--- title: "AE Solar AE MD-120 440W-460W (Pmax 455W class) Solar Panel: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "AE Solar AE MD-120 440W-460W (Pmax 455W class) solar panel. Specs: 21.11% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-md-120-440w-460w-pmax-455w-class" image: "https://comparepv.com/og/panel/ae-solar-ae-md-120-440w-460w-pmax-455w-class.png" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # AE Solar AE MD-120 440W-460W (Pmax 455W class) Light for its output, no clear weak spot 452 panels in the segment PERC 450-500 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** AE Solar - **Model:** AE MD-120 440W-460W (Pmax 455W class) - **Series:** AURORA MD-120 - **Rated power:** 455 W - **Cell technology:** PERC ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 450-500 W (452 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 455 W | 460 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 21.11% | 20.82% | Strong - top 19% | 9,339 | | Power density | 211.1 | 208.5 | Strong - top 20% | 9,339 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,489 | | Weight (kg) | 22.5 kg | 24.5 kg | Strong - top 12% | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 25 yrs | Strong - top 20% | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 21.11% | 20.82% | Strong - top 19% | 9,339 | | Power density | 211.1 | 208.5 | Strong - top 20% | 9,339 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,489 | | Weight per kWp | 49.5 | 53.1 | Strong - top 12% | 2,986 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 25 yrs | Strong - top 20% | 21 | ### Strengths - **49.5 kg per kWp** - Top 12% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 53.1. - **21.11% module efficiency** - Top 19% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 20.82%. - **30 year performance warranty** - Top 20% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 25 yrs. - **Best for:** Residential, commercial and shaded-installations. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 455 W - **Efficiency:** 21.11 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 35.38 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 12.86 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 42.29 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 13.62 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.350 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.275 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.045 %/degC - **NOCT:** 45 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Cell count:** 120 ### Physical - **Length:** 1902 mm - **Width:** 1133 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 22.5 kg - **Area:** 2.15 m2 - **Power density:** 211.1 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 30 years - **Performance warranty:** 30 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 81.5 % - **First-year degradation:** 2.50 % - **Output after 30 years:** 371 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 9339 of 14129 | | Power density | 9339 of 14129 | | Temperature coefficient | 10489 of 14129 | | Weight | 2986 of 14129 | | Warranty | 21 of 14129 | ## Pros - **30-year warranty on power and product quality** - AE Solar offers a full 30-year warranty on both the product and the power output - while the industry standard for PERC modules is typically 25 years (e.g., the Risen RSM96 offers a 25-year power warranty). The longer warranty period directly translates into IRR calculations in prosumer and commercial projects. - **BNEF Tier 1 - 16th consecutive edition** - AE Solar has been included in the BloombergNEF Tier 1 PV Module Manufacturer list for the 16th consecutive quarter (Q1 2025), meeting the stringent non-recourse financing criterion for 6 projects ≥10 MW, funded by 6 different banks. This status is accompanied by a headquarters in Germany and over 20 years of market presence (since 2003), which reduces counterparty risk. - **PERC cells with gallium doping** - Using gallium as a substitute for the standard boron eliminates the primary mechanism of LID (light-induced degradation), which is caused by boron-oxygen defects. In combination with half-cut cell technology, this reduces losses under partial shading and stabilizes the output power throughout the day. - **Efficiency up to 21.35% - this represents the upper limit for PERC technology.** - The Aurora MD-120 series achieves a maximum efficiency of 21.35%, surpassing the comparable Zonergy ZPM MH3-72 (21.16%) and placing it at the top end of the 182 mm PERC module segment. In situations with limited roof space, this allows for higher power generation from a smaller number of modules compared to cheaper PERC modules with efficiencies of approximately 19-20%. - **PID Immunity and IEC/TÜV Certifications** - The datasheet confirms resistance to PID (potential-induced degradation) according to IEC 62804, as well as resistance to salt, ammonia, and sand - which is important for installations in corrosive environments (coastal and agricultural areas). TÜV and CE certifications reduce the risk of problems during bank audits of larger-scale projects. ## Cons - **Efficiency is approximately 1.65% lower than that of TOPCon peers.** - Competing modules in the same power range - the Risen RSM96-11 (23.0%) and SunKean SKT440~460M12-96D4 (23.02%) - achieve approximately 1.65 percentage points higher efficiency. When installing 10 kWp on a limited roof area, this difference could mean the need to install 1-2 additional AURORA MD-120 modules compared to the equivalent TOPCon module. - **Long-term degradation: higher vs. N-type** - PERC (P-type) cells exhibit an annual degradation rate of 0.5-0.7%/year, compared to ~0.25-0.4%/year for N-type TOPCon (data from comparative studies 2024-2025). Despite the presence of gallium, which limits LID (light-induced degradation), after 30 years of operation, the cumulative difference in energy production can reach 5-8% in favor of TOPCon modules offered by companies like Risen or SunKean. ## About this series The AE Solar AURORA MD-120 series is designed for high energy yield in real-world conditions, even when the roof has a complex geometry or experiences periodic shading. The use of **mono PERC cells doped with gallium** and **half-cut** construction helps to minimize losses and stabilize production throughout the day, which translates into better self-consumption and more predictable system performance. These are modules for investors who expect not only high power output on paper, but primarily durability in variable climates. Depending on the variant (mono-facial or bifacial), the panels can offer additional yield through dual-sided operation - useful on bright roofs, in ground-mounted systems, and on carports. Another advantage of the series is its resistance to typical degradation factors, including **PID** and **LID**, which makes it easier to maintain performance over time. AURORA MD-120 is the choice for homes, businesses, and projects where **stability**, easier installation, and reliable performance over many years are important. