Rich Solar BRAVO ULTRA 30 Common Negative Ground | 30 Amp 12V PWM Solar Charge Controller

The Rich Solar BRAVO ULTRA 30 Common Negative Ground PWM Controller Charges 12V Batteries From up to 500W of Solar in a Surface or Flush-Mount Case

The Rich Solar BRAVO ULTRA 30 Common Negative Ground (model RS-PWM30F-NG) is a 30 amp PWM solar charge controller for 12V battery systems. It handles up to 30A and 500W of solar, with a recommended PV input of 15V to 25V and a 30V maximum open-circuit voltage. Its 6-stage charging covers LiFePO4, LTO, gel, AGM, flooded and calcium batteries, and it is certified to UL 1741.

This is the -NG version of the BRAVO ULTRA 30, built for systems wired with a common negative ground. Rich Solar lists it for RVs, trailers, campers, vans, boats and off-grid systems. It mounts on a surface or flush in a wall and has an LCD readout.

Rich Solar BRAVO ULTRA 30 Common Negative Ground Features

Common Negative Ground Wiring

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 supports systems with a common negative ground configuration. Rich Solar's certificate lists the RS-PWM30F and the RS-PWM30F-NG as separate models, so order the -NG version when your system is grounded on the negative side.

6-Stage Charging With Lithium Wake-Up

Charging runs through diagnose (lithium), soft start, bulk, absorption, equalization and float. Soft start ramps an over-discharged battery up to 10V at up to 15A, then bulk charges at full rated current. Rich Solar lists automatic activation for lithium batteries protected by their BMS. The manual also describes a wake-up you start by pressing the TYPE and VOLT/AMP buttons together.

Six Battery Profiles With Memory

Hold the battery type button for 3 seconds to choose LiFePO4, LTO, gel, AGM, flooded (wet) or calcium. AGM is the default, and the controller remembers your choice. Absorption voltages at 77°F are 14.1V for gel, 14.4V for AGM, 14.7V for flooded, 14.9V for calcium, 14.0V for LTO and 14.2V for LiFePO4. Absorption ends when current falls to 1.5A or after 4 hours. Float is 13.6V for lead-acid types and 13.4V for LiFePO4 and LTO. Flooded and calcium batteries also get a 15.5V equalization charge for 2 hours after being drained below 11.5V.

LCD Readout and LED Status

Press VOLT/AMP to step the LCD through battery voltage, charging current, charged capacity in amp-hours and battery temperature when the optional sensor is connected. It also works as a standalone voltmeter or thermometer, and LEDs show battery condition and charging status. An optional battery temperature sensor (BTS) plugs into its own port.

Surface or Flush Mounting

Rich Solar's spec sheet says the ULTRA 30 supports both surface and flush mounting. For a surface mount, the manual uses the four supplied plastic spacers and self-tapping screws. For a flush mount, make sure there is enough depth behind the controller or in the wall cavity. The controller measures 4.7 x 5.4 x 1.3 inches and weighs 0.7 lb.

Protection and UL 1741 Certification

Protection covers over-voltage, reverse polarity, short circuit and over-temperature, with charging protection at 149°F (65°C) and no reverse current from the battery to the panel at night. The no-spark design helps prevent sparks at the battery connection, and the circuit board is conformal coated against moisture. Rich Solar lists UL 1741 and CE certification for the ULTRA 30, and the certificate of compliance for RS-PWM30F-NG also lists CSA C22.2 No. 107.1.

Real-World Applications

RVs and travel trailers. Charge a 12V house battery from up to 500W of roof solar in a common negative ground system.

Vans and campers. Flush-mount the controller in a cabinet wall and read charging current and amp-hours on the LCD.

Boats. Keep a 12V battery bank charged when the boat's system uses a common negative ground.

Practical Comparison

BRAVO ULTRA 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 ULTRA 30 -NG Versus an MPPT Controller

An MPPT controller converts extra panel voltage into charging current and is usually chosen for larger or higher-voltage arrays. The BRAVO ULTRA 30 is a simpler PWM design for 12V-rated panels within its 15V to 25V recommended input range.

Buyer Guidance

Sizing and Wiring

Keep the array within 30A and 500W, with an open-circuit voltage no higher than 30V. The manual says to always install a fuse on each circuit, and its wiring diagram shows a fuse on both the solar and battery lines, but no fuse size is given, so ask us if you need help choosing one. The M4 terminals take stranded wire up to #8 AWG, tightened to up to 17 in-lb (1.92 N·m).

Mounting Location

The housing is rated IP22, so choose a sheltered mounting spot. Rich Solar lists an operating range of -31°F to 122°F. Cover the solar panel before you connect cables.

This May Be A Good Fit If

• Your 12V system uses a common negative ground
• You have up to 500W of solar
• You want the option to flush-mount the controller
• 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.

Can It Charge LiFePO4 Batteries?

Yes. The LiFePO4 profile uses a 14.2V absorption voltage and a 13.4V float voltage, and the controller can wake a lithium battery that its BMS has shut off.

Is the Temperature Sensor Included?

No. The battery temperature sensor is optional. Adding one enables temperature-compensated charging and a temperature readout.

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 ULTRA 30 Common Negative Ground PWM Charge Controller
• 4 x Plastic Spacers
• 4 x Self-Tapping Screws

UL 1741 Certified Charging for Negative Ground Systems

The Rich Solar BRAVO ULTRA 30 Common Negative Ground brings 6-stage PWM charging, six battery profiles, an LCD readout and surface or flush mounting to 12V systems with up to 500W of solar. If you'd like help confirming your system's grounding or choosing fuses, the Outbound Power team is happy to help.

Rich Solar BRAVO ULTRA 30 Common Negative Ground 30 Amp 12V PWM Solar Charge Controller Manuals and Documents

Rich Solar BRAVO ULTRA 30 Common Negative Ground Manual

Rich Solar BRAVO ULTRA 30 Common Negative Ground Specification Sheet

Rich Solar BRAVO ULTRA 30 Common Negative Ground UL 1741 Certificate