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The Rich Solar BRAVO Weatherproof 8 (model RS-PWM8WP) is an 8 amp PWM solar charge controller for 12V battery systems. It accepts up to 8A and 135W of solar input with a maximum open-circuit voltage of 25V, and it charges flooded, AGM, gel or LiFePO4 batteries through a 5-stage charging routine.
Rich Solar lists it for small off-grid systems, vehicles, marine use and backup power, including RVs, trailers, campers, vans and boats. The housing is rated IP65 and the circuit board is conformal coated against moisture and corrosion. At 0.44 lb and 3.1 x 3.3 x 0.9 inches, it fits in tight spaces near a small panel or battery.
MOSFET-switched PWM charging runs through soft start, bulk, absorption, equalization and float. Soft start gently brings an over-discharged battery up to 10V at up to 4A. Bulk charges at full current until the battery reaches its absorption voltage. Absorption holds a constant voltage until current drops to 0.8A or a 4-hour timer runs out. Float then maintains the battery at 13.6V for lead-acid types or 13.4V for LiFePO4.
A two-position DIP switch on the back of the controller sets the battery type. AGM is the factory default with a 14.4V absorption voltage. Gel uses 14.1V, flooded (wet) uses 14.7V and LiFePO4 uses 14.4V. Check your battery maker's specifications before you set it, and leave the setting alone once it's correct, since the manual warns that changing it freely may damage your battery.
When a flooded battery has been drained below 11.5V, the controller runs a 15.5V equalization charge for up to 2 hours. This stage helps bring the cells back to an equal state and makes up for lost capacity. Equalization runs only on the flooded (wet) setting.
The ABS plastic case is rated IP65, the inside board carries a conformal coating against moisture, and the terminals and connectors are corrosion-resistant. Rich Solar builds it for outdoor use, with an operating range of -13°F to 122°F (-25°C to 50°C).
Built-in protection covers over-voltage, short circuit, reverse polarity and over-temperature, with charging protection at 149°F (65°C). The no-spark design helps prevent sparks when you connect the battery. Charging voltage is temperature compensated at -24mV/°C, and the controller draws only 2mA at night.
Three LEDs on the front show the charging stage and flag problems, including a reversed battery, a reversed panel, a weak panel and night mode. The spec sheet lists CE, FCC and RoHS certification.
RVs and travel trailers. Keep a 12V battery topped up from a small panel of up to 135W.
Boats. Keep a 12V marine battery charged from a small panel, with a controller rated IP65.
Vans and campers. Add a compact controller to a small 12V solar setup where space is short.
Small off-grid and backup systems. Charge a 12V battery in a small off-grid or backup power setup.
An MPPT controller converts extra panel voltage into charging current and is usually chosen for larger or higher-voltage arrays. The BRAVO Weatherproof 8 is a simpler PWM design for 12V-rated panels, with a normal input range of 15V to 22V and a 25V open-circuit limit. For a small panel on a 12V battery, it keeps the system simple.
A controller without an IP rating needs a dry, protected spot. The BRAVO Weatherproof 8 carries an IP65 rating and a coated circuit board, which gives you more freedom in where you mount it.
Keep the array within 8A and 135W, with an open-circuit voltage no higher than 25V. Rich Solar strongly recommends a 15A inline fuse on the positive wire of both the solar and battery circuits, placed as close to the battery and panel as possible. The manual's wire chart calls for 14 AWG on a 5 ft battery run and 12 AWG at 10 ft. For the solar run, it lists 14 AWG at 10 ft and 12 AWG at 15 or 20 ft. The M4 terminals accept stranded wire up to #12 AWG.
This controller uses common positive grounding, so confirm it matches how your system is wired. Rich Solar specifies vertical wall mounting on a flat surface with the supplied plastic spacers and self-tapping screws. The manual recommends covering the panel with a soft cloth during installation to block incoming light. Once both circuits are connected, the controller starts working automatically.
