Go Power ! GP-PWM-30-UL BlueTooth 30 Amp Solar Regulator

Why I chose this controller

I wanted a simple, reliable way to manage a mid-size RV solar setup and keep an eye on things from my phone. The Go Power 30A Bluetooth controller hit the right balance: straightforward PWM charging, a clean display, and enough current headroom for the 400–500W arrays that many trailers and vans run. After a few months of daily use, it has proven to be a sensible upgrade over older, button-only controllers—especially if you value quick installs and at-a-glance information.

Installation and mounting

Physically, the unit is a tidy, flush-mount design that doesn’t leave a tangle of wiring exposed on the faceplate. I cut a panel opening using the provided template, set a shallow recess in my monitor panel area, and it dropped in with a clean, OEM look. The wiring lugs are accessible and properly sized for common cable gauges in a 30A system. With a 12V array, 10 AWG from the roof combiner to the controller and 8–10 AWG to the battery bank is typical; fuse both PV and battery runs appropriately.

Setup is straightforward:
- Connect battery first, then solar.
- Choose battery chemistry in the menu (AGM, flooded, gel, and a lithium profile).
- Set equalize behavior (I leave equalization off for AGM and always off for lithium).
- Optionally connect a second battery bank if you want to maintain a starter battery.

The menu buttons are tactile enough, and once you’ve set chemistry and view preferences, you’ll rarely touch them again thanks to the app.

Design and display

On the faceplate, you get real-time voltage, charging amperage, and a battery state-of-charge percentage. The SOC estimate is a convenience feature—it’s not a true shunt-based monitor—so I treat it as a quick check rather than gospel. As a dashboard, it’s excellent: tap to cycle, see what the sun is doing, and move on.

Build quality feels solid. The matte black finish blends in with typical RV control panels, and ventilation slots keep the unit just warm to the touch during peak charging. I mounted it away from heat sources and in a spot with some airflow; PWM controllers dissipate a bit of heat under heavy load, and this one is no exception.

Bluetooth and the app experience

The Bluetooth connection and companion app are the reason I picked this model. Pairing took a minute, and after that it auto-reconnects reliably within a few seconds when I open the app. From my phone I can:
- See PV volts/amps and battery volts/amps in real time
- Review basic daily production stats
- Change battery type and charging behavior (within reason)
- Check charge stage (bulk, absorption, float, equalize)

The only quirk I’ve noticed is that the battery percentage shown on the app can lag the panel’s SOC by a few points if I’ve just started charging or turned on a heavy load. It catches up quickly, but it’s another reminder that SOC here is an algorithmic estimate. If you want precise amp-hour accounting, pair this with a dedicated shunt monitor.

Bluetooth range is good inside the RV and to a few meters outside. Through a couple of walls it can drop, which is typical for low-power modules. For my use—checking charge from the dinette or the campsite picnic table—it’s more than adequate.

Charging performance

As a PWM controller rated at 30A, it’s built for 12V or 24V nominal systems and arrays up to about 570W (on 12V, that’s roughly 30A at peak). In my setup with 400W on the roof, I’ve seen consistent bulk charge currents in the mid-to-high 20s on good days. The controller manages a four-stage profile (bulk, absorption, float, and an optional equalize) and transitions are smooth. Voltage targets align with spec for AGM and lithium settings, and temperature compensation is mild and appropriate for the cell types that need it.

A quick note on PWM vs MPPT: with low-voltage 12V panels wired in parallel on an RV roof, PWM is perfectly serviceable and cost-effective. If you run higher-voltage strings or you’re maximizing production in shoulder seasons, an MPPT controller would capture more power. For my configuration and typical summer camping, the difference wasn’t worth the extra cost and complexity.

Battery chemistry support

The selectable profiles worked as expected:
- Flooded: equalize option available; I keep the EQ interval conservative and monitor water levels.
- AGM: no equalize; absorption time and float voltage felt well tuned.
- Gel: gentle and steady, as it should be.
- Lithium (LiFePO4): higher bulk/absorption, no equalization. The controller holds voltage nicely and then drops to a maintenance state without float in the traditional sense. My LiFePO4 bank stays balanced and cool, and the controller recovers cleanly from low-temperature inhibits triggered by the BMS.

If you’re mixing banks (house + chassis), the second output lets you prioritize the house bank and trickle the starter, which helps in storage. It’s a convenience, not a high-current combiner.

Daily usability

Day to day, the Go Power 30A Bluetooth controller is set-and-forget. I glance at the amperage midday to verify array health, and in the evenings I check voltage and SOC to gauge overnight capacity. The display is readable in bright light. The app’s daily yield readout is handy for spotting shading or seasonal changes.

I appreciate the little things:
- Fast startup when the sun hits the panels
- Smooth ramp into absorption without oscillation
- Quiet operation—no coil whine, just a faint relay click during mode transitions

Limitations and quirks

• It’s PWM. If you’re running long wire runs, cold climates, or higher-voltage panel strings, an MPPT unit is a better match.
• SOC is an estimate. Treat it as a guide unless you add a shunt.
• Bluetooth can hiccup through dense walls or metal cabinetry, though reconnects are quick.
• At full tilt with hot ambient temps, the face does get warm. Give it some breathing room and avoid stacking it tightly with other heat-generating gear.

Reliability and warranty

So far, it’s been uneventful in the best way: no lockups, no unexplained resets, and consistent charging behavior. I wired with proper fusing and strain relief, which helps avoid the “mystery failures” that plague power gear. The five-year warranty inspires confidence, and Go Power’s documentation is clear enough that most DIY installs won’t need a support call.

Who it’s for

• RV owners upgrading from a 10A or 20A controller
• Vans and travel trailers with 200–570W of panels on a 12V bank
• Anyone who wants a clean flush-mount look and simple phone monitoring
• Mixed-chemistry users who may switch from lead-acid to LiFePO4 later

If you’re running a larger array, planning a 48V system, or squeezing every watt in winter, look at MPPT options. Otherwise, this strikes a practical balance.

The bottom line

The Go Power 30A Bluetooth controller modernizes a common class of RV solar installs: it’s easy to mount, simple to configure, and offers just enough data—both on the panel and in the app—to keep you informed without overwhelming you. Charging is stable across common chemistries, the hardware feels purpose-built for mobile use, and the Bluetooth quality-of-life features make living off-grid a bit easier.

Recommendation: I recommend it for small to mid-size 12V systems where PWM is a sensible choice and you value a tidy install with phone monitoring. Its 30A capacity, lithium-ready profile, and five-year warranty make it a strong, low-hassle upgrade over older controllers, especially in RVs and vans with roof-mounted panels under 570W.