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AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 390W
AE Solar Brand review

AE CMD-96BD 390W

390 Wp TOPCon Bifacial 80%
ComparePV verdict

Solid all-round for its segment

Rank 13,223 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
390
Strong · top 24%
Efficiency (%)
15.11
Typical · median 18.20%
Density (Wp/m²)
151.1
Typical · median 181.8
Temp (%/°C)
-0.290
Typical · median -0.290
Weight (kg)
31.0
Typical · median 26.0 kg
Warranty (yrs)
30
Typical · median 30 yrs

The AE Solar Terra E CMD-96BD series are semi-transparent modules designed for applications where both energy production and light control beneath the installation are important. A key feature is the combination of N-type TOPCon technology with a bifacial design, allowing the module to effectively operate even with diffused light and utilize reflections from the ground - which is particularly beneficial in typical Polish conditions where the sky is often cloudy.

In practice, the Terra E CMD-96BD solves the problem of balancing shading with functionality: controlled transparency allows for optimal growing conditions while also powering automation and installations on the farm. The use of double glass and modern encapsulation layers supports durability and stability in a humid, windy, and high-load environment.

It is a good choice for AgriPV - greenhouses, vineyards, and agricultural fields - as well as for investors who want to maximize land use without compromising its basic function.

Ranking

112 panels in the segment TOPCon 350-400 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 15.11% 18.20% Typical 13,784
Power density 151.1 181.8 Typical 13,771
Temperature coefficient -0.290 -0.290 Typical 2,165
Weight per kWp 79.5 68.9 Typical 13,722
Performance warranty 30 yrs 30 yrs Typical 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

5 positive · 2 caution
Best for

Agrivoltaic.

What owners get
The only European Tier 1 BNEF manufacturer

AE Solar is the only European manufacturer classified by BloombergNEF as a Tier 1 Bankable company in 2024. The manufacturer's bankability has increased from 26% in 2023 to 50% in 2024, which translates to lower project financing risk and easier access to installation insurance.

30-year product and performance warranty

The manufacturer offers a 30-year warranty on both the product and its performance – which is significantly above the industry standard (25 years offered by most Tier-1 suppliers like JA Solar and Trina). For AgriPV installations with a long payback period, this is a key factor in calculating the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE).

TOPCon N-type + bifacial for AgriPV

The N-type TOPCon technology provides a bifaciality factor of approximately 83% (compared to PERC's ~70-79%), which, under AgriPV conditions (reflection from soil, plants, and snow), realistically increases annual energy yield. Comparative studies (Sohn 2025, Energy Science & Engineering) confirm the advantage of TOPCon over PERC in bifacial systems, with an approximately 8% higher energy yield.

Dual land use – semi-transparency

The controlled transparency of the module allows for simultaneous energy production and light delivery to plants beneath the installation. In the AgriPV segment (greenhouses, vineyards, and field crops), this eliminates the need to choose between agricultural and energy production – a feature not available in standard, full-glass modules from competing brands (e.g., HT-SAAE HT48-18X).

Manufacturer stability: More than 20 years in the market

AE Solar has been operating since 2003, with its headquarters in Germany, and is 16 times listed on the Tier 1 BNEF list (as of Q1 2025). Its long operational history and European service base reduce operational risks for installations with extended lifespans.

Trade-offs
Efficiency is 14.53–15.3% below the TOPCon standard.

The semi-transparent design necessitates a lower cell density, which reduces efficiency to 14.53–15.3% – significantly lower than comparable TOPCon modules with double glass of the same power (HT-SAAE HT48-18X achieves 15.4%, standard TOPCon rooftop modules achieve 21–22%). For investors with limited roof or ground space, the AgriPV CMD-96BD series is not the optimal choice.

Niche applications limit the secondary market.

The module is specifically designed for AgriPV and BIPV applications. Reselling or relocating the installation outside of these segments (e.g., a typical residential roof) is difficult due to its low frontal efficiency and specific semi-transparent appearance. This poses a risk for smaller investors.

Notes from the database
  • Module efficiency of 15.1% is 0.9pp below average for TOPCon 0-400W panels (median: 16.0%)
  • At 151.1 W/m², this panel generates 8.7 W/m² less per unit area than TOPCon 0-400W median (159.8 W/m²)
  • At -0.29%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for TOPCon 0-400W panels
  • At 31.0 kg, this panel is 7.5 kg heavier than the TOPCon 0-400W median (23.5 kg) - more demanding for installation crews
  • 80% bifaciality enables rear-side power generation, boosting yield by 4-12% on reflective surfaces

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 390 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 15.11 % Typical Segment median 18.20%
Vmpp · Impp 28.76 V · 13.56 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 33.69 V · 14.47 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2278×1133×30 mm · 2.58 m² of roof
Weight 31.0 kg Typical Typical · median 26.0 kg
Cells 96 · TOPCon Monocrystalline
Bifaciality 80 % Rear output as a share of front
Coefficient Pmax -0.290 %/°C Typical median -0.290 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.250 · 0.046 %/°C
NOCT 42 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 15 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 30 years Typical median 30 yrs · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 87.4 % Equals 341 W guaranteed
Degradation 1.00 → 0.40 % First year, then annual

Simulations

Live - change any input
Lifetime output & value
30 years at 1200 kWh/kWp/year and €0.50 per kWh
Power in year 30
-
Lifetime energy
-
Energy value
-
With bifacial gain
-

Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.

