Outback inverter powered on but generator is not charging batteries

Use this guide when your generator is running, your system is powered, but the batteries do not appear to be charging.

Most Likely Causes

1. AC input breaker is off (most common)
2. Generator breaker is off

3. System sees generator AC, but batteries did not drop low enough to auto-start charging

   • In this case, manual Bulk Charge is required

Step 1: Check breakers on

This should always be first, before looking at screens.

• Generator output breaker is ON (this varies based on generator type)
• OutBack AC Input breaker is ON
• If either breaker is off, turn it back on

Reason:

• If a breaker is off, the system cannot see AC
• Screens won’t matter until this is confirmed
• This is the most common failure point

Step 2: Confirm AC Input Is Present

• Make sure the generator is running at this step.
• If the AC input light is solid, and the system is not showing any faults, then continue to the next step.

Step 3: Manually Start Bulk Charge 

Sometimes the batteries haven’t dropped low enough to automatically start charging, so you may need to manually start a Bulk Charge.

1. Press the CHARGER button on the left side of the MATE
2. Select Bulk Charge
3. Follow the prompts to Start Bulk Charge

Step 4: Confirm Charging Is Active

Charging is confirmed when:

• Screen says “Bulk charge started”
• Battery icon shows arrow pointing up

If these steps don't resolve the issue, take photos of the inverter screen, as well as any alerts or events and include them when you reach out.