--- title: "AE Solar AE CMD-120BDS-490 Solar Panel: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "AE Solar AE CMD-120BDS-490 solar panel. Specs: 22.74% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-120bds-490" image: "https://comparepv.com/og/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-120bds-490.png" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # AE Solar AE CMD-120BDS-490 Solid all-round for its segment 1,096 panels in the segment TOPCon 450-500 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** AE Solar - **Model:** AE CMD-120BDS-490 - **Series:** Meteor - **Rated power:** 490 W - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment TOPCon 450-500 W (1096 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 490 W | 465 W | Strong - top 12% | | | Module efficiency | 22.74% | 22.52% | Typical | 3,267 | | Power density | 227.4 | 225.2 | Typical | 3,272 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,220 | | Weight (kg) | 25.5 kg | 24.0 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 22.74% | 22.52% | Typical | 3,267 | | Power density | 227.4 | 225.2 | Typical | 3,272 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,220 | | Weight per kWp | 52.0 | 52.2 | Typical | 5,518 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | - **Best for:** Residential, commercial and hot-climate. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 490 W - **Efficiency:** 22.74 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 35.72 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 13.72 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 43.03 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 14.45 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.290 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.250 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.046 %/degC - **NOCT:** 42 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Cell count:** 120 - **Bifacial:** yes - **Bifacial gain:** 10.00 ### Physical - **Length:** 1902 mm - **Width:** 1133 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 25.5 kg - **Area:** 2.15 m2 - **Power density:** 227.4 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 30 years - **Performance warranty:** 30 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 87.4 % - **First-year degradation:** 1.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.40 % - **Output after 30 years:** 428 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 3267 of 14129 | | Power density | 3272 of 14129 | | Temperature coefficient | 2220 of 14129 | | Weight | 5518 of 14129 | | Warranty | 21 of 14129 | ## Pros - **The only European Tier 1 manufacturer of BNEF** - AESOLAR has been ranked in BNEF Tier 1 for the 16th consecutive quarter (Q1 2025) and is the only European manufacturer in the 2024 bankability ranking, with its bankability score increasing from 26% to 50% year-on-year. This translates to improved project acceptability for financing banks and lower insurance requirements for installations. - **Peak efficiency of 22.97% - leading the pack** - The highest-performing model in the series achieves 22.97% efficiency, surpassing direct competitors such as the Seraphim YUKON N (22.87%), Solarspace SS8-60HD (22.87%), and Resun RS8K-M (22.94%). This translates to a higher installed power capacity on a limited roof area, given the same footprint. - **Low thermal expansion coefficient of -0.29%/°C** - The -0.29°C/°C value for Pmax is significantly more advantageous than the typical -0.35°C/°C for PERC modules. At an operating temperature of 65°C, the power loss is approximately 7.3% compared to ~10.9% in PERC, which realistically increases energy generation in warmer months without additional costs. - **30-year product and performance warranty** - The manufacturer guarantees more than 87% of its rated power after 30 years of operation. The standard market warranty for comparable series is 25 years, with a decrease to approximately 84.8%, which, over the full lifespan of operation, results in a significantly higher cumulative energy yield compared to the Meteor series. - **Double-glass, bifacial construction, fire resistance rating A** - Double glazing enhances resistance to UV degradation, moisture, and mechanical stress, while bifaciality allows for the recovery of an additional 5-15% of energy from reflected light. The Class A fire rating (verified in the CMD-120BDS datasheet) eliminates installation restrictions on roofs adjacent to other buildings. ## Cons - **The range of performance within the series** - The lower variants of the series achieve efficiencies of 22.04-22.5%, which is significantly below all three comparable products (22.87-22.94%). An investor purchasing the lower variant may inadvertently acquire a module with a power density that is inferior to that of direct competitors, despite the premium price characteristic of the entire N-type TOPCon series. ## About this series The AE Solar Meteor series sets new standards in energy efficiency, utilizing advanced **N-type technology**, which significantly reduces light-induced degradation. These modules are designed to maximize yields in real-world weather conditions, offering exceptional efficiency even under low solar radiation intensity. A key advantage of the Meteor series is its **high resistance to hotspots**, which directly translates into fire safety and the longevity of the entire installation. Thanks to cell structure optimization, these panels exhibit a **low temperature coefficient**, ensuring stable power production during summer heatwaves. This solution is dedicated primarily to demanding private investors and companies with limited mounting space that require components with the highest power density. What distinguishes this series from standard market solutions is its precise craftsmanship and **extended product warranty**, which forms the foundation of a secure investment for years. By choosing the Meteor line, the user is assured that their photovoltaic system will operate with the highest technical standards, combining an aesthetic finish with uncompromising technological performance that clearly outpaces traditional older-generation modules. ## Notable figures - At 