--- title: "AE Solar AE CMER-96BDS-I 460 460W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "AE Solar AE CMER-96BDS-I 460 460W solar panel. Specs: 23.04% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmer-96bds-i-460" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # AE Solar AE CMER-96BDS-I 460 Efficiency leader, heavy for its output 1,089 panels in the segment TOPCon 450-500 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** AE Solar - **Model:** AE CMER-96BDS-I 460 - **Series:** ALPINE - **Rated power:** 460 W - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment TOPCon 450-500 W (1089 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 460 W | 465 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 23.04% | 22.52% | Strong - top 14% | 1,711 | | Power density | 230.4 | 225.2 | Strong - top 15% | 1,750 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,165 | | Weight (kg) | 30.0 kg | 24.0 kg | Weak - bottom 2% | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 23.04% | 22.52% | Strong - top 14% | 1,711 | | Power density | 230.4 | 225.2 | Strong - top 15% | 1,750 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,165 | | Weight per kWp | 65.2 | 52.2 | Weak - bottom 2% | 13,052 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Strengths - **23.04% module efficiency** - Top 14% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of 22.52%. - **230.4 watts per square metre** - Top 15% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of 225.2. ### Watch out for - **65.2 kg per kWp** - Bottom 2% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of 52.2. Ranked 13,052nd in the whole database. - **Best for:** Residential, commercial, utility-scale and shaded-installations. - **Not ideal for:** Weight-limited structures. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 460 W - **Efficiency:** 23.04 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 30.59 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 15.04 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 36.17 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 16.10 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.290 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.240 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.040 %/degC - **NOCT:** 43 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Cell count:** 96 - **Bifacial:** yes ### Physical - **Length:** 1762 mm - **Width:** 1133 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 30.0 kg - **Area:** 2.00 m2 - **Power density:** 230.4 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:** 402 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 1711 of 14005 | | Power density | 1750 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 2165 of 14005 | | Weight | 13052 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## Pros - **Efficiency of up to 23.05% – leading the comparative group** - The maximum efficiency of 23.05% places the ALPINE series at the top of the available peer comparisons: Solarspace Lumina II and Ulica Solar TOPCon achieve 23.03%, while Sunova TS-BW78 reaches 21.3%. The difference of 1.75% compared to the weakest competitor translates into a real increase in kilowatt-hours from the same roof area. - **Swiss Hail VKF HW4 (TÜV Rheinland) certificate** - The module passed a hail test in the TÜV Rheinland laboratory in Cologne: 40 mm hail at a speed of 27.54 m/s (16 impact points, energy >11.1 J). The IEC standard only requires 25 mm at 23 m/s. After the test, the module showed no micro-cracks and no loss of power – a significant advantage for property insurance and installations in hail-prone areas. - **30-year product and performance warranty** - AE Solar offers a 30-year warranty on both the product (material defects) and the power output – both terms are combined in a single document. Most competitors in the mid-tier segment (including Sunova TS-BW78) offer only a 25-year power output warranty. A longer warranty period directly reduces the project risk for investors. - **The only European Tier-1 BNEF with the highest bankability** - According to the BNEF Global PV Module and Inverter Bankability 2024 report, AE Solar ranked 18th out of 67 evaluated manufacturers and is the only European manufacturer classified as Tier 1 with a "high bankability" rating (increasing from 26% in 2023 to 50% in 2024). This status makes it easier for commercial banks and infrastructure funds to finance projects. - **N-type TOPCon – resistance to LID and LeTID** - N-type TOPCon cells are characterized by the absence of light-induced LID (typically 0% vs. 1–2% for PERC) and a significantly lower LeTID coefficient. In combination with a two-layer structure, the module maintains a higher annual yield throughout its 30-year lifespan, particularly in a climate with a high proportion of days with diffuse radiation. ## Cons - **Limited bifacial gain on typical roofs** - A dual-sided module achieves the stated bifacial gains (10–25%) only when the substrate's albedo is ≥0.3 and the distance from the surface is >15 cm. Dark ceramic or metal roofing materials have an albedo of 0.10–0.18, which in practice limits the additional gain to 3–6%. Therefore, for residential rooftop installations, the bifacial value is partially unavailable, and the premium price for this feature is not fully recoverable. ## About this series The AE Solar ALPINE series introduces a new quality to the Polish photovoltaics market, utilizing innovative **N-type ABC cell technology**, which eliminates visible busbars from the front of the module. Thanks to the All Back Contact construction, these panels not only impress with their minimalist, deep black design, but above all, they offer higher light absorption and better performance in difficult lighting conditions. This is an ideal solution for homeowners looking for **maximum aesthetics without compromising on performance**. ALPINE modules effectively solve the problem of power drops during partial shading and are characterized by exceptional resistance to LID and LeTID degradation. What sets them apart from the competition is **above-average efficiency exceeding 23%** and the use of double-glass technology, which guarantees extreme mechanical durability and resistance to