NO-Battery: Battery not connected

This guide helps you fix a "Battery Not Connected" error on your Autarco inverter. This error means the inverter can't communicate with or get power from the battery, preventing it from working properly.

Why it's problematic

A "Battery Not Connected" error can be problematic because:

Reduced solar energy usage: The inverter won't store excess solar energy in the battery, potentially wasting it.
Limited backup power: The system may not provide backup power during outages if the battery isn't connected.

Possible causes

Here are some reasons you might encounter a "Battery Not Connected" error:

Loose connections: Cables connecting the battery to the inverter could be loose or disconnected.
Faulty cables: Damaged or defective cables can disrupt the connection between the battery and the inverter.
Battery isolation: A safety feature within the battery or inverter may have isolated the battery due to an issue.
Communication errors: Problems with the communication link (often CAN bus) between the battery and inverter.
Battery state: The battery might be off or in a state that prevents connection.

Before you begin

Safety First: Working with electrical equipment always involves risks. Ensure you are qualified and follow appropriate safety precautions. Disconnect the inverter from both AC and DC sources before performing any physical inspection or adjustments.

Gather Information: Before starting troubleshooting, have the inverter manual on hand. You should also gather information about the inverter model and serial number, the installation date, the PV array configuration (number of panels, capacity, and number of strings), and the battery type.

Troubleshooting steps

Check the inverter display: The inverter display might show an error code or message related to the battery, providing more specific information.
Inspect all connections: Visually examine all cables and connections between the battery and the inverter, ensuring they are securely fastened. This includes both power cables and communication cables (e.g., CAN bus).
Check the battery state: Verify that the battery is turned on and not in a fault state. Refer to the battery's manual for instructions on checking its status.
Restart the inverter and battery: Power cycle both the inverter and the battery. This can sometimes resolve communication issues.
Measure battery voltage: Use a multimeter to measure the battery voltage at the inverter's connection point. Compare the reading to the expected battery voltage. Low or zero voltage indicates a problem with the battery or its connection. If the measured voltage is within the expected range, there might be a communication problem.
Check for physical damage: Inspect cables for any signs of damage, such as cuts, abrasions, or exposed wires. Replace any damaged cables.

Verifying the solution

After performing the troubleshooting steps, restart the inverter and monitor its display for any error messages. Check if the inverter recognizes the battery and if the system is operating as expected. You can further verify the solution by checking the inverter's monitoring system, if available, to confirm communication with the battery.

If the problem is not resolved

If the error persists after following all the above steps, there might be an internal fault within the inverter or battery.

As a system owner: In this case, contact the inverter installer or distributor for further assistance. You can find the details of your installer in the MyAutarco app.
As a certified installer: Contact Autarco Support. You can submit a support case via Helios.