Victron BlueSolar PWM Charge Controller with LCD & USB — 12/24V, 48V & DUO
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60-day hassle-free returns
Simple, affordable PWM charging with a built-in display and USB charging. The Victron BlueSolar PWM charge controller is the budget-friendly way to charge a battery from a solar panel. It adds a clear LCD screen for charge status and setup, two 5 V USB ports (2 A total) for phones and tablets, and a load output that protects your battery from over-discharge — all in a compact, no-frills package. Available from 5 A to 30 A in 12/24 V and 48 V, plus a DUO model that charges two separate batteries.
PWM or MPPT — which do you need?
A PWM controller connects your solar panel almost directly to the battery, pulling the panel down to battery voltage. It's simple, reliable, and inexpensive — but it only works well when the panel's voltage already matches the battery. An MPPT controller actively converts excess panel voltage into extra charge current, harvesting up to 30% more and accepting much higher-voltage arrays.
PWM is the right call when: you have a small system, a warm climate, and a “battery-voltage” solar panel (a 36-cell panel for a 12 V battery, a 72-cell panel for 24 V), and you want the lowest-cost controller with a display. Choose an MPPT instead when: you're using higher-voltage (e.g. 60- or 72-cell “grid-tie”) panels, running longer cable, in a cold climate, or want maximum harvest from a larger array.
Who the BlueSolar PWM is built for
- Small RV, van, and cabin systems — one or two matched-voltage panels on a 12 V or 24 V battery.
- Solar lighting — the load output's low-voltage disconnect and day/night timer switch lights on at dusk and protect the battery.
- Boats with two batteries — the DUO model charges a start and a service battery from one array.
- Anyone who wants a readout and USB — the LCD shows charge status at a glance and the dual USB ports keep devices topped up.
Match the panel to the battery
This is the one rule that matters with PWM: the panel has to suit the battery voltage. Per Victron, for 12 V use a 36-cell solar panel; for 24 V use a 72-cell panel (or two 36-cell in series); for 48 V use two 72-cell panels (or four 36-cell) in series. High-voltage 60-cell “grid-tie” panels don't pair well with PWM — use an MPPT for those.
Choose your model
| Model | System voltage | Charge current | Battery outputs |
|---|---|---|---|
| PWM LCD 12/24-5 | 12 / 24 V (auto) | 5 A | 1 |
| PWM LCD 12/24-10 | 12 / 24 V (auto) | 10 A | 1 |
| PWM LCD 12/24-20 | 12 / 24 V (auto) | 20 A | 1 |
| PWM LCD 12/24-30 | 12 / 24 V (auto) | 30 A | 1 |
| PWM LCD 48-10 | 48 V | 10 A | 1 |
| PWM LCD 48-20 | 48 V | 20 A | 1 |
| PWM LCD 48-30 | 48 V | 30 A | 1 |
| PWM DUO 12/24-20 | 12 / 24 V (auto) | 20 A | 2 (separate) |
Pick the charge current to suit your panel wattage and battery, and the system voltage to match your bank. The DUO charges two independent batteries from one array.
Features
- LCD display — charge status, battery state, and setup, no app required.
- Two 5 V USB outputs — 2 A total, for phones, tablets, and small devices.
- Load output with low-voltage disconnect + day/night timer — runs lights or DC loads and disconnects them before the battery is over-discharged; the timer gives a set on-time after dusk. (The DUO uses its second output for a battery rather than a load.)
- Battery profiles — AGM, GEL, Flooded, and LiFePO4 (lithium with an internal BMS).
- Comprehensive protection — battery reverse polarity (fuse), output short circuit, over-temperature, and overload (shuts down on sustained 130%/160% load).
- DUO: two batteries from one array — charge a start and a service battery independently; includes a remote temperature sensor.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Battery voltage | 12 / 24 V auto-detect (48 V models: 48 V) |
| Rated charge current | 5 / 10 / 20 / 30 A (12/24 V); 10 / 20 / 30 A (48 V); 20 A (DUO) |
| Maximum solar voltage | 28 V (12 V) / 55 V (24 V); 100 V (48 V models) |
| Charge voltage (absorption / float) | 14.4 / 28.8 V · 13.7 / 27.4 V (48 V: 57.6 / 54.8 V) |
| Low-voltage load disconnect / reconnect | 11.2 / 22.4 V · 12.6 / 25.2 V (48 V: 44.8 / 50.4 V) |
| USB output | 5 V, 2 A total (two ports) |
| Self-consumption | < 10 mA |
| Operating temperature | -35 to +60 °C (full load) |
| Protection class | IP20 (indoor) |
| Terminals | 6 mm² / AWG 10 (smaller models) or 16 mm² / AWG 6 (30 A & 48 V) |
| Standards | EN 60335-1, IEC 62109-1 |
| Warranty | 5 years from date of purchase |
FAQs
Q: Will any solar panel work with this?
No — that's the key PWM limitation. The panel must match the battery voltage: a 36-cell panel for 12 V, a 72-cell panel (or 2× 36-cell in series) for 24 V, and 2× 72-cell (or 4× 36-cell) for 48 V. High-voltage grid-tie panels need an MPPT.
Q: PWM or MPPT for my setup?
PWM for small, matched-voltage systems where cost matters. MPPT for higher-voltage panels, cold climates, longer cable runs, or when you want maximum harvest. If you're unsure, send us your panel specs and we'll tell you which makes sense.
Q: Can it charge lithium?
Yes — LiFePO4 with an internal BMS is one of the preset profiles. Confirm your battery has a built-in BMS.
Q: What does the DUO do?
The DUO charges two separate batteries from one solar array — ideal for a boat or RV with a start battery and a house battery. It includes a remote temperature sensor.
Q: Does it connect to a GX device or app?
No. These PWM controllers are standalone with an on-board LCD — there's no VE.Direct, Bluetooth, or GX integration. For monitoring and remote access, choose a SmartSolar MPPT.
Q: What's the warranty?
A 5-year limited Victron warranty. We're an authorized Victron distributor, so it's fully supported.
Not sure which model or panel pairing is right? Email support@bluemarine.com or call (800) 628-6306 and our ABYC-certified Advisors will help.
Why buy your Victron PWM controller from Blue Marine
- Authorized Victron Energy Distributor — genuine product, fully supported warranty.
- ABYC-certified Advisors — real solar sizing help, not a call center.
- Free US shipping over $49 from our Seattle warehouse.
- 60-day hassle-free returns.
- Local pickup available in Seattle, WA.
- Custom quotes & full system design — request a quote for a complete build.
- Dealer & installer program — apply here for trade pricing.
Warranty Information
Shipping & Returns
We offer free shipping over $49. Lithium batteries & oversize items may have an applicable shipping charge.
We know returns are no fun so we aim to make the return process as hassle free as possible! We have a 60-day return policy, which means you have 60 days after receiving your item to request a return.
Lithium batteries and products with lithium batteries inside are non returnable: Due to carrier regulations surrounding the shipment of lithium batteries (classified as a fully regulated hazardous material), we are unable to accept returns unless arranged locally. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to contact us with any questions prior to purchase.
For more information on returns, visit our return policy page.
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