The short answer: pick a Rich Solar BRAVO controller by two numbers, your array's watts and its open-circuit voltage. A single 12V panel or two in parallel on a 12V battery can run on a PWM controller such as the BRAVO Waterproof 20 or BRAVO AIR 30. Anything with 24V panels, panels wired in series, or more than about 200W should get an MPPT: the BRAVO 30 up to 500W, BRAVO 40 up to 600W, BRAVO 50 up to 700W and BRAVO 60 up to 900W on a 12V battery. If you also want to charge from the alternator, the BRAVO 50 DC does both in one box.
For the general theory of the two controller types, see MPPT vs PWM solar charge controllers for RVs. This guide is about choosing within the Rich Solar range we carry.
The BRAVO MPPT controllers
| Model | Charge current | Recommended array (12V / 24V battery) | Max panel voltage | Mounting | Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BRAVO 30 | 30A | 500W / 1,000W | 100V | Wall | Built in |
| BRAVO PRO 30 (flush) | 30A | 500W / 1,000W | 100V | Flush panel | Built in |
| BRAVO 40 | 40A | 600W / 1,200W | 100V | Wall | Built in |
| BRAVO PRO 40 (flush) | 40A | 600W / 1,200W | 100V | Flush panel | Built in |
| BRAVO 50 | 50A | 700W / 1,400W | 100V | Wall | Built in |
| BRAVO 60 | 60A | 900W / 1,800W | 100V | Wall | Built in |
All six detect a 12V or 24V battery automatically and have presets for lithium (LFP), AGM, gel, flooded and calcium batteries. Rich Solar rates their MPPT tracking efficiency at 99.5% and conversion efficiency up to 98%. The flush-mount PRO versions sit in a cutout in a wall or control panel, so only the display shows, which suits a finished van or RV interior.
Rich Solar's other MPPT controllers
We also carry Rich Solar's 20A, 30A, 40A and 60A MPPT controllers, which carry no BRAVO name. Rich Solar recommends up to 260W (12V) or 520W (24V) on the 20A, 400W or 800W on the 30A, and 550W or 1,100W on the 40A, all with a 100V panel limit. The 60A is the one to look at for a bigger system: it works on 12V, 24V, 36V or 48V batteries, takes up to 150V from the panels and up to 800W at 12V, 1,600W at 24V, 2,400W at 36V or 3,200W at 48V. All four take Bluetooth through the optional BT-1 module.
The BRAVO PWM controllers
| Model | Current | Battery | Max panel voltage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BRAVO Waterproof 8 | 8A | 12V | 25V | IP65, for a small panel on a trailer or boat |
| BRAVO Waterproof 10 | 10A | 12V | 25V | IP65 |
| BRAVO Waterproof 20 | 20A | 12V | 25V | IP65 |
| BRAVO Waterproof 30 | 30A | 12V | 25V | IP65 |
| BRAVO AIR 30 | 30A | 12V | 25V | Flush mount, LCD, Bluetooth |
| 30A PWM (flush) | 30A | 12V | 25V | Flush mount, digital display |
| BRAVO LEGEND 30 | 30A | 12V/24V auto | under 55V | 450W at 12V, 900W at 24V |
| BRAVO LEGEND 40 | 40A | 12V/24V auto | under 55V | 600W at 12V, 1,200W at 24V |
The 25V limit is the key number. A Rich Solar MEGA 100 has an open-circuit voltage of 22.8V and a MEGA 200 21.8V, so either can run on a 25V PWM controller, alone or with more of the same panels wired in parallel. A 24V panel such as the MEGA 200 PRO (43.5V open circuit) cannot. Neither can two 12V panels in series.
MPPT or PWM: how to decide
PWM makes sense when
- You have one or two 12V panels on a 12V battery.
- The panel is there to keep a battery topped up between trips, not to run the rig.
- You want a sealed IP65 controller you can mount outdoors or in a damp locker, like the BRAVO Waterproof series.
MPPT makes sense when
- You have 200W or more, or plan to add panels.
- You use 24V panels such as the MEGA 200 PRO or MEGA 250 PRO, or wire panels in series to cut cable size on a long roof run.
- You camp in winter or partial shade and want every watt the panel can make.
Rich Solar's own roof kits follow this split: the 50W kit ships with a PWM controller, while every roof kit from 100W up ships with an MPPT. The portable briefcase charging kits come with a waterproof 10A or 20A controller built in.
Sizing an MPPT in three steps
- Add up the array watts and compare them with Rich Solar's recommended figure for your battery voltage. For example, three MEGA 200 panels (600W) on a 12V battery fit a BRAVO 40 or larger.
- Check the series voltage. Add the open-circuit voltages of panels wired in series. Panel voltage rises in cold weather, so leave a margin under the 100V limit. Three MEGA 100s in series are 68.4V, which leaves good margin. Two MEGA 200 PRO panels in series are 87V at standard conditions, which is close to 100V on a cold morning; wire those in parallel instead, or use the 150V 60A controller.
- Allow for growth. If you might add a panel next year, buy the next size up now. It is cheaper than replacing the controller.
Charging from the alternator too: BRAVO 50 DC
The BRAVO 50 DC combines an MPPT solar controller with a DC-DC charger. It charges a 12V house battery at up to 50A from solar, from the vehicle alternator, or both, and works with traditional and smart 12V or 24V alternators. Rich Solar recommends up to 800W of solar, with a 55V panel limit and an MPPT range of 17 to 36V, so it suits 12V panels in parallel or a 24V panel. It talks Bluetooth, RS485 and CAN (RV-C). If your van or truck camper charges while driving, it replaces two boxes with one. Rich Solar also sells standalone DC-DC chargers if your solar controller stays.
One wiring detail to check
Rich Solar lists its BRAVO PWM controllers as common positive ground and the BRAVO 50 and BRAVO 60 MPPT as common negative ground. If you plan to ground the controller to your vehicle chassis, check which type you have before wiring, and ask us if you are unsure.
FAQ
What size BRAVO do I need for 400W of solar?
On a 12V battery, a BRAVO 30 (recommended up to 500W). That is the controller in Rich Solar's Basic 400W kit. On a 24V battery a BRAVO 30 is also plenty.
Can a PWM controller charge a lithium battery?
Yes. Rich Solar lists lithium among the supported battery types on its BRAVO PWM controllers, and several reactivate a lithium battery whose BMS has shut it off.
Is the BRAVO 30 the same as the BRAVO PRO 30?
Same 30A rating, same recommended array size and 100V limit. The PRO 30 is a flush-mount version for a panel cutout; the BRAVO 30 mounts on a wall.
Where do they ship from?
From our warehouse in Upland, California, to the lower 48 states only. Pairing a controller with panels? See MEGA 100 vs SLIM vs ONYX vs FLEX, or start from a matched kit in What size Rich Solar kit does my RV need?