--- title: "AE Solar AE CMD-72BD-280 Solar Panel: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "AE Solar AE CMD-72BD-280 solar panel. Specs: 14.36% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-72bd-280" image: "https://comparepv.com/og/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-72bd-280.png" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # AE Solar AE CMD-72BD-280 Strong in heat, modest efficiency 74 panels in the segment PERC 250-300 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** AE Solar - **Model:** AE CMD-72BD-280 - **Series:** Terra E \| CMD-72BD - **Rated power:** 280 W - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 250-300 W (74 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 280 W | 275 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 14.36% | 17.21% | Weak - bottom 1% | 14,020 | | Power density | 143.6 | 172.1 | Weak - bottom 1% | 13,996 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.370 | Strong - top 2% | 2,220 | | Weight (kg) | 23.5 kg | 18.5 kg | Weak - bottom 1% | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 25 yrs | Strong - top 20% | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 14.36% | 17.21% | Weak - bottom 1% | 14,020 | | Power density | 143.6 | 172.1 | Weak - bottom 1% | 13,996 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.370 | Strong - top 2% | 2,220 | | Weight per kWp | 83.9 | 66.5 | Weak - bottom 1% | 13,933 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 25 yrs | Strong - top 20% | 21 | ### Strengths - **-0.290 %/°C temperature coefficient** - Top 2% of the PERC 250-300 W segment, against a median of -0.370. Ranked 2,220th in the whole database. - **30 year performance warranty** - Top 20% of the PERC 250-300 W segment, against a median of 25 yrs. ### Watch out for - **14.36% module efficiency** - Bottom 1% of the PERC 250-300 W segment, against a median of 17.21%. Ranked 14,020th in the whole database. - **143.6 watts per square metre** - Bottom 1% of the PERC 250-300 W segment, against a median of 172.1. Ranked 13,996th in the whole database. - **83.9 kg per kWp** - Bottom 1% of the PERC 250-300 W segment, against a median of 66.5. Ranked 13,933rd in the whole database. - **Best for:** Agrivoltaic. - **Not ideal for:** Tight roof space, roofs where every square metre has to count and weight-limited structures. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 280 W - **Efficiency:** 14.36 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 21.36 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 13.11 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 24.95 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 14.03 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:** PERC - **Cell count:** 72 - **Bifacial:** yes - **Bifacial gain:** 10.00 ### Physical - **Length:** 1721 mm - **Width:** 1133 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 23.5 kg - **Area:** 1.95 m2 - **Power density:** 143.6 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:** 245 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 14020 of 14129 | | Power density | 13996 of 14129 | | Temperature coefficient | 2220 of 14129 | | Weight | 13933 of 14129 | | Warranty | 21 of 14129 | ## Pros - **The only European Tier 1 BNEF manufacturer** - AE Solar ranks 18th out of 67 evaluated manufacturers in the BNEF Global PV Module Bankability 2024 report, and is the only European manufacturer in Tier 1, appearing on the BNEF list for the 16th time (Q1 2025). This translates to the highest standards of financial guarantees, supply continuity, and risk assessment by banks financing renewable energy projects. - **N-type TOPCon with 80% bifaciality** - N-type TOPCon cells exhibit a temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C (better than standard PERC cells at approximately -0.35%/°C), and a bifaciality factor of 80% allows for the recovery of 10-15% additional energy from the ground through reflection. In agrophotovoltaic systems with high ground albedo (e.g., light soil, mulch), the actual yield is significantly higher than what would be expected based solely on the module's efficiency. - **40% transparency - a leader in the agricultural sector** - The designed 40% transparency allows for even distribution of light across the panels, reduces water evaporation from the soil, and protects crops from hail and frost. In direct comparison to the DMEGC Greenhouse (11.61% efficiency), Terra E CMD-72BD achieves a maximum efficiency of 15.39% while maintaining its agricultural photovoltaic function - representing a lead of over 32% in power density within the same segment. - **30-year product and performance warranty (>87%)** - The manufacturer guarantees that over 87% of the nominal power will be maintained after 30 years, both for product and performance warranties - a significantly higher standard than those offered by Trina Solar or JA Solar (typically 25 years with a threshold of 84.8%). For agricultural photovoltaic systems with a long payback period, this is a key factor in assessing profitability. - **Class A fire hazard, Class 4 explosion hazard, ammonia, and salt mist** - The module has achieved fire resistance rating A (IEC 61730) and hail resistance rating 4, as well as has been proven to be resistant to ammonia and saline mist - critical requirements for installations in agricultural settings and coastal areas. The double-glass construction eliminates the need for rear EVA film, extending its mechanical lifespan. ## Cons - **Efficiency: 14.36-15.39% vs. standard mono modules** - 40% transparency inevitably reduces the efficiency of the module - compared to the Runtech RT Compact Mono (18.44%), the difference is approximately 21-25%, which in installations where space is limited, means a need for approximately 26% more surface area to achieve the same rated power. This is a reasonable compromise for agricultural photovoltaics, but it excludes the series from typical rooftop and ground-mounted applications. - **Power range: 280-300 W - low individual power** - A maximum power output of 300 Wp is significantly below the current standard for commercial and utility-scale modules (500-720 Wp). This requires a larger number of modules, a more extensive mounting infrastructure, and cabling, which increases the BOS (Balance of System) costs - which is particularly important for larger agrophotovoltaic projects. ## About this series AE Solar Terra E CMD-72BD modules are a specialized solution designed for modern agrivoltaic systems and agriculture-integrated installations. Their most characteristic feature is **40-percent transparency**, which allows an optimal amount of sunlight to penetrate to the crops located directly under the panels. Thanks to the use of advanced **n-Type TOPCon cell technology**, this series offers excellent efficiency even in low-light conditions and