--- title: "AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 390W 390W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 390W 390W solar panel. Specs: 15.11% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-96bd-390w" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 390W Solid all-round for its segment 112 panels in the segment TOPCon 350-400 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** AE Solar - **Model:** AE CMD-96BD 390W - **Series:** Terra E CMD-96BD - **Rated power:** 390 W - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment TOPCon 350-400 W (112 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 390 W | 380 W | Strong - top 24% | | | 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 (kg) | 31.0 kg | 26.0 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | 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 | - **Best for:** Agrivoltaic. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 390 W - **Efficiency:** 15.11 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 28.76 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 13.56 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 33.69 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 14.47 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:** 96 - **Bifacial:** yes - **Bifacial gain:** 10.00 ### Physical - **Length:** 2278 mm - **Width:** 1133 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 31.0 kg - **Area:** 2.58 m2 - **Power density:** 151.1 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:** 341 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 13784 of 14005 | | Power density | 13771 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 2165 of 14005 | | Weight | 13722 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## Pros - **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. ## Cons - **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. ## About this series 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. ## Notable figures - 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 ## Questions ### 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. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/AE_CMD_96_BD_TERRA_E_375_W_395_W_SC_11_5_Ver26_8_1_9df8bb82b2-4efb23c1670a.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Luxor Solar LX-440M/182-108+GG](https://comparepv.com/panel/luxor-solar-lx-440m-182-108-gg) | 440 W | +50 W, lighter, +8.0 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M340W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m340w) | 340 W | -50 W, lighter, +7.9 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M360W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m360w) | 360 W | -30 W, lighter, +7.9 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M380W (1/4\*4\*38)](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m380w-1-4-4-38) | 380 W | -10 W, lighter, +7.9 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M400W (1/2\*4\*20)](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m400w-1-2-4-20) | 400 W | +10 W, lighter, +7.9 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M400W (1/4\*4\*40)](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m400w-1-4-4-40) | 400 W | +10 W, lighter, +7.9 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M380W (1/2\*4\*19)](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m380w-1-2-4-19) | 380 W | -10 W, lighter, +7.9 pp | | [Jetion JT440SYK(B)](https://comparepv.com/panel/jetion-jt440syk-b) | 440 W | +50 W, lighter, +7.8 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 375W](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-96bd-375w) | 375 W | -15 W, -0.6 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 380W](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-96bd-380w) | 380 W | -10 W, -0.4 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 385W](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-96bd-385w) | 385 W | Very close match | | [AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 395W](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-96bd-395w) | 395 W | Very close match | | [AIKO AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a650-mae72mw) | 650 W | +260 W, lighter, +10.1 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a645-mae72mw) | 645 W | +255 W, lighter, +9.9 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a640-mae72mw) | 640 W | +250 W, lighter, +9.7 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a635-mae72mw) | 635 W | +245 W, lighter, +9.5 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-96bd-390w 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.