Victron BlueSolar PWM-Light Charge Controllers 12/24V

The Victron BlueSolar PWM-Light Charge Controller is an entry-level, no-frills PWM solar charge controller designed for simple 12V and 24V solar lighting and small battery charging applications. Available in four current ratings - 5A, 10A, 20A, and 30A - all models provide three-stage Bulk/Absorption/Float battery charging, a load output with low-voltage battery disconnect, and a single programmable lighting timer, in a compact and lightweight enclosure at the lowest price point in the Victron solar charge controller range.

The PWM-Light uses Pulse Width Modulation charging - connecting the solar panel directly to the battery during bulk charge and modulating the connection to hold absorption and float voltages. While not as efficient as MPPT technology in converting available solar power, PWM charging is a proven and reliable method well suited to smaller solar systems where the panel voltage closely matches the battery voltage and system simplicity is the primary requirement.

A two-digit, seven-segment LED display on the front panel provides quick and easy setting of the load output functionality and lighting timer without requiring a remote panel, app, or additional hardware. Status LEDs indicate charge phase (bulk, absorption, float), load output state, and fault conditions at a glance. The load output is protected against overload and short circuit - shutting down automatically in the event of a fault and reconnecting after clearance.

The PWM-Light is the simplified version of the BlueSolar PWM-Pro - offering the same core charging and load output function with a single fixed timer (rather than the Pro's fully programmable multi-timer lighting control) and without the optional remote panel or battery temperature sensor compatibility. For applications requiring full programmability, an external battery temperature sensor, or a remote panel, the BlueSolar PWM-Pro is the recommended choice.

Features

Three-Stage PWM Battery Charging - Bulk, Absorption, Float

Charges the battery through three automatic stages - Bulk (constant current, maximum solar power), Absorption (constant voltage, reducing current), and Float (maintenance voltage) - providing complete and battery-safe charging for flooded, GEL, and AGM lead-acid batteries without user intervention.

Load Output with Low-Voltage Battery Disconnect

A dedicated load output terminal switches DC loads on and off - automatically disconnecting loads when the battery voltage drops below the preset disconnect threshold to prevent deep discharge and battery damage. The load reconnects automatically when the battery voltage recovers above the reconnect threshold.

Lighting Control - Single Timer

A single programmable lighting timer enables the load output to be switched on at dusk and off after a preset time - ideal for outdoor lighting, streetlights, and signage powered by a small solar system. The timer is set using the two-digit seven-segment display and front panel push button.

Two-Digit Seven-Segment LED Display

The front panel two-digit display and push button enable quick and easy setting of load output mode and timer duration without requiring a smartphone, app, remote panel, or computer - making installation and configuration accessible to any user.

Load Output Overload and Short-Circuit Protection

The load output automatically shuts down if the connected load exceeds the rated current or causes a short circuit - protecting both the charge controller and the connected equipment from damage, with automatic recovery after the fault condition is cleared.

Common Positive Grounding

The PWM-Light uses a common positive grounding topology - the positive terminal of the solar array, battery, and load are all connected together, with switching performed on the negative rail. This is consistent across all four current ratings and must be considered when designing the system grounding.

Automatic 12V / 24V System Voltage Detection

All four models automatically detect the system voltage (12V or 24V) at startup - no manual voltage selection switch or configuration is required, simplifying installation and reducing the risk of incorrect voltage selection damage.

Compact and Lightweight - Entry-Level Price Point

The BlueSolar PWM-Light is the most affordable solar charge controller in the Victron range - providing reliable core PWM charging and load control in a compact, lightweight enclosure suitable for small off-grid lighting, marine, RV, and leisure battery applications.

Specifications

Datasheets and Manuals

Datasheet

Product Manual

Product Manual - 12/24V-10A with timer

Product Manual - PWM 12V 24V 20A