Back when reliable solar technology options were more limited, Outback Power was a sensible choice for residential off-grid setups. The brand had a solid reputation in the 2000s and 2010s, and many homeowners installed its equipment.

However, like any technology, these systems aren’t immune to issues. Age, environment, and system complexity all contribute to faults over time. Occasionally, people with Outback equipment hit us up to help troubleshoot and repair their systems.

Here’s how we approach troubleshooting an Outback system, what we commonly see in the field, and what you can expect.

The complexity of an Outback system

An “Outback system” isn’t a single piece of equipment or a standard package. Instead, it’s a collection of components that can be configured to meet various requirements. The most common ones include:

Inverters (FX or Radian series) convert DC (direct current) from solar panels or batteries into AC (alternating current) for household use.
Charge controllers (FM series) manage solar input.
MATE or MATE3 system managers monitor and control the equipment.
HUBs and sync setups coordinate multi-inverter or 240V systems.

The discrete components make it easy to customize a system for various requirements. However, such flexibility also means that no two systems are the same, making troubleshooting less predictable.

As systems age beyond their expected service life after 10-15 years of use, failures become more common. The complexity increasingly becomes a liability, while the consumer mindset has moved on as users expect simpler and easier-to-support technologies.

So, what to expect?

We’ve serviced quite a few Outback systems. The course of action varies with these most probable outcomes:

We diagnose that the fault is external to the Outback gear, such as an upstream AC issue or solar panel deterioration, and recommend the appropriate next steps.
We repair the problem and extend the system’s lifespan relatively cost-effectively.
We determine that replacing the faulty equipment with a modern equivalent is the most sensible route.

So, can we fix an Outback system? It depends.

Often, the question isn’t "can it be fixed," but "should it be fixed.” For example, it may cost less to purchase a new, modern charge controller than to diagnose and repair an old one. Moreover, fixing an older piece of equipment may extend its life by two or three years, whereas a new one is typically good for another decade or more.

*We revamped an Outback system for the Lifesavers Wild Horse Rescue in Caliente.* *Read the case study*.

Common Outback issues we encounter

Here’s what we typically find when we examine an Outback system:

Lost configuration

If a system is disconnected from power for too long, it may lose its programming. Often, a careful re-programming is enough to restore function, but we still take time to check all operations afterward.

Communication failures

Simple FX/FM equipment rarely suffers communication breakdowns. However, communication faults are more common in multi-inverter setups with HUBs and MATE controllers. The MATE3 tends to fail after about a decade of use.

Aging hardware

Capacitors and other electronic components degrade over time. Component-level failures become much more likely after 10 -15 years.

Environmental stress

Our mountain/desert environment isn’t kind to sophisticated devices. Dust, heat, and corrosion can damage circuit boards and moving parts (e.g., fans). Most Outback components are rated for indoor installation, and some pump houses (where people put the equipment) don’t offer the proper protection, causing excessive wear and failures.

AC-side problems

Sometimes the Outback equipment is fine, and the problem lies upstream in the AC wiring or downstream with household loads. That’s why we check everything, not just the Outback components, as part of the process.

Insufficient production or storage

We also examine the production (solar panel) and storage (battery) side of the equation. For example, solar panel deterioration, loose connections, solar trackers that no longer follow the sun, and battery deterioration can impact performance.

Signs your Outback system needs attention

Don’t wait until the light goes out. These signs may indicate an imminent failure and should be addressed promptly:

🔴 Fault codes or warning lights

⚡ No AC output even though devices appear powered

🔋 Batteries not charging or draining unusually fast

📉 Noticeable performance drop compared to past years

🌫️ Dust, heat damage, or corrosion in or around the gear

⏳ More than 10 years old with no service history

A surgical and personalized approach to off-grid system improvement

Technology has advanced. Newer and more cost-effective solar equipment offers more streamlined and reliable solutions. While we don’t implement Outback systems for our clients, we help folks with these existing solutions fix or modernize their components to extend the lifespan of their systems and maximize their investment.

Instead of telling people they need to throw out what they have and pay $60k to install an all-new system, we work surgically to isolate problematic components in their Outback equipment and recommend the best course of action to preserve their investment while meeting their power needs.

If your existing solar system is giving you grief, we can help. Get in touch and let’s take a look.

Troubleshooting an Outback Off-Grid Solar System