Description
The Kelpie MK II is a compact, Australian made small off-grid solar system – the cost-effective way to power a shed, studio, glamping cabin or 1-bedroom off-grid home. Hard-wire it to the building, add panels, and you have silent power from day one. As your needs grow, so does the Kelpie: add a second battery and another charge controller without replacing a thing.
3 kVAInverter output
5 kWhLithium battery (upgradeable)
2,600 WMaximum solar input
IP55Weatherproof, active cooling
Key Features of This Compact Off-Grid Battery System
- All-in-one design: hard-wire to the building, connect panels, done
- Single MPPT solar charging, 6 x 440 W panels recommended (2,600 W max)
- Generator inlet (15 A) with 2-wire auto-start for bad weather
- 4G cellular remote monitoring included, or use your own Wi-Fi
- Upgradeable: add a second 5 kWh battery and an extra charge controller later
- Water and fuel level sensors included
- Stainless steel cabinet, IP55 rated with active cooling for hot sites
Why the Kelpie Suits Smaller Off-Grid Setups
Right-sized, not over-soldBuilt for low-consumption living – you pay for the capacity you actually need, not a system sized for a house you do not have.
Instant power, minimal fussPre-assembled and factory-tested in one cabinet. Hard-wire, add panels, and the shed or cabin is live.
Room to growAdd a second 5 kWh battery and another MPPT controller when your usage climbs – no replacement, no rework.
Silent for guest staysNo generator drone at 6am – ideal for glamping, eco-cabins and minimal-powered guest accommodation.
Backup when the weather turnsGenerator auto-start handles the cloudy week so you are never left in the dark.
Australian madeStainless steel, IP55, active cooling – designed in Brisbane for Australian heat, salt and dust.
Technical Specifications
| Output | |
|---|---|
| Nominal output | 3,000 VA (2,200 W at 40°C), 230 VAC |
| Peak power | 4,000 W (10 seconds) |
| Primary power AC (Life) | 15 A, 230 VAC terminal |
| Auxiliary power AC (Luxury) | 10 A, 230 VAC terminal |
| Inlet | 15 A, 240 VAC (caravan style) |
| Battery | |
| Battery capacity | 5 kWh (1 x 5 kWh module), expandable |
| Usable capacity | 4.49 kWh |
| Runtime at 0.8 kVA | 6 hours |
| Runtime at 0.4 kVA | 10 hours |
| Solar | |
| Recommended panels | 6 x 440 W (3S/2P) |
| Maximum solar input | 2,600 W, single MPPT |
| Optimal orientation | North |
| General | |
| Typical usage average | Sun: 0.8 kW · Night: 0.25 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
Sheds, studios & workshopsPower a shed that sits too far from the grid to be worth connecting.
Glamping & eco-tourismSilent power for guest cabins and minimal-powered stays. Eco-tourism power.
1-bedroom off-grid homesComfortable low-consumption off-grid living. Stepping up? See the Blue Heeler MK II.
Remote power stationsMining, agriculture and construction monitoring or small facilities.
Demountables & site officesClean power for accommodation and small office buildings.
Ranger & monitoring stationsSmall government and environmental facilities beyond the grid.
For Government, Councils and Large Organisations
The Kelpie MK II suits small-footprint government assets – ranger stations, environmental monitoring sites, remote amenities and temporary facilities – where a full-size system would be over-specified. Every unit is Australian made in Brisbane and arrives with the documentation your submission needs.Deploy many, not oneSmall modular units let you power several sites independently – if one is serviced, the others keep running. We used this approach to deliver ten units to the Langarra community, under budget.
Fleet visibilityGPS locator and 4G monitoring on every unit – know each system’s location and state of charge before dispatching anyone.
Compliance documentedAS/NZS 3000, 3001, 4509 and 5033, CEC/SAA guidelines, with engineering documentation and commissioning reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can a 3 kVA off-grid system actually run?
Comfortably: LED lighting, a fridge, TV, laptops, phone charging, a water pressure pump and small kitchen appliances one at a time. It is not sized for ducted air-conditioning, an electric oven and a washing machine running together – for that, step up to the Blue Heeler MK II.
Is the Kelpie big enough for a 1-bedroom off-grid home?
Yes, for low-consumption living. With 4.49 kWh usable and a 3 kVA inverter it suits one-bedroom homes, cabins and studios where appliances are used thoughtfully. Use our system sizing calculator to check your own appliance list.
How many solar panels does it need?
Six 440 W panels (about 2.6 kW) on its single MPPT input, facing north for the best year-round result. That is roughly 13 square metres of roof or ground-mount area.
Can I upgrade it later if I need more power?
Yes – that is the point of the Kelpie. Add a second 5 kWh battery to double the storage and an additional MPPT charge controller for more solar. A battery expansion cabinet takes it further (5-15 kWh).
What is the difference between the Kelpie and the Blue Heeler?
The Kelpie is the smaller, more cost-effective system: 3 kVA and 5 kWh versus the Blue Heeler’s 5 kVA and 10 kWh. Choose the Kelpie for a shed, cabin or 1-bedroom home; choose the Blue Heeler for a tiny home or 2-bedroom off-grid house.
What happens when the sun does not shine for a week?
The Kelpie includes a 15 A generator inlet with 2-wire auto-start. If the battery runs low it starts your generator, recharges, and shuts it off automatically.
Can it be installed outside?
Yes. The stainless steel cabinet is IP55 rated with active controlled cooling, suitable for high-temperature locations indoors or out.
Is it suitable for a glamping or guest cabin?
It is one of the best fits. Silent, fuel-free operation with no generator noise, and level sensors for water and fuel are included. Add the Peer-to-Peer Wireless Display with guest mode to show guests their usage while locking the settings.
How do I monitor it?
4G cellular monitoring is included for the first 12 months, so you can check generation, usage and battery level from your phone. After that, renew the plan, use your own Wi-Fi, or add the Peer-to-Peer Wireless Display for monitoring with no internet at all.
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
Not sure of your size? Try the system sizing calculator, or compare with the Blue Heeler MK II.
