According to the press release, the integration of Eaton's AbleEdge smart breakers with the FranklinWH System helps improve energy affordability by enabling more flexible, intelligent and simplified energy management at home. The companies will help make it easier for contractors and homeowners to integrate solar and energy storage, manage loads, expedite installation and extend backup duration during a grid outage. The joint solution is now available, with Eaton as FranklinWH's preferred supplier for load management.

Eaton's AbleEdge smart breakers will add intelligent load management and support virtual power plant (VPP) functionality for the FranklinWH System in retrofit and new construction projects. The collaboration aligns with Eaton's Home as a Grid strategy that supports flexible power systems that enable customers to do more with the power they have. Eaton's work with leading home energy management, solar and energy storage providers such as FranklinWH is transforming what is possible for the home as an energy source.

"This collaboration raises the bar for home electrification," said Paul Ryan, VP and general manager of energy transition at Eaton, in the press release. "We're bringing intelligence to residential circuit breakers-so homeowners can control the loads that matter most, extend backup power and reduce wasted energy. AbleEdge smart breakers integrate with multiple storage systems, work right out of the box and are available through Eaton's established distributor network-making it easy for contractors to install at scale."

The Eaton smart breakers can be retrofitted into existing load centers and added to the FranklinWH Meter Adapter Controller to support both retrofit and new construction projects. Homeowners and electrical contractors will be able to use the FranklinWH App to install, commission, manage and monitor both companies' technologies.

When deployed with participating utilities, the joint solution enables homes to operate as virtual power plants (VPPs). By utilizing intelligent load management, homeowners can shift or shed demand during peak times, store and discharge energy from onsite distributed energy resources and support grid stability and resilience. Homeowners can use the functionality to participate in utility VPP programs that generate revenue or credits by exporting excess power back onto the local electric grid.