Heat losses
-0.290 %/°C against a segment median of -0.290
-
Bifacial gain
Rear gain over light concrete: -
-

Model: bifaciality × albedo × 0.6 view factor. A first-order estimate, not a yield simulation.

Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 390W 390 W 15.11% -0.290 31.0 kg You are here
LX-440M/182-108+GG 440 W 23.07% -0.240 23.6 kg +50 W, lighter, +8.0 pp
GKA210M340W 340 W 23.00% - 16.2 kg -50 W, lighter, +7.9 pp
GKA210M360W 360 W 23.00% - 16.2 kg -30 W, lighter, +7.9 pp
GKA210M380W (1/4*4*38) 380 W 23.00% - 17.1 kg -10 W, lighter, +7.9 pp
GKA210M400W (1/2*4*20) 400 W 23.00% - 18.0 kg +10 W, lighter, +7.9 pp
GKA210M400W (1/4*4*40) 400 W 23.00% - 18.0 kg +10 W, lighter, +7.9 pp
GKA210M380W (1/2*4*19) 380 W 23.00% - 17.1 kg -10 W, lighter, +7.9 pp
JT440SYK(B) 440 W 22.90% -0.240 23.0 kg +50 W, lighter, +7.8 pp
AE CMD-96BD 375W 375 W 14.53% -0.290 31.0 kg -15 W, -0.6 pp
AE CMD-96BD 380W 380 W 14.72% -0.290 31.0 kg -10 W, -0.4 pp
AE CMD-96BD 385W 385 W 14.92% -0.290 31.0 kg Very close match
AE CMD-96BD 395W 395 W 15.30% -0.290 31.0 kg Very close match
AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw 650 W 25.20% -0.260 27.0 kg +260 W, lighter, +10.1 pp
AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw 645 W 25.00% -0.260 27.0 kg +255 W, lighter, +9.9 pp
AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw 640 W 24.80% -0.260 27.0 kg +250 W, lighter, +9.7 pp
AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw 635 W 24.60% -0.260 27.0 kg +245 W, lighter, +9.5 pp

Found 2326 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 2368 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 2382 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 2547 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
Is the AE Solar Terra E CMD-96BD suitable for greenhouse and vineyard cultivation?
Yes, the Terra E CMD-96BD series was specifically designed for AgriPV installations. The module's controlled transparency (approximately 40% light transmission) allows plants grown beneath the panels to receive sufficient light for growth. The combination of energy production with shading functionality makes this a particularly attractive solution for greenhouses, vineyards, and field crops that require light regulation.
What is the warranty on AE Solar Terra E CMD-96BD solar panels?
The manufacturer provides a 30-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty for the Terra E CMD-96BD series. This is one of the longest warranties available for photovoltaic modules on the market, which reflects AE Solar's confidence in the durability of the double-glass construction and the TOPCon technology used in these modules.
Does the Terra E CMD-96BD module function effectively under the cloudy weather conditions typical of Poland?
Yes. The N-type TOPCon technology, combined with the bifacial design, allows the module to effectively utilize reflected light. TOPCon cells have a lower temperature coefficient and better performance under low sunlight conditions compared to older PERC technology. The additional energy obtained from the rear side, through reflection from the substrate, actually increases the annual yield under Polish climate conditions.
What distinguishes the AE Solar Terra E CMD-96BD from standard TOPCon panels designed for rooftop installations?
The key difference is the semi-transparent construction with glass on both sides of the module, instead of the standard rear foil. The CMD-96BD series has a maximum power output of 395 Wp and is primarily designed for AgriPV ground-mounted installations, rather than typical residential rooftops. Standard rooftop panels are opaque and optimized for small surface areas; here, the focus is on dual functionality: energy generation plus light control.
Is AE Solar a reliable manufacturer, and do the CMD-96BD panels have certifications?
AE Solar (AE Alternative Energy GmbH) is a German-based manufacturer, classified as Tier 1 by independent industry agencies, which indicates financial stability and proven production quality. Modules from the Terra E series undergo standard IEC tests and possess the required market certifications. The company provides product catalogs and certificates on its website: ae-solar.com/documents.
What is the maximum power output of the AE Solar Terra E CMD-96BD panel, and is it sufficient for an AgriPV installation?
The maximum power output is 395 Wp. However, in the context of AgriPV, the balance between energy production and light transmission is more important: a module with 96 bifacial cells and TOPCon technology achieves a good compromise between these parameters. For comparison, standard full-size panels with the same number of cells achieve higher power output, but do not offer the transparency needed for cultivation under the panels.
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