Description
The Blue Heeler MK II ‘EX’ is an expandable off-grid battery system – our most popular all-in-one paired with the EX expansion cabinet. That doubles the storage to 20 kWh, adds a third MPPT charge controller for more solar, and leaves room to reach 25 kWh later. It is the natural choice for a 2-3 bedroom off-grid home that needs to get through a run of cloudy days without thinking about it.
5 kVAInverter output
20 kWhLithium battery (exp. to 25 kWh)
5,200 WMaximum solar input
32 hrsRuntime at 0.5 kVA
Key Features of This Expandable Off-Grid System
- Includes the ‘EX’ expansion cabinet – room for up to 2 extra MPPT controllers and more batteries
- Triple MPPT solar charging, 18 x 440 W panels recommended
- 20 kWh storage (18 kWh usable), expandable to 25 kWh in 5 kWh steps
- Smart load management sheds non-critical circuits to stretch the battery
- Generator inlet (15 A) with 2-wire auto-start for extended bad weather
- 4G cellular remote monitoring included, or use your own Wi-Fi
- Stainless steel cabinets, IP55 rated with active cooling
Why Choose the EX over the Standard Blue Heeler
Twice the overnight buffer18 kWh usable versus 9 kWh – 32 hours at 0.5 kVA. A cloudy stretch stops being something you plan around.
More solar, three waysTriple MPPT means you can split arrays across roof faces or ground mounts and still capture the morning and afternoon sun.
Genuinely expandableAlready at 20 kWh, with a path to 25 kWh. Buy the EX now, or start with a Blue Heeler and add the EX cabinet later – nothing is wasted either way.
Runs a real householdSized for 2-3 bedroom off-grid living, with the headroom for a washing machine, a dishwasher and a split system without rationing.
Fewer generator hoursMore storage plus more solar means the backup generator starts far less often – less fuel, less noise, less maintenance.
Australian madeDesigned and built in Brisbane. Stainless steel, IP55, active cooling for Australian conditions.
Technical Specifications
| Output | |
|---|---|
| Nominal output | 5,000 VA (3,700 W at 40°C), 230 VAC |
| Peak power | 9,000 W (10 seconds) |
| Primary power AC (Life) | 21 A, 230 VAC terminal |
| Auxiliary power AC (Luxury) | 15 A, 230 VAC terminal |
| Inlet | 1 x 15 A, 240 VAC (generator) |
| Battery | |
| Battery capacity | 20 kWh (4 x 5 kWh modules), expandable to 25 kWh |
| Usable capacity | 18 kWh |
| Runtime at 1.5 kVA | 12 hours |
| Runtime at 0.5 kVA | 32 hours |
| Solar | |
| Recommended panels | 18 x 440 W (3S/2P per MPPT) |
| Maximum solar input | 5,200 W, triple MPPT |
| Optimal orientation | North / North-West |
| General | |
| Typical usage average | Sun: 1.2 kW · Night: 0.4 kW |
| Dimensions (Power Box) | W 640 x H 730 x D 545 mm |
| Dimensions (‘EX’ expansion unit) | W 640 x H 700 x D 545 mm |
| Protection | IP55 rated, active controlled cooling |
Industries and Applications We Power
2-3 bedroom off-grid homesThe sweet spot – full household living with a real overnight and bad-weather buffer.
Off-grid tiny homes & shedsFor owners who want maximum headroom in a compact footprint.
Eco-tourism & guest staysSilent power with enough capacity for multiple cabins or a larger guest facility.
Remote power stationsMining, agriculture and construction facilities needing extended autonomy.
Community & government housingModular units suit remote housing programs – see our Langarra community case study.
Demountables & accommodationClean, quiet power for remote offices and worker accommodation.
