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AE Solar Brand review

AE CMDS-52-280W

280 Wp TOPCon
ComparePV verdict

Efficiency leader, no clear weak spot

Rank 14,000 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
280
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
17.11
Strong · top 18%
Density (Wp/m²)
171.1
Strong · top 18%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.290
Typical · median -0.290
Weight (kg)
18.0
Typical · median 23.4 kg
Warranty (yrs)
-
Not published

The AE CMDS-52 series is AE Solar's answer to the needs of upgrading existing photovoltaic installations - a module designed specifically for repowering, meaning the replacement of older, less efficient panels without the need to rebuild the mounting structure. Thanks to its compact format and 52 cells built with n-Type TOPCon technology, the panel fits seamlessly into existing mounting rows of legacy installations, allowing operators to increase generated power from the same roof or ground area. This solution is especially valuable for investors and EPC companies carrying out retrofit projects, where dimensional compatibility and a fast return on investment without costly construction work matter most. The module's construction has been reinforced for demanding operating conditions - the panel is resistant to salt corrosion, sand, and ammonia, making it a suitable choice for agricultural and livestock installations as well as coastal sites. Additional PID and LID resistance limits power degradation over time, while a sturdy, robust frame ensures mechanical stability under high wind and snow loads. German manufacturing quality and Tier 1 supplier status give investors confidence in the long-term reliability and high energy value of the entire system.

Ranking

30 panels in the segment TOPCon 250-300 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 17.11% 14.99% Strong · top 18% 13,542
Power density 171.1 149.9 Strong · top 18% 13,544
Temperature coefficient -0.290 -0.290 Typical 2,220
Weight per kWp 64.3 79.5 Typical 13,076
Performance warranty - 30 yrs Not published 14,004
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

7 positive · 3 caution
Best for

Small roofs that need every watt and roofs where every square metre counts.

Strengths
17.11% module efficiency

Top 18% of the TOPCon 250-300 W segment, against a median of 14.99%.

171.1 watts per square metre

Top 18% of the TOPCon 250-300 W segment, against a median of 149.9.

What owners get
Dimensional compatibility for repowering

The compact format with 52 TOPCon cells allows replacement of older modules within existing mounting rows without rebuilding the support structure, eliminating one of the main cost drivers in retrofit projects.

N-Type TOPCon technology

N-Type TOPCon cells offer a lower LID degradation coefficient and better temperature coefficient than legacy P-Type PERC technology, translating into higher real-world annual energy yield.

Resistance to salt corrosion, sand, and ammonia

The module is tested for resistance to marine and ammonia environments, making it suitable for agricultural installations (livestock farming) and coastal sites, where standard modules suffer faster frame and laminate degradation.

BloombergNEF Tier 1 status for 5 consecutive years

AE Solar has maintained BNEF Tier 1 status continuously since 2021 (17th certification in 1Q 2026), confirming its capacity to secure non-recourse commercial bank financing for projects and reducing bankability risk for investors.

PID resistance

Protection against potential-induced degradation (PID) limits long-term power loss, which is particularly important in large systems with high string voltages.

Trade-offs
Efficiency below segment leader

Maximum efficiency of 17.11% is in line with TPL Solar (17.1%) and Rarlon PV Tech (17.21%), but clearly trails Heckert Solar ZEUS 1.2 FullBlack (23.31%) at the same 280 Wp maximum power - a meaningful gap for investors prioritizing yield per unit of limited surface area.

No bifacial variant available

The series is offered only in a monofacial configuration, while some competing manufacturers in this power segment also offer bifacial modules that boost yield by several to over ten percent thanks to ground albedo.

Low power range limits use cases

The 270-280 Wp power range reflects standards from several years ago and is mainly intended for repowering - for new ground-mount or large rooftop installations, 400-600 Wp modules deliver a lower cost per Wp due to fewer connections and mounting points.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 17.1% is 1.1pp above the TOPCon 0-400W median (16.0%)
  • 171.1 W/m² power density - 11.3 W/m² more than TOPCon 0-400W median (159.8 W/m²), more power per roof area
  • At -0.29%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for TOPCon 0-400W panels
  • At 18.0 kg, this panel is 5.5 kg lighter than TOPCon 0-400W median (23.5 kg) - easier handling during installation
  • Ranked #13542 out of 14129 panels for efficiency in the database

