BSM020P-N 20 W Multicrystalline Solar Module
The 24 V nominal 20 W module — 68 cells, 41.3 V open circuit, 10.38 % efficient.
- 20 W at STC with full electrical data published, not a headline figure alone
- Grade A cells, low iron tempered glass and an anodised aluminium frame
- Rated −40 °C to +85 °C operating temperature
- Supplied by the same factory as the mounting hardware, so module and mount are quoted together
Product overview
What It Is and What It Does
Where the system bus is 24 volts, a 12 volt module is the wrong part: it will never push charge into the battery bank. The BSM020P-N is the 24 volt nominal version of the 20 watt panel, with an optimum operating voltage of 33.9 V and an open circuit voltage of 41.3 V.
Getting to that voltage takes more cells in series — 68 of them at 78 mm × 26 mm in a 4 × 17 layout, against 36 on the 12 V version. The module is the same physical size as the 12 V panel at 21.7 in × 13.8 in, a pound heavier at 7.17 lbs, and slightly more efficient at 10.38 %.
Who it is for
- Battery charging and maintenance on vehicles, boats and plant left standing
- Off-grid instrumentation, monitoring and signalling installations
- Camping, caravan and marine leisure power
- System integrators and kit assemblers buying modules and mounts together
Problems it solves
- Leisure and starter batteries discharge and sulphate when a vehicle is laid up
- Running a cable or a generator to a remote instrument is rarely worth the cost
- Undersized modules never bring a battery back to a full state of charge
- Modules bought without matching mounts arrive with no way to fix them down
Key benefits and features
Why Buyers Choose BSM020P-N
Benefits
- 20 W at STC with full electrical data published, not a headline figure alone
- Grade A cells, low iron tempered glass and an anodised aluminium frame
- Rated −40 °C to +85 °C operating temperature
- Supplied by the same factory as the mounting hardware, so module and mount are quoted together
Technical features
- High power module using 6″ multicrystalline solar cell
- Low iron tempered glass, EVA laminate and black TPT backsheet
- Anodised aluminium frame
- Grade A solar cells
- Junction box output terminal with open-end cable
- 10 year limited warranty of 90 % power output and 25 year limited warranty of 80 % power output
Application scenarios
Where This Module Is Used
The applications listed for this module on our datasheet.
- 12 volt DC battery charger
- Weather towers power
- Camping and hunting
- RV
- Marine power supply — yacht and boat
- Wind hybrid systems
- Truck auxiliary power unit
- Landscaping and garden lights
- Remote area applications
- Remote gates
| Model number | BSM020P-N |
|---|---|
| Nominal voltage | 24 V |
| Maximum power at STC | 20 W |
| Optimum operating voltage | 33.9 V |
| Optimum operating current | 0.605 A |
| Open circuit voltage | 41.3 V |
| Short circuit current | 0.65 A |
| Cell | Multicrystalline silicon, 78 mm × 26 mm |
| Cells and connections | 68 (4 × 17) |
| Module dimensions | 21.7 in × 13.8 in × 0.98 in |
| Weight | 7.17 lbs |
| Solar panel grade | A |
| Module efficiency | 10.38 % |
| Operating temperature | −40 °C to +85 °C |
| Maximum system voltage | 600 VDC |
| Output terminal | Junction box |
| Connection | Open end |
| Warranty | 25 year limited warranty; 10 year 90 % and 25 year 80 % power output |
Materials and manufacture
What It Is Made From
68 Grade A multicrystalline cells at 78 mm × 26 mm in a 4 × 17 series layout, low iron tempered glass, EVA laminate, black TPT backsheet and an anodised aluminium frame.
Quality and certification
Everything in the BSM020P-N table above is taken from our own product documentation — 20 W at STC and a 21.7 in × 13.8 in × 0.98 in module. Nothing on this page is estimated or rounded up to make a better headline. If a tender needs a written certification or test statement, tell us which standard it names and we will say what we can supply.
Customisation
For a different pack quantity, a printed carton, or small panels under your own label, tell us the annual volume you are planning and we will come back on what is possible and what it changes on price.
Comparison
How It Compares
Against the BSM020P-T 12 V
Same 20 W, same footprint. The -N runs at 33.9 V optimum against 17.2 V, so it suits a 24 V bank.
Against two 12 V modules in series
Two 12 V panels in series will also reach 24 V, but this is one module, one mount and one cable run.
Against the BSM030P
If you have a 12 V system and want more power, the 30 W module is the better step. This one exists specifically for 24 V.
Use guide
How to Fit It
Step 1
Check the module's open circuit voltage against your charge controller's input limit.
Step 2
Choose a mount from our range that matches the frame's lateral length.
Step 3
Fix the module with an air gap underneath so it can shed heat.
Step 4
Run the cable to a sealed roof entry gland rather than through a bare hole.
Step 5
Connect through a charge controller — never directly to a battery.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this on a 12 V battery?
Not sensibly. Its optimum operating voltage is 33.9 V — it is built for a 24 volt system.
Why does a 20 W panel have 68 cells?
Because the cells are wired in series to reach 24 V nominal. More cells in series gives more voltage at the same power.
What is the open circuit voltage?
41.3 V. Check this against your charge controller's maximum input voltage before ordering.
Is it bigger than the 12 V version?
No — the same 21.7 in × 13.8 in × 0.98 in module, one pound heavier at 7.17 lbs.
Related products
Often Ordered With This
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A 20 W 12 V multicrystalline module, 10.0 % efficient, with a 36-cell 2 × 18 layout.
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BSM020MBSM020M 20 W Monocrystalline Solar Module
A 20 W 12 V monocrystalline module at 650 × 306 × 17 mm with a 6063-T5 anodised frame.
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BSM030MBSM030M 30 W Monocrystalline Solar Module
A 30 W monocrystalline module with a 3.2 mm tempered glass front and an IP-65 junction box.
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BSM040PBSM040P 40 W Multicrystalline Solar Module
A 40 W 12 V module at 537 × 665 × 30 mm with 2.35 A optimum operating current.
View details →Further reading
Notes and Guides for This Product
How a Photovoltaic Cell Turns Sunlight into Electricity
The physics behind every module on this site, in the terms our own FAQ uses.
The Three Parts of a Motorhome Solar Battery Charging System
Panel, regulator, battery — what each one does and why you cannot skip the middle one.
Sizing a Solar Panel for an RV
Count the loads first, then pick the module — not the other way round.
Ready to Order BSM020P-N
Tell us how many BSM020P-N you need and which port they are going to. We will confirm the pack quantity for the BSM020P-N 20 W Multicrystalline Solar Module, quote freight and give you a lead time.