For Government, Councils and Large Organisations
The Blue Heeler ‘EX’ is well suited to remote housing, community facilities and government assets that need real autonomy without a centralised build. Australian made in Brisbane, delivered with procurement-ready documentation.Modular means redundancyAt Langarra in the NT the client first specified one large centralised system. We proposed ten modular Blue Heeler units instead – no cranes or barges, delivered under budget, and servicing one unit never takes the community offline. A centralised system is a single point of failure.
Australian made in BrisbaneLocal content and supply-chain resilience. Support and spare parts come from our workshop, not an overseas importer.
Resilience hardeningPermanent power for the assets that must not go dark – community halls, clinics, water pumping. It earns its keep every normal day and proves itself in an outage.
Fleet visibilityGPS locator and 4G monitoring on every unit – see location and state of charge before dispatching a technician.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Blue Heeler and the Blue Heeler ‘EX’?
Same 5 kVA inverter and the same cabinet, but the EX adds the expansion unit: 20 kWh of battery instead of 10 kWh, and a third MPPT charge controller for more solar. Choose the EX if you want a 2-3 bedroom home or a real buffer through cloudy weather.
Can I start with a Blue Heeler and add the EX later?
Yes – nothing is wasted. The EX expansion cabinet bolts on to an existing Blue Heeler MK II, taking storage up in 5 kWh steps to 25 kWh and adding capacity for extra MPPT charge controllers.
How much battery storage does an off-grid house need?
As a rule of thumb, enough for a full night plus a margin for a cloudy day. The EX gives 18 kWh usable, which is around 32 hours at a steady 0.5 kVA. Run your own appliance list through our system sizing calculator for an estimate.
Is 20 kWh enough for a 3 bedroom home?
For many households, yes – especially with gas cooking and hot water. If you run ducted air-conditioning, electric hot water and a large family load, the Mastiff MK II (10 kVA, 25 kWh, expandable to 50 kWh) is the better fit.
How many solar panels does the EX take?
Eighteen 440 W panels across three MPPT inputs, up to 5,200 W total. Triple MPPT lets you split the array across different roof faces or orientations.
Can it go to 25 kWh?
Yes. The battery expands in 5 kWh steps to a 25 kWh maximum. Multiple Blue Heelers can also be paralleled together for more output and storage.
What happens in extended bad weather?
The 15 A generator inlet with 2-wire auto-start handles it – the system starts your generator, recharges and shuts it down automatically. With 18 kWh of storage, that happens far less often than on a smaller system.
Can it be installed outdoors?
Yes. Both cabinets are stainless steel, IP55 rated with active controlled cooling for high-temperature locations.
Do you supply to government, councils and large organisations?
Yes. We deliver to councils, agencies, Tier 1 contractors and large operators with full procurement documentation: capability statement, quality management system, environmental statement, battery emergency response plan, SWMS and risk assessments, engineering documentation and commissioning reports. Licensed Electrical Contracting in QLD, NSW and NT. ABN 88 662 397 560.
What warranty does it come with?
Five years on the power equipment and ten years on the battery, supported from our Brisbane workshop.
About Maxxiom Power Solutions
Maxxiom Power Solutions Australia designs and manufactures off-grid solar and battery systems in Brisbane, Queensland. Every system is engineered for remote and harsh environments, built on proven Victron power electronics with compliant lithium battery storage, delivered with full documentation and supported by our own technicians. All works comply with AS/NZS 3000, 3001, 4509 and 5033, backed by a 5-year equipment and 10-year battery warranty.Service Areas
Maxxiom systems are designed and manufactured in Brisbane and supplied Australia-wide for regional and remote applications. Our licensed electrical team delivers installation, commissioning and ongoing support across Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory – including Brisbane, Logan, the Gold Coast and hinterland, Ipswich, the Scenic Rim, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Toowoomba, regional Queensland, the Northern Rivers of NSW and remote communities across the NT. Outside these areas we supply Australia-wide – ask us about delivery to your site.5-year power equipment warranty · 10-year battery warranty · Australian made in Brisbane
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare with the Blue Heeler MK II or the larger Mastiff MK II, or size your system with our calculator.
