At Sona Solar Zimbabwe, we are committed to providing the best price-to-quality ratio on our products and efficient support services.
Your appliances are connected to an inverter charger and everything is running smoothly, then one day the inverter stops charging the battery. What could have happened? Before you call for technical help, we have listed some common causes and how to fix them.
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Check These Five Reasons Your Inverter is Not Charging the Battery! |
5 Common Inverter Charging Problems & Solutions
Problem | Quick Solution |
---|---|
No Battery Power Supply | Check your main switch, circuit breakers, and ensure the power source (grid/generator) is active. |
Dead or Worn-Out Battery | Check battery lifespan. If old or failing to hold a charge after maintenance, it's time for a replacement. |
Low Battery Voltage | Manually charge the battery with an AC charger or correctly sized solar panels to raise voltage above the inverter's minimum threshold (e.g., >11.5V for a 12V system). |
Loose or Incorrect Wiring | Turn off the system. Check that all battery terminals are tight and clean. Ensure you are using the correct, thickest possible wire gauge. |
Blown Fuse | Identify the cause of the overload or short circuit first, then replace the fuse with the correct type as specified in the manual. |
Inverter & Battery Sizing Guide
System Size | Typical Battery Voltage | Recommended Battery Bank |
---|---|---|
1kVA System | 12V | 1 x 100Ah Lithium Battery |
3.5kVA System | 24V | 1-2 x 100Ah Lithium Batteries |
5kVA System | 48V | 2-4 x 100Ah Lithium Batteries |
8kVA - 11kVA System | 48V | 4-8 x 100Ah Lithium Batteries |
Appliance Power Consumption Guide
Appliance | Typical Wattage |
---|---|
Laptops & Chargers | 65 - 100 Watts |
TV & DSTV Decoder | 150 - 200 Watts |
Desktop Computer & Monitor | 200 Watts |
Refrigerator (Medium) | Running: 150W | Surge: 1800-2000W |
Space Heater | 1500 Watts |
Troubleshooting Inverter Charging Issues
If an inverter fails to charge a battery, the most likely reason is low voltage due to faulty wiring or a dead battery. If replacing the batteries and wires does not resolve the problem, the inverter's internal circuits might be damaged. Let's look at the possible reasons.
A Dead Battery
If your battery is dead, it can no longer hold a charge. Check its lifespan in the manual. If you have been using the same batteries for several years, it might be time for a replacement. If your battery has a long service history or has been repaired multiple times, consider getting a new one. Check if it's still under warranty before attempting any repairs yourself, as this could void it.
Low Battery Voltage
A typical 12V inverter charger requires the voltage to be above 11.5V to initiate a charge. A solution is to charge the battery with solar power from correctly sized solar panels, and once there is enough power, hook it back up to the inverter. Always use compatible batteries for your inverter's voltage (e.g., 12V batteries for a 12V system) to avoid damage.
Loose or Incorrect Wiring
Inverter cables must be the right size and securely fastened. A loose terminal will cause a system failure. The shorter and thicker the wires, the better. This reduces power loss and improves efficiency, so install the inverter as close to the battery bank as possible. This is a key part of any professional solar installation.
Blown Fuse
Fuses can blow due to a short circuit or if the inverter is overloaded. Before replacing a fuse, find the cause. If it was a short circuit, check all wiring to prevent a more serious issue. Always use the correct fuse type specified in the operating manual and contact a professional if you are unsure.
By following the tips in this guide, you should be able to diagnose and resolve most common inverter charging issues. For persistent problems, always consult a qualified technician from Sona Solar Zimbabwe.
Important Notice: Pricing AND Stock Availability
To provide you with the most accurate information, please note the following:
- Pricing: Prices listed on our website are indicative and may change without prior notice due to fluctuations in import costs and exchange rates.
- Availability: Due to high demand and dynamic supply chains, product availability is not guaranteed. Items may become out of stock.
We highly recommend contacting us directly for the latest pricing and to confirm stock before making a final decision.
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Sona Solar Zimbabwe
Sona Solar Zimbabwe
7 Frank Johnson Avenue,
Avenues, Eastlea
Harare, Zimbabwe.
Call Us Today:
Solar Sales:
+263 78 293 3586
Solar Sales:
+263 78 922 2847
Operations:
+263 78 864 2437
Sona Landline:
+263 24 2797750
Email:
sonasolarzw@gmail.com
Website:
www.sonasolar.co.zw

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Borehole Experts Zimbabwe
7 Frank Johnson Avenue,
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Harare, Zimbabwe.
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