Victron Energy BlueSolar PWM-Light Solar Charge Controller, 12/24V, Low Voltage Load Disconnect, Lighting Control

Overview

The Victron Energy BlueSolar PWM-Light Charge Controller is a 12/24V PWM solar charge controller for simple off-grid charging on boats, with automatic system voltage detection and rated charge current options from 5A to 30A. It suits protected onboard solar installations where a panel or small solar array is used to maintain or recharge a house, lighting, or auxiliary battery bank.

The controller uses three-stage charging with bulk, absorption, and float stages. It also includes a load output with low battery voltage disconnect, a single-timer lighting control function, and a two-digit seven-segment display for setting load behavior without adding a separate remote display.

For marine use, the IP20 enclosure should be mounted in a dry, protected location such as an electrical locker, cabin panel area, or sheltered console, not where it will see spray or washdown water. The unit supports a maximum solar voltage of 28V on 12V systems and 55V on 24V systems.

Key features

• 12/24V battery system support with automatic voltage detection after battery connection.
• PWM solar charging with bulk, absorption, and float stages for straightforward battery maintenance.
• Load output includes low voltage disconnect to help protect the battery from excessive discharge.
• Lighting control with one timer, plus day and night timing modes for simple onboard light circuits.
• Two-digit seven-segment display for setting and checking load output functions at the controller.
• Protection for battery reverse polarity by fuse, output short circuit, over temperature, and overload conditions.
• IP20 enclosure with 5 mm² or AWG10 terminals for protected indoor mounting.
• Operating temperature range of -20°C to +50°C at full load.

Variants

This BlueSolar PWM-Light controller range is offered in four amperage configurations for different solar array and load sizes.

The amperage rating changes by variant, while the 12/24V automatic voltage detection, PWM charging method, low voltage load disconnect, IP20 enclosure rating, terminal size, and 70 x 133 x 33.5 mm housing dimensions remain consistent across the range.

• SCC010010000, Amperage 10A. This version fits small onboard solar charging setups where the connected solar current stays within a 10A controller rating.
• SCC010030020, Amperage 30A. This version covers the highest current rating in the 12/24V PWM-Light range for larger protected solar installations.
• SCC010020020, Amperage 20A. This mid-range version gives more current capacity than the 10A model while keeping the same controller format and basic setup method.
• SCC010005000, Amperage 5A. This lower-current version suits compact solar maintenance or lighting-control circuits on small 12V or 24V systems.

Installation and setup

Connect the battery before connecting the solar array so the controller can recognize whether it is working on a 12V or 24V system. The display shows 12 or 24 when the battery voltage has been detected, which is a useful check during installation.

Use a 36-cell solar panel arrangement for a 12V battery system. For a 24V battery system, use a 72-cell solar array or two 36-cell panels in series. Solar and load ratings should not be exceeded, and the controller should be mounted vertically indoors with natural convection space around it.

Electrical and load behavior

Absorption charge voltage is 14.2V on 12V systems and 28.4V on 24V systems. Float voltage is 13.8V on 12V systems and 27.6V on 24V systems, with very low self-consumption of less than 10 mA.

The load output disconnects at 11.2V or 22.4V to reduce the chance of deep discharge. It can reconnect manually at 12.6V or 25.2V, or automatically at 13.1V or 26.2V after the battery has recovered.

Marine fit and mounting

This controller is a practical fit for boats that need simple solar charging without network integration or app-based configuration. Typical locations include a dry cabin electrical panel, a protected locker near the battery bank, or a helm console that is shielded from spray.

Because the enclosure is IP20, it should not be installed in an engine space with heavy moisture, an exposed cockpit, or anywhere saltwater can reach the terminals. In a marine installation, keeping the controller dry, strain-relieving the wiring, and protecting circuits with the correct fusing are as important as selecting the right amperage rating.