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 280 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 17.11 % Strong Segment median 14.99%
Vmpp · Impp 33.23 V · 8.43 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 38.32 V · 8.89 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1650×992×30 mm · 1.64 m² of roof
Weight 18.0 kg Typical Typical · median 23.4 kg
Cells 52 · TOPCon Monocrystalline
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

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
-

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
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
AE Solar AE CMDS-52-280W 280 W 17.11% -0.290 18.0 kg You are here
NS-300MH-72 300 W 23.32% -0.290 12.5 kg +20 W, lighter, +6.2 pp
NS-300MH-72 300 W 23.32% -0.290 12.5 kg +20 W, lighter, +6.2 pp
ZEUS 1.2 FullBlack 280W 280 W 23.31% -0.260 14.3 kg Cooler, lighter, +6.2 pp
NS-330MH-80 330 W 23.15% -0.290 15.0 kg +50 W, lighter, +6.0 pp
NS-330MH-80 330 W 23.15% -0.290 15.0 kg +50 W, lighter, +6.0 pp
ZEUS 3.2 285WP FullBlack 285 W 23.14% -0.260 15.6 kg Cooler, lighter, +6.0 pp
GKA182M285W 285 W 23.00% - 10.8 kg Lighter, +5.9 pp
GKA182M240W 240 W 23.00% - 10.8 kg -40 W, lighter, +5.9 pp
GKA182M260W 260 W 23.00% - 10.8 kg -20 W, lighter, +5.9 pp
AE CMDS-52-270W 270 W 16.50% -0.290 18.0 kg -10 W, -0.6 pp
AE CMDS-52-275W 275 W 16.80% -0.290 18.0 kg -0.3 pp
SPR-MAX3-400-COM 400 W 22.60% -0.270 19.0 kg +120 W, cooler, +5.5 pp
LEPV 400 400 W 22.31% -0.290 20.0 kg +120 W, heavier, +5.2 pp
NS-360MH-60 360 W 22.12% -0.290 17.0 kg +80 W, lighter, +5.0 pp
NS-360MH-60 360 W 22.12% -0.290 17.0 kg +80 W, lighter, +5.0 pp
SPR-MAX3-390-COM 390 W 22.10% -0.270 19.0 kg +110 W, cooler, +5.0 pp

Found 201 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 305 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 425 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 487 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

About the AE CMDS-52 series

6 answered

These answers cover the whole series. Where a figure differs, the specification above is this module's own.

What is the AE CMDS-52 panel used for and how does it differ from standard AE Solar modules?
The AE CMDS-52 is designed specifically for repowering, meaning the replacement of older panels within existing installations. Unlike standard series, it uses a compact format with 52 n-Type TOPCon cells, allowing it to fit into old mounting rows while generating more power from the same surface area than the panels it replaces.
Can AE CMDS-52 panels replace older modules without changing the mounting structure?
Yes, that's the main purpose of this series. Keeping the compact format allows the AE CMDS-52 to be installed in place of older, less efficient panels without rebuilding the roof or ground-mounted racking. This lets investors avoid costly construction work and shortens the timeline for upgrading an existing installation.
What is the maximum power output of the AE CMDS-52 panel?
The module reaches a maximum power of 280 Wp. This is achieved through 52 n-Type TOPCon cells, which deliver higher energy efficiency in a compact format compared to the older cell technologies typically used in the systems being replaced.
Is the AE CMDS-52 suitable for coastal or agricultural installations?
Yes, the panel has been reinforced for harsh environmental conditions and is resistant to salt mist, sand, and ammonia corrosion. This makes it well-suited for both coastal installations and agricultural or livestock facilities, where standard modules would typically degrade faster.
Are AE CMDS-52 panels resistant to power degradation (PID, LID)?
Yes, the module offers additional resistance to PID (Potential Induced Degradation) and LID (Light Induced Degradation), which limits power loss over time. Combined with a sturdy frame rated for high wind and snow loads, this ensures stable energy output throughout the system's operating life.
Does AE Solar, as a Tier 1 manufacturer, provide quality assurance for the CMDS-52 series?
AE Solar manufactures its modules in Germany and holds Tier 1 supplier status, confirming financial credibility and production stability. For investors, this means greater confidence in long-term reliability and easier access to warranty service compared to lesser-known manufacturers.
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