BSM020P-T 20 W Multicrystalline Solar Module
A 20 W 12 V multicrystalline module, 10.0 % efficient, with a 36-cell 2 × 18 layout.
- 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
At 20 watts and 1.17 amps optimum operating current, the BSM020P-T is the first module in the range that will genuinely recharge a small battery rather than just hold it up. It is the panel most often specified for camping, small marine and light instrumentation work.
The cell layout is unusual for this range — 36 cells at 156 mm × 26 mm in a 2 × 18 arrangement, which gives a long narrow module that fits along the edge of a roof rather than across it. Maximum system voltage is 600 VDC on this model, lower than the 1000 VDC panels, which matters if you are stringing modules in series.
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-T
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-T |
|---|---|
| Nominal voltage | 12 V |
| Maximum power at STC | 20 W |
| Optimum operating voltage | 17.2 V |
| Optimum operating current | 1.17 A |
| Open circuit voltage | 21.0 V |
| Short circuit current | 1.1 A |
| Cell | Multicrystalline silicon, 156 mm × 26 mm |
| Cells and connections | 36 (2 × 18) |
| Module dimensions | 21.7 in × 13.80 in × 0.98 in |
| Weight | 6.17 lbs |
| Solar panel grade | A |
| Module efficiency | 10.0 % |
| 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
36 Grade A multicrystalline cells at 156 mm × 26 mm in a 2 × 18 layout, low iron tempered glass, EVA laminate, black TPT backsheet and an anodised aluminium frame.
Quality and certification
Everything in the BSM020P-T table above is taken from our own product documentation — 20 W at STC and a 21.7 in × 13.80 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-N 24 V
Same 20 W, different bus. The -T is 12 V nominal, the -N is 24 V nominal with a 41.3 V open circuit voltage.
Against the BSM020M monocrystalline
The mono 20 W is a different shape at 650 × 306 mm and carries a 750 VDC system voltage and a 10 A series fuse rating.
Against the BSM030P 30 W
Half again the power for about a pound more weight.
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
Why is the maximum system voltage 600 VDC and not 1000?
That is what the module is rated at. It is the number to design a series string around; most of the other modules in the range are 1000 VDC.
What shape is this module?
Long and narrow — 21.7 in × 13.80 in, from a 2 × 18 cell layout. It suits a roof edge better than a square module.
Will the L-style pole mount carry it?
Yes. The BS09001 arm supports all brands of 5 W, 10 W and 20 W panels.
What is the tolerance on the 20 W figure?
The multicrystalline datasheets in this range quote power at STC. Ask us for the current production tolerance statement if you need it for a tender.
Related products
Often Ordered With This
BSM020P-NBSM020P-N 20 W Multicrystalline Solar Module
The 24 V nominal 20 W module — 68 cells, 41.3 V open circuit, 10.38 % efficient.
View details →
BSM020MBSM020M 20 W Monocrystalline Solar Module
A 20 W 12 V monocrystalline module at 650 × 306 × 17 mm with a 6063-T5 anodised frame.
View details →
BSM030PBSM030P 30 W Multicrystalline Solar Module
A 30 W 12 V module at 426 × 680 × 18 mm and 3.2 kg, with a 3 ft open-end cable.
View details →
BS09001L Style Solar Panel Pole Mounting System
A 555 mm aluminium arm that sets a 5–20 W panel at a fixed 30° on a pole, for remote and unattended sites.
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-T
Tell us how many BSM020P-T you need and which port they are going to. We will confirm the pack quantity for the BSM020P-T 20 W Multicrystalline Solar Module, quote freight and give you a lead time.