--- title: "AE Solar AE CMD-72BD 280W 280W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "AE Solar AE CMD-72BD 280W 280W solar panel. Specs: 14.36% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-72bd-280w" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # AE Solar AE CMD-72BD 280W Middle of its segment, modest efficiency 30 panels in the segment TOPCon 250-300 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** AE Solar - **Model:** AE CMD-72BD 280W - **Series:** Terra E CMD-72BD - **Rated power:** 280 W - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment TOPCon 250-300 W (30 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 280 W | 280 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 14.36% | 14.99% | Weak - bottom 18% | 13,896 | | Power density | 143.6 | 149.9 | Typical | 13,872 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,165 | | Weight (kg) | 23.5 kg | 23.4 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 14.36% | 14.99% | Weak - bottom 18% | 13,896 | | Power density | 143.6 | 149.9 | Typical | 13,872 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,165 | | Weight per kWp | 83.9 | 79.5 | Typical | 13,809 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Watch out for - **14.36% module efficiency** - Bottom 18% of the TOPCon 250-300 W segment, against a median of 14.99%. - **Best for:** Agrivoltaic and commercial. - **Not ideal for:** Tight roof space. ## 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:** TOPCon - **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:** 15 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 | 13896 of 14005 | | Power density | 13872 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 2165 of 14005 | | Weight | 13809 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## Pros - **TOPCon N-type + bifacial technology for the agricultural sector** - Most greenhouse and agrivoltaic modules rely on older PERC cells or have lower efficiency (DMEGC Greenhouse: 11.61%, Solitek SOLID Agro Frameless: ~14.88%). The CMD-72BD, as a semi-transparent module with TOPCon N-type cells, achieves 14.36–15.39%, which translates to a significantly higher energy yield per square meter in the agricultural sector, while still maintaining the required light transmission for crops. - **30-year product and performance warranty** - The manufacturer offers a full 30-year warranty on both the product and its power output, which is among the best in the segment (e.g., Solitek). For agrowoltaic installations, where land usage planning can span decades, the 30-year linear warranty significantly reduces investment risk. - **Tier-1 bankable, manufacturer based in Germany** - AE Solar (founded in 2003, headquarters in Germany) is listed on the BNEF Tier-1 bankable manufacturers list, which makes it easier for banks and funds to finance projects. In the agrivoltaics sector, where installations often require financing, the bankability of a manufacturer is a significant advantage over less well-known brands. - **Glass-on-glass construction with bidirectional energy addition** - The combination of semi-transparent glass-glass construction with bifaciality allows for energy generation from both the front (through the cells) and the back (e.g., through reflection from a light-colored surface or the support structure). In typical agrowoltaic installations with a light-colored substrate, the bifacial premium typically ranges from 5-15% additional annual energy compared to monofacial modules with the same front-facing parameters. - **Protecting crops without sacrificing profitability.** - Semi-transparent panels diffuse light, reducing the risk of leaf scorching and limiting water evaporation – as demonstrated in studies for agrivoltaic installations in greenhouses and orchards. Unlike standard, opaque modules (such as Runtech RT Compact Mono), the CMD-72BD also serves as a functional component for cultivation, which provides a strong justification for its higher price in dual-use installations. ## Cons - **Low efficiency vs. standard modules** - The maximum efficiency of 15.39% is significantly higher than that of standard 300 Wp modules from the same power range – the Runtech RT Compact Mono achieves 18.44%, which is more than 3% higher. This means that on the same roof area, the CMD-72BD will generate approximately 16-18% less energy. For installations where partial transparency is not required, this series is not competitive in terms of power density. ## About this series The AE Solar Terra E CMD-72BD series was designed for installations where energy yield is not the only consideration, but also light control and protection of the space beneath the modules are important. These are **semi-transparent** panels that evenly distribute radiation, thereby reducing overheating and stress on plants while still producing current even in less sunny conditions. A key advantage is the combination of **N-type TOPCon cell technology** with a **bifacial design**, which allows for the utilization of light from below (e.g., from a light surface or structure). In practice, the Terra E CMD-72BD solves a