Space saver, no clear weak spot
The AE Solar AURORA MD-108E (Mono-facial Black) series is a fully black, monocrystalline module designed for high performance and a consistent aesthetic in installations. The use of P-type PERC cells helps to better utilize light in less ideal conditions, while the half-cut design minimizes losses within the module and improves yield stability in partially shaded conditions. Compared to many "black" panels, these stand out due to their consistent full black (dark surface and frame), making them ideal for modern roofs and projects where appearance is paramount.
This is a good choice for single-family homes, premium buildings, small businesses, and rooftop installations where both aesthetics and real productivity are priorities. An additional advantage is the refined durability and emphasis on long-term reliability, which makes it easier to plan investments and reduces the risk of performance degradation over time.
Ranking
Signals from the data
Residential, shaded-installations and BIPV.
Top 7% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 206.2. Ranked 8,691st in the whole database.
Top 10% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 53.0. Ranked 2,604th in the whole database.
Top 10% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 20.60%. Ranked 8,863rd in the whole database.
AE Solar has maintained its BloombergNEF Tier 1 status since 2021 (17th edition, Q1 2026 - 5 consecutive years) and is the only European-based manufacturer to achieve this recognition. The bankability has increased from 26% in 2023 to 50% in 2024, which significantly reduces the financial risk associated with investment and ensures the availability of warranty service.
The maximum efficiency of the 415 W model reaches 21.28%, which slightly exceeds the efficiency of all three comparable competitors (Aptos Solar DNA-108, LEDVANCE M415P54LM, Sunova TS-BG54 X - each with a maximum of 21.25%). The difference is small, but it is based on product specifications, not marketing claims.
The manufacturer offers a 30-year warranty on both the product and its power output (with a maximum degradation of 2.5% in year 1, followed by a maximum of 0.55%/year; a minimum of 81.55% of the nominal power output after 30 years). Most mid-range PERC panels have a 25-year power output warranty.
The series combines the aesthetic of a full black design (black cells, black frame) with half-cut cells, which reduces internal resistance and losses when partially shaded. A design that offers both aesthetics and real operational performance - a rare combination in the 415 Wp PERC panel segment.
More than 20 years of uninterrupted operation (founded in 2003, with headquarters in Germany) and an active presence in European markets provide a real guarantee of fulfilling warranties over a 30-year period - in contrast to younger companies that have not yet experienced previous cycles of boom and bust in the PV industry.
A guarantee of at least 81.55% of nominal power after 30 years is due to a higher PERC degradation rate (maximum 0.55%/year from year 2 onwards). Modern N-type TOPCon panels - including the newer CMD-108E model from the same manufacturer - typically guarantee 86-88% performance after 30 years. A difference of approximately 5-6% in power retention in a 10 kWp installation translates to a real reduction of approximately 500-600 Wp in power output at the end of its lifespan.
A monofacial design eliminates the possibility of energy generation from the back side of the module. When installed on a flat roof or on the ground, bifacial panels (e.g., the MD-108BD variant in AE Solar's portfolio) can generate 5-15% more energy per year without changing the installation area. For prosumer installations on sloped roofs, this limitation has less significance.
- 21.3% module efficiency - 0.7pp better than the PERC 400-450W median of 20.6%
- At 212.8 W/m² power density, this panel generates 6.6 W/m² more per unit area than PERC 400-450W median (206.2 W/m²)
- At -0.35%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for PERC 400-450W panels
- At 20.3 kg, this panel is 1.7 kg lighter than PERC 400-450W median (22.0 kg) - easier handling during installation
- Ranked #8863 out of 14129 panels for efficiency in the database
Specifications
Simulations
Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.
Found 1797 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 1928 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 3413 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 4015 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here
About the AURORA MD-108E (Mono-facial Black) series
These answers cover the whole series. Where a figure differs, the specification above is this module's own.