MicroMall may not be a household name—yet—but for those in the know, it’s been quietly powering a revolution in marine energy. Headquartered on Captain Springs Road in Onehunga, Auckland, MicroMall is a New Zealand-based firm building lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries, solar panels, wind turbine controls, and full power management systems—all designed to integrate seamlessly into marine electrical setups.
We caught up with Paul from MicroMall at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, where he walked us through the features of their lithium battery range—and what makes them different.
“WE MANUFACTURE THE BATTERIES HERE IN NEW ZEALAND. THEY COME IN STAINLESS STEEL CASES WITH WATERPROOF TOPS, AND INSIDE THEY CONTAIN OUR PATENTED BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY,” PAUL EXPLAINED. “SAFETY AND RELIABILITY ARE OUR BIGGEST FOCUS.”
Batteries designed for boats—not just borrowed from other industries
The lithium batteries MicroMall produces come in 100Ah, 160Ah, and 200Ah configurations, using lithium iron phosphate chemistry—a much safer and more stable alternative to traditional lithium-ion. These cells are non-combustible, don’t catch fire when exposed to water, and offer impressive performance over time.
“YOU CAN THROW IT IN THE WATER—IT WON’T BURN, IT WON’T CATCH FIRE,” PAUL SAID. “AND WE’VE TESTED THESE FOR 6,000 FULL CYCLES, DOWN TO 10% CHARGE. EVEN AFTER THAT, THEY RETAIN OVER 80% OF THEIR ORIGINAL CAPACITY.”
That sort of durability is a big deal for cruising and offshore boaties who depend on their electrical systems in isolated locations, whether for powering navigation systems, lighting, fridges, or watermakers.
Each battery includes an advanced, triple-layered BMS (battery management system), capable of monitoring and balancing every individual cell. Thanks to Paul’s patented technology, the system actively adjusts the internal resistance of each cell to ensure balanced voltage—critical for both performance and safety.
Control and clarity in real-time
What really sets MicroMall’s system apart is its open access to data. Whether you’re on board or away from the dock, the batteries can be monitored via Bluetooth on your smartphone or via a dedicated cable connection to the helm. The system displays individual cell voltage, temperature, resistance, and overall performance, allowing boaties to see how their battery is performing now—or five years down the track.
“WE GIVE YOU FULL VISIBILITY. YOU’LL ALWAYS KNOW IF YOUR BATTERY’S HEALTHY—TODAY, TOMORROW, NEXT YEAR, OR EVEN IN 20 YEARS,” PAUL SAID.
That level of transparency is rare in the battery world and adds a layer of trust that’s often missing in imported units with sealed BMS systems.
Built-in systems for total energy integration
While the batteries are a centrepiece, MicroMall’s strength is in delivering complete systems. From solar panels and wind turbines to fusing systems, controllers, switchboards and displays—everything is designed to work together. Their gear is well-suited to DIY retrofitters as well as boatbuilders and marine electricians looking for plug-and-play solutions.
At the show, Paul also showed off their ultra-thin, flexible 100W solar panels—retailing for just $95 including GST with a 10-year warranty. A rigid 440W bifacial panel, which Paul claims can function in low light and even moonlight conditions, goes for $189 GST-inclusive.
“IN NEW ZEALAND, SOLAR SYSTEMS CAN BE EXPENSIVE. OUR AIM IS TO MAKE GREEN POWER MORE AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE, WITHOUT COMPROMISING QUALITY,” SAID PAUL.
This pragmatic approach—coupled with a 15-year warranty on the batteries—has made MicroMall a go-to for boaties who want dependable systems that don’t require a full rewire or a mortgage to install.
Made in NZ, for New Zealand conditions
In a market increasingly dominated by offshore products, MicroMall’s Intellectual Property combined with local manufacture and assembly of batteries means better service, faster support, and systems tuned for the conditions boaties face in Aotearoa—from salt-laden humidity to long-distance cruising requirements.
“THE WHOLE POINT IS TO DELIVER SAFE, AFFORDABLE, AND SMART ENERGY SYSTEMS THAT ARE MADE FOR THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT—NOT JUST ADAPTED FROM CARAVANS OR HOUSEHOLD SYSTEMS,” PAUL ADDED.
Why it matters
As more Kiwis look to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and make their vessels more self-sufficient, the demand for reliable marine-grade battery systems has never been greater. MicroMall’s combination of lithium-phosphate chemistry, intelligent BMS, and full system integration offers an appealing package—especially when backed by long warranties and a bricks-and-mortar location right in Auckland.
For boat owners seeking safety, visibility, and value in their onboard energy systems, MicroMall presents a refreshing, Kiwi-built solution.