demanding weather conditions, such as hail or strong winds. By choosing this series, investors gain the **highest level of energy security** confirmed by a 30-year warranty. ALPINE panels are dedicated to the most demanding residential and commercial projects, where limited roof space requires the use of the most powerful available units with a low temperature coefficient. It is an investment in the future that combines advanced engineering with elegance, outperforming standard technical solutions of the older generation. ## Notable figures - 23.0% module efficiency - 0.5pp better than the \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* median of 22.5% - At 230.4 W/m² power density, this panel generates 5.2 W/m² more per unit area than \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* median (225.2 W/m²) - At -0.29%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* panels - At 30.0 kg, this panel is 6.0 kg heavier than the \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* median (24.0 kg) - more demanding for installation crews - Bifacial design (80% factor) captures reflected light - adds 4-12% yield on ground-mount or white roof ## Questions ### What is the ABC technology used in AE Solar ALPINE panels, and how does it differ from standard TOPCon technology? ABC (All Back Contact) is an advanced type of N-type cells, in which all electrical contacts have been moved to the back of the cell. This eliminates the visible collecting strips on the front of the panel, increasing the light-absorbing surface area and boosting efficiency to above 23%. Standard TOPCon cells still have metallization on the front, so ALPINE achieves higher energy yields from the same roof area. ### What is the warranty on AE Solar ALPINE panels, and what exactly does it cover? The ALPINE series is covered by an exceptionally long, 30-year product warranty, as well as a 30-year linear warranty on power output. The manufacturer guarantees that the module will maintain at least 87.4% of its nominal power output throughout this period. The warranty is provided by AE Solar – a Tier 1 manufacturer based in Germany – which ensures the commitment can be effectively enforced. ### Do AE Solar ALPINE panels suitable for partial shading from chimneys or antennas on the roof? Yes, and it does so better than the competition. The All Back Contact technology eliminates the risk of creating hot spots, while N-type cells are inherently more resistant to power loss due to shading. Furthermore, ALPINE cells do not exhibit LID or LeTID degradation, meaning they do not lose power in the early years of operation, which is a common problem with cheaper P-type cells. ### What actual power gain can a home achieve with AE Solar ALPINE 595 W panels on a small roof area? The ALPINE panel with a power output of 595 Wp and efficiency exceeding 23% produces significantly more energy per square meter than typical 400–450 Wp modules. On a roof with an area of 30 m², it is possible to install a system with a power output of even 7–8 kWp, instead of the standard 5–6 kWp. This means covering a larger energy demand without needing to occupy additional roof space. ### Does the bifacial nature of AE Solar ALPINE modules make sense for installation on a residential house roof? Yes, although the output depends on the substrate. With a white or light-colored roofing membrane, the back side of the module absorbs reflected light, generating an additional 5-10% of energy compared to a standard single-sided panel. This effect is smaller than on standalone farms with light substrates, but it still realistically increases the annual production of the installation without any additional costs. ### How durable are AE Solar ALPINE panels in the face of Polish winters and hail? Extremely durable. The double-glass construction (3.2 mm thick) ensures that ALPINE systems can withstand hail up to 40 mm in diameter at a velocity of 27.54 m/s – a result verified by TÜV Rheinland, significantly exceeding the IEC standard which specifies 25 mm. The modules are also resistant to salt corrosion, ammonia, and sand, making them suitable for both coastal and mountainous environments with heavy snow loads. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/ae-cmer-96bds-i-440w-460w-sc-11-5-ver25-9-1-770aca64580c.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | +50 W, lighter, +2.0 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | +35 W, lighter, +1.8 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | Cooler, lighter, +1.7 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | +30 W, lighter, +1.5 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +1.5 pp | | [Talesun CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W](https://comparepv.com/panel/talesun-cipro-tn9c54m-500w) | 500 W | +40 W, lighter, +1.5 pp | | [AE Solar CMER-64BD-290](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-64bd-290) | 290 W | -170 W, lighter, -8.5 pp | | [AE Solar CMER-64BD-295](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-64bd-295) | 295 W | -165 W, lighter, -8.3 pp | | [AE Solar CMER-64BD-300](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-64bd-300) | 300 W | -160 W, lighter, -8.0 pp | | [AE Solar CMER-64BD-305](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-64bd-305) | 305 W | -155 W, lighter, -7.8 pp | | [AE Solar CMER-64BD-310](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-64bd-310) | 310 W | -150 W, lighter, -7.5 pp | | [AE Solar AE\_CMD-108BD-Terracotta](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-108bd-terracotta) | 360 W | -100 W, -5.0 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [AE Solar AE\_CMD-108BD-Emerald](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-108bd-emerald) | 375 W | -85 W, -4.3 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [AE Solar AE\_CMD-108BD-Blues](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-108bd-blues) | 380 W | -80 W, -4.0 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [AE Solar AE\_CMD-108BD-Frost](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-108bd-frost) | 385 W | -75 W, -3.8 pp, -5 yr warranty | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmer-96bds-i-460 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.