Yes. Set the DIP switch to LiFePO4 and the controller uses a 14.4V absorption voltage and a 13.4V float voltage. AGM, gel and flooded settings are also available.
Up to 135W and 8A, with a maximum open-circuit voltage of 25V. Rich Solar lists a normal input range of 15V to 22V.
It uses common positive grounding, and Rich Solar lists the grounding as positive ground.
No. Three LEDs show charging status and fault conditions in place of a screen.
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, so keep your receipt.
The Rich Solar BRAVO Weatherproof 8 gives a small 12V system 5-stage PWM charging, DIP switch battery selection and an IP65-rated case in a 0.44 lb package. If you'd like help matching it to your panel, battery or wire runs, the Outbound Power team is happy to help.
Rich Solar BRAVO Weatherproof 8 8 Amp 12V IP65 PWM Solar Charge Controller Specifications |
|
|---|---|
| Model | RS-PWM8WP |
| Charging | |
| Charging algorithm | 5-stage PWM (soft start, bulk, absorption, equalization, float) |
| Switching | MOSFET |
| Battery types | Gel, AGM (default), Flooded (WET), LiFePO4 |
| Battery type selection | DIP switch |
| 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, LiFePO4, at 77°F (25°C) | 14.4V ±0.2V |
| Absorption ends at | 0.8A ±0.1A charge current or 4-hour timer |
| Float voltage, gel, AGM, flooded, at 77°F (25°C) | 13.6V ±0.2V |
| Float voltage, LiFePO4, at 77°F (25°C) | 13.4V ±0.2V |
| Equalization voltage (flooded only) at 77°F (25°C) | 15.5V ±0.2V |
| Equalization starts below | 11.5V ±0.2V |
| Equalization timer | 2 hours |
| Bulk charge voltage | 10-14V ±0.2V |
| Soft start charging voltage | 3-10V ±0.2V |
| Soft start charging current | Up to 4A (50% PWM duty) |
| Minimum battery voltage to start charging | 3V |
| Temperature compensation | -24mV/°C |
| Temperature compensation range | -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C) |
| Solar Input | |
| Max PV input current | 8A |
| Max PV input power | 135W |
| Normal PV input voltage | 15-22V DC |
| Max PV open-circuit voltage | 25V DC |
| Battery | |
| Nominal system voltage | 12V |
| Lowest operating voltage (solar or battery side) | 9V DC |
| Max voltage drop, panel to battery | 0.25V DC |
| Standby current at night | 2mA |
| Grounding | Common positive ground |
| Monitoring and Communication | |
| Indicators | 3 LEDs for charging status and faults |
| Display | None |
| Protection | |
| Protections | Over-voltage, short circuit, reverse polarity, over-temperature |
| Over-temperature protection during charging | 149°F (65°C) |
| Battery connection | Spark-free |
| Circuit board | Conformal coated |
| Wiring | |
| Recommended fuse | 15A inline on solar and battery positive wires |
| Battery wire, 5 ft run | 14 AWG |
| Battery wire, 10 ft run | 12 AWG |
| Solar wire, 10 ft run | 14 AWG |
| Solar wire, 15 ft run | 12 AWG |
| Solar wire, 20 ft run | 12 AWG |
| Physical | |
| Terminals | M4 |
| Max wire size | #12 AWG stranded (3mm²) |
| Housing | ABS plastic |
| IP rating | IP65 |
| Mounting | Vertical wall mount |
| Dimensions | 3.1 x 3.3 x 0.9 in |
| Net weight | 0.44 lb (0.2 kg) |
| Operating temperature | -13°F to 122°F (-25°C to 50°C) |
| Storage temperature | -40°F to 185°F (-40°C to 85°C) |
| Operating humidity | 100%, non-condensing |
| Certifications and Warranty | |
| Certifications | CE, FCC, RoHS |
| Warranty | 2 years |
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