The Rich Solar BRAVO AIR 30 Common Negative Ground Flush-Mount PWM Controller Adds Bluetooth Monitoring to 12V Systems With up to 600W of Solar
The Rich Solar BRAVO AIR 30 Common Negative Ground (model RS-PWM30PF-NG) is a 30 amp flush-mount PWM solar charge controller for 12V battery systems. It's rated for 30A of solar input and 30A of charging, with 600W of nominal PV power, a 15V to 25V normal PV input range and a 30V maximum PV input voltage.
This is the -NG version of the BRAVO AIR 30, built for systems with a common negative ground. Built-in Bluetooth connects it to the RICH SOLAR app, an LCD shows solar and battery readings, and it supports eight battery types plus a custom profile. Rich Solar lists it for RVs, trailers, campers, vans, boats and off-grid systems.
Rich Solar BRAVO AIR 30 Common Negative Ground Features
Common Negative Ground for Your System
Common negative ground means the negative side is the shared ground connection in your system. Rich Solar lists this model's grounding as negative ground and says it simplifies integration with common-negative electrical systems. Rich Solar's certificate lists the RS-PWM30PF and the RS-PWM30PF-NG as separate models, so choose this -NG version when your system is grounded on the negative side.
Bluetooth and the RICH SOLAR App
Built-in Bluetooth links the controller to the RICH SOLAR app, available for iOS and Android. Rich Solar says the app lets you view charging status and adjust settings, including charging voltages, the equalization cycle and a custom battery profile.
8+1 Battery Profiles
Hold the BATT. TYPE button for 3 seconds to choose LCO, LTO, LFP, crystal (lead crystal), gel, AGM, flooded or calcium, or create a custom profile in the app. LFP is the default, and the controller remembers your selection. Absorption voltages at 77°F are 14.2V for LFP, 14.0V for LTO, 14.1V for gel, 14.4V for AGM, 14.7V for flooded and crystal and 14.9V for calcium. Rich Solar recommends the LCO setting only for 3-series lithium cobalt oxide batteries.
Multi-Stage Charging With Lithium Activation
Charging runs through diagnose, soft start, bulk, absorption, equalization and float. Absorption ends when current falls to 1.5A or after 4 hours. Lead-acid types then float at 13.6V, while lithium batteries stop charging and restart at 13.3V for LFP, 13.0V for LTO and 12.0V for LCO. Flooded and calcium batteries get a 15.5V equalization charge for 2 hours after being drained below 11.5V. Rich Solar lists auto-activation for BMS-protected lithium batteries, and the manual also describes a manual wake-up by holding AMP/VOLT for 3 seconds.
LCD and LED Display
Press AMP/VOLT to step through solar input voltage, current, power and kWh, then battery voltage, charging current, charged capacity in amp-hours and battery temperature with the optional sensor. A bar shows charge at 25%, 50%, 75% or 100%, and at night the LCD works as a voltmeter or thermometer.
Flush or Surface Mounting
The thin case measures 7.1 x 4.3 x 1.2 inches and weighs 0.7 lb. For a surface mount, remove the front cover and fasten the controller with the supplied screws. For a flush mount, the manual's diagram shows a 5.7 x 3.5 inch (144 x 88 mm) opening, and you'll need enough depth behind the wall or in the cavity.
Protection and Certification
Protection covers over-voltage, reverse polarity, short circuit and over-temperature, and the connection design is spark-free. The circuit board is conformal coated. Rich Solar lists UL 1741, CE, FCC and RoHS certification, and the certificate of compliance for RS-PWM30PF-NG also lists CSA C22.2 No. 107.1.
Real-World Applications
RVs and travel trailers. Flush-mount the controller in an interior wall and check charging from your phone.
Vans and campers. Run up to 600W of nominal solar on a 12V lithium or AGM battery with a thin, wall-mounted display.
Boats. Charge a 12V battery bank in a common negative ground system and watch the readings in the app.
Practical Comparison
BRAVO AIR 30 -NG Versus a Common Positive Ground Controller
A common positive ground controller is built for systems that share the positive side as the ground. This -NG model is listed as negative ground, so it's the version to choose when your system uses a common negative ground.
BRAVO AIR 30 -NG Versus a Controller Without Bluetooth
Without Bluetooth, you read values and change settings only at the controller. The BRAVO AIR 30 shows readings on its LCD and in the RICH SOLAR app, where you can also set custom voltages.
Buyer Guidance
Sizing and Wiring
Rich Solar rates the controller for 600W of nominal PV power and 30A, with a 15V to 25V normal PV input and a 30V maximum. The manual says to always install a fuse on each circuit, and its diagram shows fuses on the battery and solar lines without giving a size, so ask us for help. Connections use M4 terminals.
Mounting Location
The housing is rated IP22, so choose a sheltered spot such as an interior wall. Rich Solar lists an operating range of -31°F to 122°F and 0 to 85% relative humidity. Cover the solar panel before you connect cables.
This May Be A Good Fit If
- Your 12V system uses a common negative ground
- You want to monitor and adjust charging from your phone
- You plan to flush-mount the controller in a wall
- You need a UL 1741 certified controller
Common Questions
What Does Common Negative Ground Mean for My System?
It means the controller is built for systems where the negative side is the shared ground. Rich Solar offers this model as the -NG version for those systems. If your system is grounded on the positive side, this isn't the right version.
Which App Does It Use?
It uses the RICH SOLAR app from the App Store or Google Play. Allow Bluetooth access when prompted.
Is the Temperature Sensor Included?
No. The external temperature sensor is optional. With it connected, the controller compensates charging voltage at -24mV/°C and shows battery temperature.
What Warranty Does It Carry?
The manual states a 2-year Rich Solar warranty. Faulty products claimed within that period are repaired or replaced free of charge with valid proof of purchase.
