Smart Solar monitoring with CTEK 250SE

[jedkk]

I have a CTEK 250se to charge my leisure battery and have 200w solar connected to this. Unlike other mppt devices the CTEK one does not have any facility to monitor how the solar charge is performing. Apart from changing to another device has anyone added anything to the CTEK in order to monitor the solar performance. I like the CTEK as it does both alternator and mppt battery charging.

 

[Dellmassive]

You can add in a separate SHUNT to your leisure battery to see what power flows in /out

 

[Bav]

I like the CTEK as it does both alternator and mppt battery charging.

That's a double-edged sword, as the CTEK represents a single point of failure for both LB charging methods.

 

[DXX]

That's a double-edged sword, as the CTEK represents a single point of failure for both LB charging methods.

Or a very compact reliable unit in a tiny van, mine has been daytime running constantly on solar for over 7 years. Never needed to look at it or monitor it.

 

[Vinyl1210]

See my post here.

V

Post in thread 'What Have You Done To Your Van Today?'

7 Aug 2025

Wired and fitted a Digital Volt Meter (DVM) with On/Off switch in my B Pillar Trim. It comes straight off the Solar connections on my CTEK 250 under the passenger seat. Fused in line with 1 Amp blade fuse (just incase the DVM has an eppy and goes s/c). Now when solar panel plugged in, I can quickly monitor the input voltage to the LB at the flick of a switch to ensure all is good. (I have a BM2 fitted also). Made up a lead with DC isolator with blade fuses tucked inside the isolator housing, and Anderson connectors at one end and MC4 the other. All covered in braid and heat shrink where...

• Vinyl1210

• 

I have CTEK for exactly the same reason as you. I wired a DVM into the B Pillar trim. When the panel is plugged in it will tell me what I’m generating.

HTH

 

[Bav]

Or a very compact reliable unit in a tiny van, mine has been daytime running constantly on solar for over 7 years. Never needed to look at it or monitor it.

Hence double-edged.