Why Is My Go Power Solar Controller Giving Me A Temperature Error?
Updated 09/24/2026 | Published 09/08/2026
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Question:
I have a 2013 Leisure Travel Van Free Spirit SS and its pre-wired for solar. I saw that factory installations use a similar Go Power controller so I thought this would be perfect. The stated temperature operation range when viewing the controller with its associated kit is -40* to 185* F and when viewing just the controller its -40* to 140*F. Might want to look into that, etraler. I installed the controller in the factory location and on a 90* day with clear skies perfect for maximum solar!, the charge controller throws a fault, 128 tEP, which means it thinks the batteries are too hot to charge. The circuitry of the controller has a built in temp sensor that it uses as a proxy for battery temp despite that the controller is not installed in the same compartment as the batteries. The temp at which this controller thinksinch the batteries are too hot is 123*F. Thats not a very high temperature for a concealed space between the cabinetry and the metal exterior of a Sprinter van. Consequently, this charger stops working at prime solar time because its lack of actual battery temp sensor handicaps it, I presume. Is there a solution here? Do I need to buy a solar charger with an actual battery temp sensor input? Pulling the controller out of the factory opening and placing ice in a bag on it works in short time but thats not how I want to RV. Thanks! Matt
asked by: Matt G
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Expert Reply:
Hello Matt,
Thanks for writing in! I am sorry you have to deal with this issue, it would be nice if our stuff just worked as it should. However, that might put me out of a job =)
I appreciate all the detail you provided. I reached out directly to Go Power about the temperature error you are getting with your Go Power PWM Solar Charge Controller # GP76QR.
The first thing they want us to check is whether the controller itself is getting too hot in that factory mounting location. Since yours is mounted in that concealed space between the cabinetry and the exterior of your Sprinter, they specifically asked how much airflow you have behind the # GP76QR.
They would like you to temporarily remove the controller from the opening and let it hang outside of the wall where it has plenty of airflow. Then, on another warm, sunny day when you would normally see the 128 tEP error, see if the error comes back.
Your ice-pack test definitely makes me think we are headed in the right direction, but I don't want to assume that is the problem until we try the test Go Power recommended. If the # GP76QR works normally while hanging outside of the opening, we will know that mounting location and airflow are playing a part.
Give that a try and let me know what happens. If you still get the temperature error, I will take that information back to Go Power and we can go from there.
Are you trying to get things all dialed in for an upcoming trip?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Go Power Slim Solar Charging System with PWM Solar Controller and 100 Watt Solar Panel
- RV Solar Panels
- Roof Mounted Solar Kit
- Rigid Panels
- 51 - 100 Watts
- 5.1 - 10 Amps
- AGM
- Gel
- Lead Acid
- Lithium
- Expandable
- PWM
- 1 Panel
- Go Power
more information >
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Matt
9/24/2026
I definitely think the van was getting too hot. Maybe the factory allocation is not optimal. Either way, I bought a Victron controller for nearly the same money and the step up in quality is noticeable. The BT connection is much better and the app is also superior. I would not buy any more Gopower products after trying Victron. Etrailer has been great!