StuC3 wrote:Have your solar panels got regulators built in. If so the CTEK will not operate on solar as it uses its own regulator. I have mine installed with 2 solar panels and a second battery and it works fine.
Nah, the regulator has been removed from the panels, running straight into the ctek. 120watt panels too.
fracturedranga wrote:Not sure if the ctek is the same but the redarc you need to run the solar input through a changeover relay. So when the engine switches off it charges from the solar and not the cranking battery. If tge solar is wired in parrallel itll think the car is running as its seeing charge in and draw from your main to charge the aux. The solar wont be able to keep up with what the charger is taking out and youll end up with a flat main. Id think you have a setup wiring issue. Draw a picture of how its wired up and post it and we can see if thats the issue. Could also be what stu said as most dc dc chargers need a certain voltage i/p to charge off solar. If your panels have there own regulator the ctek wont see high enough voltage
I'll take a photo in the next day or two of how its wired up. The ctek has a seperate input for both the solar and the alternator and is meant to be able to use both independently of each other. Something is amiss though.
2012 Hilux Extra cab, 1996 Aussie Swag Camper.