Installing Two 200W Solar Panels On A Thor RV With GP-PMW-10-SQ Controller

Question:

I have a Thor RV with a factory installed Go Power solar Panel. This unit is mounted inside the RV: GP-PWM-10_SQ. and there is a 100W panel on the roof. Ive upgraded the two house batteries and even before that the one panel didnt really seem to keep the OEM batteries in the RV charged very well while boondocking. My thought is to add two 200W panels. Im told that I would need this controller to do that https://www.etrailer.com/p-GP72RR.html. Q: Does that replace the GP-PMW-10-SQ or is it replacing another device mounted elsewhere in the RV? I have learned if I were to add two 200W panels that I would need to upgrade the controller. Im okay to simply replace the 100W panel with a 200W panel, or do I need to replace controller or anything else as well?

asked by: Jeffrey H

Expert Reply:

Hey Jeffrey thanks for your questions. Based on the specs I can find online, the GP-PMW-10-SQ controller is only capable of 190 watts, so you would not be able to simply replace the 100W panel with a 200W panel. It looks like you are on the right track though, because the Go Power MPPT Solar Charge Controller # GP72RR is going to be the correct replacement controller for this application.

Swapping out your GP-PMW-10-SQ controller for the # GP72RR will give you a max power input of 600 watts so it will allow you to install two of the 200W panels # 34282182.

expert reply by: Jesse M