Inverter not Charging- These Are the Possible Reasons

Inverters have gained a crucial place today in every other household. With an increasing number of people shifting towards the self-power generating system, the usage and burden of inverters are increasing rapidly. 

This usage burden can, at times, exceed the inverter's capacity, causing multiple problems, with the inverter not charging being a common one. 

The same is why we have formed this ultimate guide, discussing the top 8 reasons for inverters not charging for timely troubleshooting.

Your guide to inverters not charging

1. Faulty battery

Battery is the power reservoir of your inverter which can also be a reason for your inverter not charging. Here are some signs of a faulty inverter battery: 

• The age: Batteries and similar power storage devices have a predetermined lifespan, after which they can become dead. If you have been using the same battery to power your inverter for several years, the time might have come to change it. 

• Lack of maintenance: Maintenance is another requirement for your battery to keep performing well. A battery can wear out if you do not top it off regularly with distilled water. If you think this is the case, it's best to leave the job to a professional. 

2. Low battery voltage 

An inverter battery needs a voltage supply equal to or above 11.5V. If your voltage falls below this limit, the inverter systems might not initiate the charge.

If you are sourcing power from a renewable energy source such as solar panels or wind turbines, the angle and wind pressure play a crucial role in determining the voltage limit. 

In such cases observe the sunlight angle and the angle of the solar panel. If they are not directly facing each other, consider making some amendments in the settings. 

3. Loose wiring

Wiring is the primary thing you use to transmit current and generate power from one end to the other. No matter how tightly you have inserted the wires, they can loosen with time. Try giving these a tug to ensure an accurate fitting. 

If the charging still isn't started, turn off the battery system completely and unplug all the wires. Take a clean and completely dry piece of cloth and wipe out all the dirt from all the areas. 

Once cleaned, plug in all the wires again tightly and try charging the inverter to see if that was the potential reason for its non-charging. 

4. Blown fuse

Another common cause is a blown fuse. A short circuit occurs when the electrical supply is disrupted, causing your inverter not to charge properly. Review the history of your house circuit in a few days to observe if any such situation has happened. 

Ask your family members if such an incident happens when you are not at home. Also, closely observe the wiring of your house, and if you find a blown fuse, repair it as soon as possible. You can do the task yourself if it is minor damage. However, in case of severe damage, ask for professional help to ensure safety. 

Remember, inverters need different types of fuses. If you are thinking of doing the job by yourself, make sure to research first. 

5. Faulty charger

The inverter has a built-in charger that absorbs the energy from outer space, converts it into a chemical and then provides it to the inverter storage. 

If this charger stops working or starts to malfunction, your inverter might stop getting charged. 

In such cases, notice if any bumps appear on the surface. 

6. Faults in the solar panel

If your inverter is not charging even after passing through all the functionality checks, it means that the fault isn't with the system but with the source.

Either your solar panels are not getting enough exposure to sunlight, or your voltaic cells have deteriorated in health. Consider changing your solar panels and trying again. 

7. Inverter overload

Excessive and intensive usage can lead to inverter overload. Inverters have a specific capacity measured in watts. When this capacity is exceeded, the power supply can cause overcharging, which ultimately blows away the fuse and disrupts the charging cycle.

Excessive and constant overloading can also damage multiple components of the inverter through overheating, affecting its functionality in the long run as well. 

8. Incorrect battery type

If you recently replaced your inverter's old battery, the wrong battery type can be a significant reason for it not charging. Each inverter is meant to be operated with a distinguished battery type, such as lithium-ion, lead-acid, or gel-based batteries. 

If you incorporate a wrong and incompatible battery into the system, it will not recognize any charge, leading to potential damages and failure in charging systems. Also, safety hazards and chances of leakages are enhanced. 

Make sure to purchase the correct type of battery whenever buying a new one. 

How to ensure a long lifecycle of inverters?

There are only a few ways to ensure the durable functionality of inverters. Firstly, make sure to purchase your inverter from a trusted and well-known source such as Innotinium. 

With years of experience, Innotinum has an extensive range of inverters to suit your tailored needs, including: 

1.IPS- H0 (EU): Comes under the residential series with a total capacity of 6 kWh to 15 kWh. 

2.IPS- L0 (EU): Comes under the series of P20-L0-EU with a total capacity of 3.6 kWh to 10 kWh.

3.IPS- L0 (US): Comes under the series of P20-L0-US with a total capacity of 6 kWh to 10 kWh.

In addition, you need to pay close attention towards all the maintenance requirements and attach a proper battery. The Innotinum has multiple battery types for your help, including 

1.IES- H0: Comes under the series of Residential ESS with a capacity of 7.6 kWh to 114 kWh.

2.IES- H1: comes under the series of Residential ESS with a capacity of 95 kWh. 

3.IES- L0: Comes under the series of Residential ESS with a capacity of 6.6kWh to 118.8 kWh. 

Preventive Measures

While knowing the common reasons for charging issues is essential, taking preventive measures can save you time and trouble in the future.

Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular checks for your inverter and battery system. Look for signs of wear and replace parts as needed.

Keep It Clean: Dust and debris can accumulate over time. Keep your inverter and battery clean to ensure proper airflow and functionality.

Optimal Placement: Install your inverter in a location that is not prone to extreme temperatures or moisture.

Monitor Performance: Regularly monitor your inverter's performance, including battery voltage and charging rates. This can help you catch issues before they become major problems.

When to Seek Professional Help

While some issues can be resolved with DIY troubleshooting, others require expert intervention. Call a technician if:

• The problem persists despite troubleshooting.
• There’s a burning smell or unusual noise from the inverter.
• The system displays unfamiliar error codes.

Conclusion

Inverters not charging is one of the most common reasons for households quitting renewable power generating systems. There can be extensive reasons for your inverter not charging, of which we have listed eight here. By reading the content above, you will not only be able to troubleshoot the problem but also address it in a timely manner to ensure long-term functionality.