What's Included
- 1 x Rich Solar BRAVO AIR 30 Common Negative Ground PWM Charge Controller
- 4 x Self-Tapping Screws
Bluetooth Monitoring for Negative Ground 12V Systems
The Rich Solar BRAVO AIR 30 Common Negative Ground pairs multi-stage PWM charging and 8+1 battery profiles with Bluetooth app control in a thin flush-mount case. If you'd like help confirming your system's grounding or planning the install, the Outbound Power team is happy to help.
Rich Solar BRAVO AIR 30 Common Negative Ground 30 Amp PWM Flush Mount Solar Charge Controller Specifications
|
| Model |
RS-PWM30PF-NG |
| Charging |
| Charging algorithm |
Multi-stage PWM (diagnose, soft start, bulk, absorption, equalization, float) |
| Switching |
MOSFET |
| Battery types |
LCO, LFP, LTO, Crystal, Gel, AGM, Flooded, Calcium, Custom |
| Default battery type |
LFP |
| Battery type selection |
BATT. TYPE button (hold 3 seconds) or app, setting memorized |
| Absorption voltage, LCO, at 77°F (25°C) |
12.6V ±0.2V |
| Absorption voltage, LTO, at 77°F (25°C) |
14.0V ±0.2V |
| Absorption voltage, LFP, at 77°F (25°C) |
14.2V ±0.2V |
| Absorption voltage, gel, at 77°F (25°C) |
14.1V ±0.2V |
| Absorption voltage, AGM, at 77°F (25°C) |
14.4V ±0.2V |
| Absorption voltage, flooded, at 77°F (25°C) |
14.7V ±0.2V |
| Absorption voltage, crystal, at 77°F (25°C) |
14.7V ±0.2V |
| Absorption voltage, calcium, at 77°F (25°C) |
14.9V ±0.2V |
| Custom absorption range |
13.2-15.5V ±0.2V |
| Absorption ends at |
1.5A ±0.1A charge current or 4-hour timer |
| Float voltage, crystal, gel, AGM, flooded, calcium, at 77°F (25°C) |
13.6V ±0.2V |
| Custom float range |
13.0-14.0V ±0.2V |
| Restart voltage, lead-acid |
12.7V ±0.2V |
| Restart voltage, LCO |
12.0V ±0.2V |
| Restart voltage, LTO |
13.0V ±0.2V |
| Restart voltage, LFP |
13.3V ±0.2V |
| Custom restart range |
12.5-13.5V ±0.2V |
| Equalization voltage (flooded and calcium only) at 77°F (25°C) |
15.5V ±0.2V |
| Equalization starts below |
11.5V ±0.2V |
| Equalization timer |
2 hours |
| Custom equalization voltage range |
13.2-16.2V ±0.2V |
| Custom equalization time |
5-500 minutes |
| Custom automatic equalization period |
0-100 days |
| Soft start charging voltage |
3-10V ±0.2V |
| Soft start charging current |
Up to 15A |
| Minimum battery voltage to start charging |
3V |
| Voltage control accuracy |
±1% |
| Lithium BMS activation |
Automatic (spec sheet); manual wake-up by holding AMP/VOLT 3 seconds |
| Temperature compensation |
-24mV/°C (-13.33mV/°F) with optional sensor |
| Temperature compensation range, lead-acid |
14°F to 122°F (-10°C to 50°C) |
| Solar Input |
| Max PV input current |
30A |
| Nominal PV power |
600W |
| Normal PV input voltage |
15-25V DC |
| Max PV input voltage |
30V DC |
| Battery |
| Nominal system voltage |
12V |
| Rated charge current |
30A |
| Lowest operating voltage (solar or battery side) |
8V DC |
| Max voltage drop, panel to battery |
0.25V DC |
| Standby current at night |
10mA max |
| Grounding |
Common negative ground |
| Monitoring and Communication |
| Bluetooth |
Yes, RICH SOLAR app (iOS and Android) |
| Display |
LCD with LED indicators |
| Solar readings |
Input voltage, current, power, kWh |
| Battery readings |
Voltage, charging current, charged Ah, temperature with sensor |
| Charge level bar |
25%, 50%, 75%, 100% |
| Temperature sensor |
Optional external sensor, not included |
| Protection |
| Protections |
Over-voltage, reverse polarity, short circuit, over-temperature |
| Battery over-voltage fault indication |
Above 17V |
| Battery over-temperature fault indication |
Above 149°F (65°C) |
| Battery connection |
Spark-free |
| Circuit board |
Conformal coated |
| Physical |
| Terminals |
M4 (approx. 0.16 in / 4 mm) |
| Housing |
PC plastic |
| IP rating |
IP22 |
| Mounting |
Surface or flush |
| Flush-mount opening (manual diagram) |
5.7 x 3.5 in (144 x 88 mm) |
| Dimensions |
7.1 x 4.3 x 1.2 in |
| Net weight |
0.7 lb |
| Package dimensions |
9 x 6 x 3 in |
| Gross weight |
1 lb |
| Operating temperature |
-31°F to 122°F |
| Storage temperature |
-40°F to 185°F (-40°C to 85°C) |
| Operating humidity |
0-85% RH |
| Certifications and Warranty |
| Certifications |
UL 1741, CE, FCC, RoHS |
| Certificate of compliance standards |
UL 1741, CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 |
| Warranty |
2 years |
Rich Solar BRAVO AIR 30 Common Negative Ground 30 Amp PWM Flush Mount Solar Charge Controller Manuals and Documents
Rich Solar BRAVO AIR 30 Common Negative Ground Manual
Rich Solar BRAVO AIR 30 Common Negative Ground Specification Sheet
Rich Solar BRAVO AIR 30 Common Negative Ground UL 1741 Certificate