shows minimal degradation over time, as confirmed by a 30-year product warranty. The **bifacial double-glass** design allows for active energy harvesting from both sides of the module, significantly increasing the total energy yield from a given area. These panels effectively solve the problem of land competition between food production and clean energy generation, while serving as a solid protective barrier for plants against hail, frost, or excessive soil evaporation. Exceptional **resistance to ammonia and salt mist** makes this an unrivaled product in the harsh environmental conditions typical of farms. Terra E CMD-72BD is an investment in durability and multifunctionality that stands out from standard PV modules due to its unique ability to combine high efficiency with **care for the crop microclimate**. ## Notable figures - At 14.4% efficiency, this panel is 5.1pp below the \*\*PERC 0-400W\*\* median of 19.4% - 143.6 W/m² power density is 50.6 W/m² below \*\*PERC 0-400W\*\* median (194.2 W/m²) - requires larger installation area - At -0.29%/°C (vs median -0.36%/°C), loses ~3% less power in hot conditions - At 23.5 kg (3.0 kg above \*\*PERC 0-400W\*\* median of 20.5 kg), requires checking roof load capacity - 80% bifaciality enables rear-side power generation, boosting yield by 4-12% on reflective surfaces ## Questions ### What are the AE Solar Terra E CMD-72BD panels used for, and how do they differ from standard PV modules? The Terra E CMD-72BD series are modules specifically designed for agrophotovoltaic systems, which combine solar energy production with crop cultivation. A key difference is their 40% transparency - the right amount of light passes through the panel, allowing plants to grow normally underneath. Standard PV panels are opaque and completely shade the ground, which in practice makes it impossible to cultivate crops simultaneously. ### What is the warranty on AE Solar Terra E CMD-72BD solar panels? The manufacturer offers a product warranty of up to 30 years, as well as a 30-year warranty on power output. This means that for three decades, AE Solar guarantees both the absence of manufacturing defects in the module and the maintenance of a specific level of energy generation. This is one of the longest warranties available on the market for photovoltaic panels, and it reflects the high durability of the double-glass construction. ### Do bifacial solar panels from Terra E CMD-72BD actually generate power from both sides, and by how much more power can be obtained? Yes, the bifacial double-glass design allows the cells to absorb light from both the front and the back - this includes reflected light from the ground or atmosphere. In agrophotovoltaic installations, where the panel is elevated above the crops, the bifacial effect can increase the total energy yield by up to 15% compared to a single-sided module. The exact gain depends on the albedo of the ground and the mounting angle. ### Do AE Solar Terra E CMD-72BD panels perform adequately in typical agricultural conditions - with ammonia and humidity? Yes, the Terra E CMD-72BD series has been proven to be resistant to ammonia and saline mist, which sets it apart from standard PV modules. Ammonia released from fertilizers and animal husbandry is a major factor that accelerates the degradation of frames and seals in conventional panels. The double-pane design, instead of a film on the back, further protects the cells from moisture and mechanical damage. ### What power output do the Terra E CMD-72BD modules achieve, and does the n-type TOPCon technology play a significant role in cloudy conditions? The maximum power output of the module is 300 Wp. The n-Type TOPCon cell technology provides better performance in low-light conditions compared to the older PERC technology - the modules produce proportionally more energy on cloudy days and at dawn or dusk. This translates to a higher annual yield, especially in Polish climatic conditions, where there are relatively fewer days with clear skies. ### Is AE Solar a reputable manufacturer, and where is its headquarters located? AE Solar Energy GmbH is based in Germany and is part of the Tier 1 group of manufacturers, which represents the highest level of financial and quality credibility according to independent industry classifications. The Tier 1 status is important when assessing investment risk, as it guarantees that the manufacturer will remain on the market for the entire duration of the 30-year warranty. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/ae-cmd-72bd-terra-e-280w-300w-sc-11-5-ver25-9-2-7f640e68f917.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [JA Solar NS-300MH-72](https://comparepv.com/panel/ja-solar-ns-300mh-72) | 300 W | Lighter, +9.0 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [PolyCrown Solar Tech NS-300MH-72](https://comparepv.com/panel/polycrown-solar-tech-ns-300mh-72) | 300 W | Lighter, +9.0 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [Heckert Solar ZEUS 1.2 FullBlack 280W](https://comparepv.com/panel/heckert-solar-zeus-1-2-fullblack-280w) | 280 W | Cooler, lighter, +8.9 pp | | [JA Solar NS-330MH-80](https://comparepv.com/panel/ja-solar-ns-330mh-80) | 330 W | +50 W, lighter, +8.8 pp | | [PolyCrown Solar Tech NS-330MH-80](https://comparepv.com/panel/polycrown-solar-tech-ns-330mh-80) | 330 W | +50 W, lighter, +8.8 pp | | [Heckert Solar ZEUS 3.2 285WP FullBlack](https://comparepv.com/panel/heckert-solar-zeus-3-2-285wp-fullblack) | 285 W | Cooler, lighter, +8.8 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M285W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m285w) | 285 W | Lighter, +8.6 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M240W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m240w) | 240 W | -40 W, lighter, +8.6 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M260W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m260w) | 260 W | -20 W, lighter, +8.6 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-72BD 285W](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-72bd-285w) | 285 W | +0.3 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-72BD 290W](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-72bd-290w) | 290 W | +10 W, +0.5 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-72BD 295W](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-72bd-295w) | 295 W | +15 W, +0.8 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-72BD 300W](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-72bd-300w) | 300 W | +20 W, +1.0 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | +230 W, cooler, +10.6 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | +215 W, cooler, +10.4 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | +225 W, cooler, +10.3 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-72bd-280 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.