Outback inverter powered off and generator not charging batteries
Use this guide when your generator is running, the inverter is powered off and the batteries do not appear to be charging.
Most Likely Causes
Lithium batteries fully discharged overnight
Battery BMS protection shut down the batteries
- Without battery voltage:
- The inverter cannot start
- The charge controller cannot start
- PV cannot charge the batteries
- Generator charging may not begin
In this case the batteries must be manually reset before the system can restart.
Step 1: Confirm the System is Off
If the MATE screen is on or illuminated, then the system is powered on and you should refer to the guide for this situation here.
Step 2: Turn Off DC Breakers
Before resetting the batteries, the system should be isolated. Turn off the following:
- The inverter DC breaker
- The charge controller breaker
- The PV breaker (if present)
Reason:
Turning off these breakers prevents equipment from trying to start while the batteries are being reset.
Step 3: Reset the Batteries
When lithium batteries discharge too low, they shut themselves off to protect the cells. We just need to reset them so the system can start charging again.
Reset all of the batteries:
- Press the battery power button to turn each battery OFF (all batteries are then off)
- Wait about 10 seconds
- Press the button again to turn each battery ON
Step 4: Turn On Charging Equipment
Once the batteries have been reset, charging equipment should be restored first. Now turn ON:
- The PV breaker
- The charge controller breaker
Leave the inverter OFF for now.
Reason:
This allows the batteries to begin charging before the inverter tries to start.
Step 5: Confirm Charging Begins
Can you now see:
- The charge controller screen turn on
- Charging indicators
- Battery voltage beginning to increase
If the system has sunlight available, charging should begin shortly.
Step 6: Restart the Inverter
- Once the batteries have begun charging and voltage has risen:
- Turn ON the inverter DC breaker.
- The inverter should start and restore power to the home.
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.