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 21.1% matches the \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* median - Power density of 211.1 W/m² matches the \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* median - Temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C matches the \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* median - Weight of 22.5 kg (2.0 kg below \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* median of 24.5 kg) allows easier transport and roof mounting - In the top 66% for efficiency among all PERC panels ## Questions ### What is the warranty on AE Solar AURORA MD-120 solar panels? The AURORA MD-120 series comes with a 30-year product warranty and a 30-year warranty on power output. This is one of the best warranties in the prosumer and commercial panel segment. The manufacturer's warranty confirms that the modules will maintain a specific percentage of their output power after 30 years, which translates into predictable returns on investment throughout the entire lifespan of the installation. ### What does the "half-cut" technology in AURORA MD-120 panels mean, and does it actually make a difference? The AURORA MD-120 panels utilize 120 mono PERC cells in a half-cut format, meaning each cell is cut in half. This reduces internal resistance and allows the module to better withstand partial shading, such as from chimneys or antennas. In practice, this translates to higher energy production throughout the day, especially in the morning and evening, and under variable cloud cover. ### Are AE Solar AURORA MD-120 solar panels suitable for roofs with irregular geometry or partial shading? Yes, the AURORA MD-120 was specifically designed for such conditions. The half-cut design, featuring 120 cells, minimizes the impact of shading on the entire module - only a portion of the cells are affected by shading, while the rest continue to function normally. The module's dimensions are approximately 1902 x 1133 mm, and its weight is 23.5 kg, making installation on complex roofs relatively easy for the installation team. ### Are AURORA MD-120 panels resistant to PID and LID degradation? Yes. The AURORA MD-120 series utilizes mono PERC cells doped with gallium, which are characterized by a naturally low LID (light-induced degradation) coefficient. The modules also have confirmed PID (potential-induced degradation) resistance, meaning degradation caused by electrical potential. Both of these features are crucial for maintaining high efficiency throughout the 30-year lifespan. ### Is AE Solar a reputable manufacturer, and where is it based? AE Solar is a German-based company that has been operating in the photovoltaic market since 2003. The company is listed as Tier 1, which indicates independently verified financial stability and a robust warranty. Its in-house testing laboratories and certifications from IEC, TUV, CE, and IP68 confirm that the modules have undergone rigorous quality testing before entering the European market. ### What is the efficiency of the AE Solar AURORA MD-120 460W panels, and how does it compare to other panels on the market? The AE Solar AURORA MD-120 460W panel achieves an efficiency of 21.35%, placing it in the upper segment of available mono PERC modules. This means that investors can generate more energy on a roof with limited space compared to using cheaper, less efficient modules. High efficiency is particularly valuable for smaller roofs and ground-mounted installations with limited space. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/ae-md-120-440w-460w-sc-11-5-ver25-9-1-5b152ee2b8bf.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | +40 W, cooler, +3.7 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | +50 W, cooler, +3.6 pp | | [WINAICO WST-505BKX54-A2](https://comparepv.com/panel/winaico-wst-505bkx54-a2) | 505 W | +50 W, cooler, +3.6 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | +35 W, cooler, +3.4 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | +45 W, cooler, +3.4 pp | | [Talesun CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W](https://comparepv.com/panel/talesun-cipro-tn9c54m-500w) | 500 W | +45 W, cooler, +3.4 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-315](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-315) | 315 W | -140 W, cooler, -6.5 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-320](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-320) | 320 W | -135 W, cooler, -6.3 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-325](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-325) | 325 W | -130 W, cooler, -6.0 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-330](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-330) | 330 W | -125 W, cooler, -5.8 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-335](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-335) | 335 W | -120 W, cooler, -5.6 pp | | [AE Solar MD-120BD-440](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-md-120bd-440) | 440 W | -15 W, heavier, -0.7 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | +105 W, cooler, +3.7 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | +100 W, cooler, +3.5 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVHL-550M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvhl-550m) | 550 W | +95 W, cooler, +3.3 pp | | [JA Solar JAT60S40-540/LR](https://comparepv.com/panel/ja-solar-jat60s40-540-lr) | 540 W | +85 W, cooler, +3.3 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-md-120-440w-460w-pmax-455w-class Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.