Renogy 250W N-Type Bifacial Solar Panel for 12V Systems

The Renogy 250W N-Type Bifacial Solar Panel is a 250-watt monocrystalline panel built for off-grid overlanding rigs, vans, RVs, trailers, and cabin installations running 12V battery systems. N-Type TOPCon cell construction delivers 21.2% module efficiency and an 80% bifaciality factor, allowing the panel to harvest usable power from reflected light on the rear face as well as direct sunlight on the front. Open-circuit voltage of 22.35V keeps the panel compatible with both MPPT and PWM charge controllers.

Bifacial Design Puts Both Sides to Work

The 80% bifaciality factor means the rear face of the panel captures reflected and diffuse light from the mounting surface below (ground albedo, a white roof, or a reflective deck) and converts it into additional output. Renogy states this rear-side contribution adds approximately 14% more power compared to a conventional monofacial PERC panel of the same wattage. For a fixed roof or rack installation where the panel angle cannot be adjusted throughout the day, that passive rear-side gain is real additional harvest with no added hardware or effort.

N-Type Cells Hold Output When Temperatures Rise

Solar panels lose efficiency as cell temperature climbs, a pattern that compounds on dark metal roofs and in desert or summer overlanding conditions. The N-Type cells in this panel carry a temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C, meaning output degrades more slowly per degree of heat gain than conventional p-type PERC panels. The operating temperature range spans -40°F to 194°F (-40°C to 90°C), covering cold-weather storage and high-heat deployment without requiring derating.

16-Busbar Construction and a Reinforced Frame

Sixteen busbars (16BB) distribute current across each cell through more conductive pathways than older 4- or 5-busbar designs, reducing resistive losses and lowering the mechanical stress that causes microcracks over years of thermal cycling and vibration. The aluminum alloy frame measures over 1.1mm thick, providing the structural rigidity needed to survive road vibration on a roof rack or truck bed without flexing the glass laminate. Construction layers include low-iron tempered glass on the front, POE encapsulant film, N-Type solar cells, and a transparent backsheet that allows rear-face light capture.

Features

• 250W rated output at STC: 21.2% module efficiency with 22.35V open-circuit voltage and 13.49A short-circuit current
• 80% bifaciality factor: rear face generates approximately 14% additional power from reflected light compared to monofacial PERC panels
• -0.29%/°C temperature coefficient: reduced output loss in high-heat conditions versus p-type PERC panels
• 16-busbar (16BB) cell technology: improves energy conversion and reduces microcrack risk during thermal cycling
• Aluminum alloy frame over 1.1mm thick: reinforced for structural strength under road vibration and weather loading
• IP68-rated: sealed against dust ingress and sustained water immersion

Specifications

Who This Is For and Isn't

The Renogy 250W N-Type Bifacial Solar Panel suits overlanders, van builders, RV owners, and off-grid cabin installers running 12V battery systems who want a high-efficiency panel that continues generating from reflected rear-face light. The 22.35V open-circuit voltage works with both MPPT and PWM charge controllers, and the 1000VDC maximum system voltage supports series and parallel array configurations.

This panel does not include a charge controller, battery, mounting hardware, or wiring; those components are sold separately. At 60.9x30.0 inches and 27.3lbs, it is a full-size rigid panel and is not a portable or foldable option. The bifacial rear-face gain applies only when the panel is mounted with clearance below the rear face; flush mounting against an opaque surface eliminates rear-side harvest.

Common Questions

What charge controller does this panel require?

The Renogy 250W N-Type Bifacial Solar Panel has an open-circuit voltage of 22.35V and a maximum system voltage of 1000VDC. That Voc is compatible with both MPPT and PWM charge controllers designed for 12V battery systems. A charge controller is not included and must be purchased separately; verify the controller's input voltage and current ratings against this panel's specifications before wiring.

How does the bifacial design work in a real installation?

The Renogy 250W N-Type Bifacial Solar Panel captures light through a transparent backsheet on the rear face in addition to the front glass. When mounted with open space beneath (on a roof rack, elevated ground mount, or tilted frame), reflected and diffuse light from the surface below reaches the rear cells. Renogy states this adds approximately 14% more power compared to a conventional monofacial PERC panel. Flush mounting against an opaque surface eliminates this rear-side contribution.

What does the temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C mean for hot-weather use?

Every solar panel loses some output as cell temperature rises above the standard test condition of 25°C. The Renogy 250W N-Type Bifacial Solar Panel's temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C means it loses 0.29% of its rated output for each degree Celsius of temperature rise above that baseline. N-Type cells carry a lower coefficient than typical p-type PERC panels, so this panel retains more of its rated 250W output on hot days and in high-heat mounting environments.

Can multiple panels be wired in series or parallel?

The Renogy 250W N-Type Bifacial Solar Panel supports both series and parallel wiring configurations. The maximum system voltage of 1000VDC allows multiple panels to be connected in series, which adds their voltages while keeping current constant. Parallel wiring adds current while keeping voltage at one panel's level. The maximum series fuse rating is 30A. Match the combined array output to a charge controller rated for the resulting voltage and current before wiring.

What is included in the box?

The Renogy 250W N-Type Bifacial Solar Panel ships with the panel itself, a user manual, and a warranty card. A charge controller, battery, mounting hardware, adapter cables, and tray cables are not included and must be sourced separately to complete a functional off-grid solar system.