The invention relates to a touch panel device for a dimmer lighting control system, the device comprising a touch sensitive surface capable of detecting a touch input; a light sensor that detects ambient light levels within a sensing area adjacent to the device; a processing means operatively connected to the touch sensitive surface and the light sensor for generating control signals based on detection of the touch input on the touch sensitive surface and/or ambient light levels wherein, in use, the total light output of a light circuit can be controlled manually with the touch panel device and/or controlled autonomously by the level of ambient light in the sensing area.