BP MSX 60
60-Watt Multicrystalline
Photovoltaic Module
BP Solar’s MSX series is a premium line of PV modules with a 25-year
performance warranty, tightly controlled electrical parameters, and labeling
showing each module’s tested electrical characteristics. The MSX 60 provides
60 watts of nominal maximum power, and is well-suited to traditional
applications of photovoltaics such as telecommunications, remote villages
and clinics, pumping, and land-based aids to navigation. Its attractive
bronze-anodized frame also suits it well for architectural applications.
Proven Materials
and Construction
BP Solar’s quarter-century of field
experience shows in every aspect
of these module’s construction and
materials:
• 36 multicrystalline silicon solar
cells configured as two 18-cell
series strings;
• Cells are laminated between
sheets of ethylene vinyl acetate
(EVA) and high-transmissivity
low-iron 3mm tempered glass;
• Frame strength exceeds require-
ments of certifying agencies.
Quality and Safety
• Manufactured in ISO 9001-
certified factories;
• Certified by PowerMark
Corporation;
• Listed by Underwriter’s
Laboratories for electrical and fire
safety (Class C fire rating);
• Certified by TÜV Rheinland as
Class II equipment;
• Approved by Factory Mutual
Research for application in NEC
Class 1, Division 2, Groups C &
D hazardous locations;
• Compliant with the requirements
of IEC 61215 including:
° repetitive cycling between
-40°C and 85°C at 85% relative
humidity;
° simulated impact of 25mm
(one-inch) hail at terminal
velocity;
° a “damp heat” test, consisting
of 1000 hours of exposure
to 85°C and 85% relative
humidity;
° a “hot-spot” test, which
determines a module’s ability
to tolerate localized shadowing
(which can cause reverse-
biased operation and localized
heating);
° static loading, front and back,
of 2400 pascals (50 psf); front
loading (e.g. snow) of 5400
pascals (113 psf).
Bronze Anodized
Universal Frame
High-Capacity Versatile
Junction Box
The junction box is raintight (IP54
rated) and accepts PG13.5 or 1/2"
nominal conduit or cable fittings. Its
volume (411cc, 25 cubic inches) and
6-terminal connection block enable
most system array connections (put-
ting modules in series or parallel) to
be made right in the junction box.
Options include:
• blocking and bypass diodes;
• an oversize terminal block which
accepts conductors up to 25mm
2
(AWG #4); standard terminals
accept up to 6mm
2
(AWG #10);
• a Solarstate™ charge regulator.
Shipped in 12V configuration, mod-
ules may easily be switched to 6V
configuration by moving leads in the
junction box. Six-volt modules are
intended to support 6V loads, and
are not recommended as series
elements in higher voltage arrays.
BP MSX 60
Individually Tested
and Labeled
Each module tested and labeled with
its actual output — voltage, current,
and power at maximum power point
(Pmax) — at Standard Test Conditions
and Standard Operating Conditions.
Limited Warranties
• Power output for 25 years;
• Freedom from defects in
materials and workmanship
for 5 years.
See our website or your local
representative for full terms of
these warranties.
TÜV
©2002 BP Solar Global Marketing
01-4001-2 2/02
Electrical Characteristics
1
BP MSX 60
Maximum power (Pmax)
2
Voltage at Pmax (Vmp)
Current at Pmax (lmp)
Minimum Pmax
Short-circuit current (Isc)
Open-circuit voltage (Voc)
Temperature coefficient of Isc
Temperature coefficient of Voc
Temperature coefficient of power
NOCT
3
Maximum system voltage
Maximum series fuse rating
60W
17.1V
3.5A
58W
3.8A
21.1V
(0.065±0.015)%/°C
-(80±10)mV/°C
-(0.5±0.05)%/°C
47±2°C
600V (U.S. NEC rating)
1000V (TÜV Rheinland rating)
20A
BP MSX 64
64W
17.5V
3.66A
62W
4.0A
21.3V
4
Notes
1. These data represent the performance of typical MSX 60 and MSX 64 modules as measured at their output
terminals, and do not include the effect of such additional equipment as diodes or cables. The data are based
on measurements made in accordance with ASTM E1036 corrected to SRC (Standard Reporting Conditions,
also known as STC or Standard Test Conditions), which are:
• illumination of 1 kW/m
2
(1 sun) at spectral distribution of AM 1.5 (ASTM E892 global spectral irradiance);
• cell temperature of 25°C.
2.
During the stabilization process which occurs during the first few months of deployment, module power
may decrease approximately 3% from typical Pmax.
3.
The cells in an illuminated module operate hotter than the ambient temperature. NOCT (Nominal Operating
Cell Temperature) is an indicator of this temperature differential, and is the cell temperature under Standard
Operating Conditions: ambient temperature of 20°C, solar irradiation of 0.8 kW/m
2
, and wind speed of 1 m/s.
4.
The power of solar cells varies in the normal course of production; the MSX 64 is assembled in limited
quantities using cells of slightly higher power than the MSX 60.
MSX 60 I-V Curves
4.5
4.5
MSX 64 I-V Curves
4.0
4.0
3.5
T=0°C
3.0
T=25°C
T=75°C
3.5
T=0°C
T=25°C
T=50°C
T=75°C
3.0
Current (A)
Current (A)
T=50°C
2.5
2.5
2.0
2.0
1.5
1.5
1.0
1.0
0.5
0.5
0.0
0
5
10
15
20
25
0.0
0
5
10
15
20
25
Voltage (V)
Voltage (V)
Mechanical Characteristics
Weight
MSX 60
7.2 kg (15.9 pounds)
Dimensions
Unbracketed dimensions are in millimeters.
Dimensions in brackets are in inches.
Overall tolerances ±3mm (1/8")
2.8 [0.11] max.
screw head
projection, typ.
502 [19.8]
Front View
X
X
Grounding hole,
2 places
1105 [43.5]
(does not include
screw head
projection)
Back View
610 [24.0]
Junction box
9.5 [0.38] dia.
mtg. holes, typ.
246 [9.7]
17 [0.69]
467 [18.4]
16 [0.63] typ.
MSX 60
11.1 [0.44]
50 [1.97]
2.4 [0.09]
27 [1.06]
Grounding Detail
Section X-X
This publication summarizes product warranty and specifications, which are
subject to change without notice and should not be used as the definitive
source of information for final system design. Additional warranty and
technical information may be found on our website
www.bpsolar.com
or may be obtained from your local representative.
Printed on recycled paper with vegetable based inks.