22.7% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* modules - At 227.4 W/m² power density, roof space requirements are typical for \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* panels - Temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C matches the \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* median - At 25.5 kg, this panel is 1.5 kg heavier than the \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* median (24.0 kg) - more demanding for installation crews - 80% bifaciality enables rear-side power generation, boosting yield by 4-12% on reflective surfaces ## Questions ### What does the TOPCon technology mean in AE Solar Meteor panels, and why is it better than PERC? TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) refers to N-type cells that exhibit significantly lower light-induced degradation (LID) compared to older PERC cells. In practice, this means that AE Solar Meteor panels lose less power in their initial years of operation and maintain a higher efficiency throughout their lifespan. The bifacial design of the Meteor series also allows for the capture of energy from reflected radiation from the underside of the module, which increases the overall energy yield by several to fifteen percent, depending on the substrate. ### What is the warranty on AE Solar Meteor panels, and what exactly does it cover? The AE Solar Meteor series comes with a 30-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty, which are among the longest warranties available on the market. The product warranty protects against material and workmanship defects, while the performance warranty ensures that the panel will produce a specified percentage of its nominal power for three decades. The manufacturer, based in Germany, is part of Tier 1 suppliers, further confirming the credibility of these guarantees. ### Do AE Solar Meteor 495W panels perform well in summer, even at very high temperatures? Yes, the Meteor series is characterized by a low temperature coefficient of approximately -0.29%/°C, which places it among the leading N-type modules on the market. For comparison, standard PERC modules lose even -0.34 to -0.37% of power for the same temperature increase. In practice, this means that during summer heat waves, Meteor panels produce significantly more energy than older modules, and the risk of hot spots is significantly reduced. ### What is the target audience for the AE Solar Meteor series - is it suitable for a small roof? The Meteor series is primarily aimed at investors with limited mounting space who want to maximize the power output of their installations within a given area. With a power output of up to 495 Wp and the high power density characteristic of TOPCon cells, it is possible to achieve a higher energy yield with fewer modules compared to standard PERC panels. This is an ideal solution for single-family homes, commercial buildings, and investors who require the highest quality components. ### Are AE Solar Meteor panels available in Poland, and where can they be purchased? Yes, the AE Solar Meteor series is currently available on the Polish market and has not been discontinued. AE Solar, as a Tier 1 manufacturer based in Germany, has a wide distribution network across Europe. Modules can be purchased through authorized distributors and solar installation companies. It is advisable to compare offers from several installers before making a purchase, as prices may vary depending on the model and the quantity of panels ordered. ### Does the bifacial nature of AE Solar Meteor panels make sense for installation on a sloped roof? Bifaciality also offers real benefits for pitched roofs, although the effect is most pronounced in ground-mounted or light-colored installations. For roofs with a light membrane or white backing material, bifaciality of Meteor modules (75-85%) translates into an additional few percentage points of annual energy production. On typical dark roofs, the gain is smaller, but still present, and the N-type technology and low temperature coefficient remain fully active regardless of the mounting method. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/ae-cmd-120bds-475w-495w-ver25-4-1-2dcf2c9700f0.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | +20 W, cooler, +2.3 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | Cooler, lighter, +2.1 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | Cooler, lighter, +2.0 pp | | [WINAICO WST-505BKX54-A2](https://comparepv.com/panel/winaico-wst-505bkx54-a2) | 505 W | +15 W, cooler, +2.0 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | Cooler, lighter, +1.8 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +1.8 pp | | [Talesun CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W](https://comparepv.com/panel/talesun-cipro-tn9c54m-500w) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +1.8 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-315](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-315) | 315 W | -175 W, -8.1 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-320](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-320) | 320 W | -170 W, -7.9 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-325](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-325) | 325 W | -165 W, -7.7 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-330](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-330) | 330 W | -160 W, -7.4 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-335](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-335) | 335 W | -155 W, -7.2 pp | | [AE Solar MD-120BD-440](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-md-120bd-440) | 440 W | -50 W, hotter, -2.3 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | +70 W, cooler, +2.1 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | +65 W, cooler, +1.9 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVHL-550M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvhl-550m) | 550 W | +60 W, lighter, +1.7 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-120bds-490 Not in this file, on the page: the I-V and temperature curves lifted from the manufacturer's datasheet, a thirty-year output simulator, a bifacial gain calculator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.