Outback inverter - batteries dead or not charging
When to Use This
Use this guide when:
- The inverter is off
- The system appears dead or unresponsive
- Batteries are not charging
Most Likely Cause
- Batteries discharged too low overnight
- The battery BMS shut down to protect the cells
When this happens:
- The inverter cannot start
- Charging may not begin automatically
- The system must be manually reset
Is your MATE screen on?
If the Screen IS ON (System is running, batteries are very low)
Your batteries are very low but still connected. The system is working and can recover using solar, proceed to Step 1 below. If your screen is OFF, then advance to the next section.
Step 1: Turn Off Loads (Important)
Turn off large items in your home such as:
- Air conditioners
- Pumps
- Large appliances
If needed, turn off breakers to reduce usage.
Why:
This allows your batteries to recover instead of being drained further.
Step 2: Check That Solar Charging Equipment Is On
Look for your solar charge controller (often labeled FM80):
- The screen should be on
- It should look active
Step 3: Check for Charging
Look for signs that your batteries are charging:
- Indicators showing power going into the battery
- Battery level slowly increasing
Step 4: Let the System Recover
If charging is happening:
- Leave loads OFF
- Allow the system time to recharge
This may take 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on sunlight.
Step 5: Turn Loads Back On Slowly
Once the batteries have recovered:
- Turn loads back on one at a time
- Avoid turning everything on at once
If You Do NOT See Charging
Please take photos of:
- Your system screen
- Your charge controller
And contact us for support.
If the Screen is OFF (System is shut down)
Your batteries likely discharged too low and shut down to protect themselves. The system needs to be restarted.
Step 1: Turn Off All Loads (Important)
Turn off all major loads or breakers in your home.
Why:
Prevents the system from shutting down again during restart.
Step 2: Turn Off the Inverter (If Accessible)
If you are able to locate it:
Turn off the DC disconnect near the batteries
If you are unsure, you can skip this step.
Step 3: Reset the Batteries
At each battery:
- Press the power button to turn it OFF (if possible)
- Wait about 10 seconds
- Press again to turn it ON
Step 4: Check the Batteries
After resetting:
Look for lights or signs of activity on the batteries
If there are no lights, contact us for support.
Step 5: Turn On Solar Charging
Turn on:
- The solar (PV) breaker (if present)
- The charge controller
Leave the inverter off for now.
Step 6: Wait for the Batteries to Recharge
The batteries need to gain some charge before the system can restart.
Look for:
- Charge controller turning on
- Signs of charging
- Battery level increasing
Step 7: Turn the System Back On
Once charging has started:
Turn the inverter back on
Your home should regain power.
Step 8: Turn Loads Back On Slowly
- Turn loads on one at a time
- Avoid large loads until batteries are more charged
If the System Does Not Recover
Please contact us if:
- No lights appear on the batteries
- No charging occurs in sunlight
- The system does not turn back on