The Victron Energy BlueSolar PWM Light series (available in 10 A, 20 A and 30 A ratings) is a compact and reliable solar charge controller designed for off-grid and remote systems. It supports 12 V, 24 V and 48 V battery configurations (depending on model) and uses a pulse‐width modulation (PWM) charging algorithm to regulate solar panel input and protect the battery bank. With built-in load output functions such as low-voltage disconnect and day/night timers, it’s especially suitable for solar lighting, off-grid homes or stand-alone systems. The unit combines simplicity, durability and trusted brand support, making it a solid choice for solar installations in markets like Tanzania.
Features
- Automatic system voltage detection (12/24 V) simplifies installation and avoids configuration errors.
- Timer/lighting control with day/night options: suited for solar lighting or loads scheduled after dusk.
- Low-voltage disconnect on the load output: prevents battery from over-discharge, extending battery life.
- High level of protection: protects system components and improves reliability in harsh environments.
- Very low self‐consumption: makes it efficient for systems where every milliamp counts.
- Compact and durable design: good for small-scale solar installations typical in off-grid or remote regions.
- Global brand and support: access to service, documentation and local dealers adds value in markets where reliability is key.
Benefits
- For users in Tanzania, the robust build and climate-resistance ensure reliable operation in equatorial and rural settings.
- The timer/lighting feature makes it ideal for applications such as solar home lighting, community centres, kiosks or rural telecom sites.
- By protecting batteries from deep discharge, the unit reduces maintenance and replacement costs – an important value in remote or hard-to-reach locations.
- The ease of installation and automatic voltage detection reduce complexity for installers and end-users, which is beneficial where specialised technical labour may be limited.
- Being part of Victron’s ecosystem means compatibility with other Victron equipment — offering future expansion possibilities (e.g., integrating with monitoring or hybrid systems).
Use Cases
- Off-grid solar home systems in rural Tanzania where mains power is unreliable or absent: the controller ensures efficient battery charging and protects the system.
- Solar lighting packages for rural schools, health clinics or community centres: the lighting control/timer feature enables scheduled lighting after sunset.
- Small commercial solar installations (e.g., kiosks, shops, lodges) that need dependable solar charge management without high complexity.
- Remote telecom or security installations where battery health and system reliability are critical, and where local servicing may be difficult.
- Backup power or micro-grid nodes where a simple, reliable PWM controller suffices (especially when budget or system size does not justify a more expensive MPPT controller).
Value Proposition for the Tanzania Market
- In Tanzania, many households and businesses face unreliable grid power or no grid connection at all, making solar solutions vital. A product like the BlueSolar PWM Light offers affordable and dependable solar charge control tailored for such environments.
- With good solar irradiation in Tanzania, a well-matched solar panel + battery + controller system can deliver tangible benefit; using a recognised brand with warranty support increases confidence among local installers and end-users.
- For local solar businesses and installers, offering a Victron-branded controller enhances credibility and may reduce warranty/maintenance costs.
- The timer/lighting function directly addresses common needs (lighting after dusk, protecting batteries from over-discharge) in remote settings where user awareness may be limited.
- From a market positioning viewpoint: this product sits between very basic generic controllers and high-end MPPT units — offering a balanced solution for small-to-medium off-grid systems common in Tanzania (e.g., 100–1000 Wp solar panels, battery banks of ~12–48 V).
- For local installers, stocking a controller that supports multiple battery voltages (12 V/24 V) gives flexibility across different system scales common in Tanzania’s rural electrification projects.
Technical Specification
| Model Options | 10A / 20A / 30A |
| Product Type | PWM Solar Charge Controller |
| Battery Voltage | 12V / 24V Auto-Detection |
| Rated Charge Current | 10A / 20A / 30A (model dependent) |
| Rated Load Current | Same as charge current (10A / 20A / 30A) |
| Maximum PV Open Circuit Voltage | ≈ 28V (12V system), ≈ 55V (24V system) |
| Charging Algorithm | 3-Stage: Bulk, Absorption, Float |
| Load Output | Yes – With Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) |
| Lighting / Timer Function | Day/Night Auto Detection + Lighting Control |
| Protection Features | Overload Protection, Short-Circuit Shutdown, Reverse Polarity Protection, Battery Over-Discharge Protection |
| Self-Consumption | < 10 mA |
| Operating Temperature | –20°C to +50°C |
| Enclosure Rating | IP20 |
| Supported Battery Types | Sealed Lead Acid (SLA), AGM, Gel, Flooded Lead-Acid |
| Display / Indicators | Status LEDs for battery and charging indicators |
| Cooling Method | Natural Convection (no fan) |
| Dimensions | Compact, lightweight (varies by model) |
| Warranty | 5 Years (Victron Standard Warranty) |
| Certifications | CE, RoHS (varies by region) |
| Typical Applications | Solar Lighting, Rural Off-Grid Systems, Telecom, Security, Home Solar Kits |









