring and focus on skilled union labor, noting that 20 local tradespeople will be employed at peak construction. “These are good-paying, future-focused jobs that stay right here in the community,” he added.
Construction is underway and will continue throughout the year. The Blackman Solar Gardens facility is expected to begin generating renewable electricity by December 2025.
Kokosing Solar is proud to partner with Consumers Energy on a project that provides long-term value to Michigan’s ratepayers while helping the state transition toward a more sustainable energy future. Project updates and construction milestones will be shared in the months ahead.
In 2025 you’re wondering if the solar tax credit applies to batteries. If you’ve already installed a solar energy system on your home and claimed the 30% federal tax credit, you might be wondering: Can I still claim that same tax credit later if I decide to add battery storage?
It’s a common—and important—question, especially as more homeowners look to add energy storage to maximize their solar investment. While we’re not tax professionals and always recommend speaking with a licensed tax advisor, here’s what we do know based on current IRS guidance and precedent rulings.
Thanks to the Solar Tax Credit (otherwise known as the ITC, or Investment Tax Credit), homeowners who install eligible battery storage systems in 2023 through 2032 can claim a 30% tax credit on the full cost of the battery system, even if it’s installed after the solar panels—as long as it meets certain criteria.
This tax credit covers:
This is supported not only by the current IRS guidelines, but also by IRS Private Letter Ruling 201809003, which confirms that a battery added after solar panels can still qualify as a “qualified solar electric property expenditure” if it:
According to the IRS Residential Clean Energy Credit page, you can claim 30% of the cost of new, qualified battery storage technology with a minimum capacity of 3 kWh. This credit applies to battery systems installed from January 1, 2023, onward.
Key qualifications:
Here’s the good news: If you claimed the 30% tax credit for your solar panel system in one tax year, you can still claim a separate 30% credit in a future year if you later add battery storage.
Your battery system is treated as its own qualifying project, and the IRS considers the “expenditure made” when the battery is installed, not when the solar system was placed in service. That means:
To maximize your chance of qualifying:
Many homeowners install solar panels first and add batteries later due to:
Adding batteries later gives you flexibility—and thanks to the IRS’s current guidance, it can still be financially advantageous.
Yes—you can still claim the 30% solar battery tax credit in 2025, even if you add the battery after your solar panels. The IRS has made it clear that energy storage qualifies as long as it meets the proper criteria and is installed in a separate tax year. But as always, speak with your tax professional before making financial decisions.
And if you’re considering battery storage to complement your solar system, Kokosing Solar can help you design and install a system that qualifies for federal incentives and delivers reliable, renewable power.
Interested in Adding Battery Storage to Your Solar System?
Contact Kokosing Solar today for a no-obligation consultation and learn how we can help you maximize your energy independence and your tax credit.
Complete the form below to begin your free solar evaluation.