common problem in agro-photovoltaics: how to provide crops with the right microclimate without sacrificing the profitability of the PV system. The modules help to reduce water evaporation, provide protection from heavy rain, hail, and wind, and the **glass-glass construction** and stable encapsulation increase durability in a demanding environment. This is a good choice for greenhouses, orchards, vineyards, and elevated installations, where the advantage over traditional modules comes from their real-world functionality, not just paper specifications. ## Notable figures - Module efficiency of 14.4% is 1.6pp below average for \*\*TOPCon 0-400W\*\* panels (median: 16.0%) - Power density of 143.6 W/m² is 16.2 W/m² below \*\*TOPCon 0-400W\*\* median (159.8 W/m²) - needs more roof space - Temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C matches the \*\*TOPCon 0-400W\*\* median - Bifaciality factor of 80% can add 4-12% extra yield with reflective mounting surface - #13896 for efficiency, #2165 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels ## Questions ### What crops are best suited for the AE Solar Terra E CMD-72BD solar panels? The Terra E CMD-72BD series is primarily designed for agrivoltaics – installations above crops sensitive to excessive sunlight and overheating. It is particularly suitable for vineyards, orchards, soft fruit plantations, and greenhouses. Its semi-transparent design evenly distributes light, reducing thermal stress on plants while still allowing for electricity generation. This is a solution for farmers who want to combine agricultural production with income from solar power. ### What is the warranty period for AE Solar Terra E CMD-72BD panels? The manufacturer offers a 30-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty. This is one of the longest warranty periods available on the market – the standard for most manufacturers is 25 years. A long warranty period is particularly important in agrowoltaic installations, where the modules operate in a demanding outdoor environment exposed to rain, hail, and significant daily temperature fluctuations. ### Do the Terra E CMD-72BD panels actually function bidirectionally, and what are the practical benefits of this? Yes, the CMD-72BD series are bifacial modules – the cells collect light from both the front and the back. In practice, this means an additional energy production from reflected light from a bright surface, a bright support structure, or a covering film. The gain from bifaciality depends on the surface's albedo and the angle of incidence, but typically ranges from a few to several dozen percent above the nominal 300 Wp power specified for the front side. ### What distinguishes the N-type TOPCon technology used in the Terra E CMD-72BD series from standard PERC panels? N-type TOPCon cells feature a passivated tunnel junction structure, which limits the recombination of charge carriers. Compared to popular PERC cells, this results in higher efficiency, a lower annual degradation rate (typically below 0.4% per year), and better performance at high temperatures and in low-light conditions – for example, on cloudy days or under diffuse light passing through the semi-transparent module. This is particularly important for agrivoltaic installations, as the glass itself partially shades the modules. ### Does the glass-on-glass construction in AE Solar Terra E CMD-72BD panels require a special racking system or mounting structure? Glass-on-glass modules are slightly heavier than standard glass and back-sheet panels, so the mounting system should be selected based on the actual weight of the module. It is advisable to confirm this with the installer and review the technical specifications of the series. Typical aluminum racking systems used in agrophotovoltaics are suitable for installation, but due to their intended use in above-ground installations over crops, it is recommended to consult with a structural design engineer. ### Is AE Solar a reputable manufacturer, and are the Terra E CMD-72BD panels covered by warranty and service in Poland? AE Solar (AE Alternative Energy GmbH) is a German-based company classified as a Tier 1 manufacturer, which indicates a positive assessment of its creditworthiness and financial stability. The modules are available through distributors operating in Poland. It is advisable to confirm with the supplier the possibility of handling any warranty claims and the availability of technical documentation in Polish or English, as required by the installer, before making a purchase. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/AE_CMD_72_BD_TERRA_E_280_W_300_W_SC_11_5_Ver26_8_1_4a0f153125-f5fc5e3fd51b.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 | | [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 | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M270W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m270w) | 270 W | -10 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-280w Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator, a bifacial gain calculator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.