--- title: "AE Solar AE MD-120BD-460 Solar Panel: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "AE Solar AE MD-120BD-460 solar panel. Specs: 21.35% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-md-120bd-460" image: "https://comparepv.com/og/panel/ae-solar-ae-md-120bd-460.png" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # AE Solar AE MD-120BD-460 Efficiency leader, no clear weak spot 452 panels in the segment PERC 450-500 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** AE Solar - **Model:** AE MD-120BD-460 - **Series:** AURORA MD-120BD - **Rated power:** 460 W - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 450-500 W (452 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 460 W | 460 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 21.35% | 20.82% | Strong - top 6% | 8,528 | | Power density | 213.5 | 208.5 | Strong - top 6% | 8,487 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,489 | | Weight (kg) | 25.5 kg | 24.5 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 25 yrs | Strong - top 20% | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 21.35% | 20.82% | Strong - top 6% | 8,528 | | Power density | 213.5 | 208.5 | Strong - top 6% | 8,487 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,489 | | Weight per kWp | 55.4 | 53.1 | Typical | 9,940 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 25 yrs | Strong - top 20% | 21 | ### Strengths - **21.35% module efficiency** - Top 6% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 20.82%. Ranked 8,528th in the whole database. - **213.5 watts per square metre** - Top 6% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 208.5. Ranked 8,487th in the whole database. - **30 year performance warranty** - Top 20% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 25 yrs. - **Best for:** Residential, commercial and hot-climate. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 460 W - **Efficiency:** 21.35 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 35.60 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 12.92 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 42.60 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 13.67 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 - **Bifacial:** yes - **Bifacial gain:** 10.00 ### Physical - **Length:** 1902 mm - **Width:** 1133 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 25.5 kg - **Area:** 2.15 m2 - **Power density:** 213.5 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 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.55 % - **Output after 30 years:** 375 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 8528 of 14129 | | Power density | 8487 of 14129 | | Temperature coefficient | 10489 of 14129 | | Weight | 9940 of 14129 | | Warranty | 21 of 14129 | ## Pros - **The only European Tier-1 BNEF manufacturer** - AE Solar is the only European manufacturer on BloombergNEF's Tier-1 list (a ranking that has been uninterrupted since the 16th edition), and the only European company featured in the BNEF 2024 bankability study, where its rating increased from 26% (2023) to 50% (2024). This is a significant advantage over Asian competitors for projects requiring bankable financing. - **PERC with Ga doping - reduced LID degradation** - The use of gallium-doped PERC cells eliminates the dominant light-induced degradation mechanism (LID) that is typical for standard P-type boron cells. This results in improved energy production stability in the initial years of operation compared to traditional PERC modules without gallium doping. - **Temperature coefficient: -0.29%/°C** - The measured Pmax-TC is -0.29%/°C, which is a significantly better value than the typical range for PERC technology (-0.34 to -0.36%/°C). In the Polish climate, where module temperatures regularly exceed 50°C in the summer, the lower temperature coefficient translates to a real increase in seasonal energy yield. - **Double warranty of 30 years (product and performance)** - The series offers both a 30-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty - exceeding the industry standard, which typically ranges from 12-15 years (for the product) and 25 years (for performance). For commercial projects with long-term financing, this is a key due diligence parameter. - **Fire-resistant A-rated + double-glazed, two-sided** - Confirmed fire resistance class A (IEC 61730) and double-sided 2+2 mm tempered glass allow installation in locations with strict fire safety requirements (e.g., pitched roofs in dense developments), and the double-glass construction increases mechanical durability and resistance to PID compared to a backsheet. ## Cons - **Efficiency of up to 21.35% - below direct competitors** - The maximum efficiency of the 460W model is 21.35%, while comparable, more affordable modules from Risen RSM96-11 achieve 23% (+1.65%), and SunKean SKT460 - 23.02% (+1.67%). This difference of approximately 8% represents a significant advantage for competing products, as they generate noticeably more power for the same roof area, which is particularly important for installations with limited space. - **The P-type PERC Technology in the Era of TOPCon Dominance** - PER (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) solar cells exhibit higher degradation in the first year of operation (approximately 2% compared to approximately 1% for TOPCon N-type) and a lower bifaciality factor (approximately 78.8% compared to approximately 83.3% for TOPCon, according to a field study in 2025). For new installations with a long-term perspective, comparing LCoE (Levelized Cost of Electricity) may favor newer N-type technologies used by some comparable companies. ## About this series The AE Solar AURORA MD-120BD series features advanced **bifacial double glass** modules that redefine performance standards in challenging lighting conditions. Thanks to the use of **gallium-doped cell** technology, these panels exhibit exceptional resistance to light-induced degradation (LID), resulting in stable energy production for decades. Its unique design allows this series to handle partial shading issues perfectly, minimizing power losses that could limit the efficiency of the entire string in traditional modules. The use of **tempered glass on both sides** not only increases mechanical resistance to extreme loads but also allows for additional energy yield from radiation reflected off the ground. This is an ideal solution for investors seeking maximum self-consumption and system stability in the variable Polish climate. The AURORA MD-120BD series stands out from the competition with its **excellent low temperature coefficient**, making it an optimal choice for installations with limited space where every watt of power per square meter counts. This technology is dedicated to both demanding prosumers and commercial projects focusing on a fast return on investment through **increased longevity and performance** in real-world weather conditions. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 21.4% is 0.5pp above the \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* median (20.8%) - At 213.5 W/m² power density, this panel generates 5.0 W/m² more per unit area than \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* median (208.5 W/m²) - At -0.35%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* panels - Weight of 25.5 kg is typical for \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* panels - Bifacial design (70% factor) captures reflected light - adds 4-10% yield on ground-mount or white roof ## Questions ### What is the warranty for the AE Solar AURORA MD-120BD series, and exactly what does it cover? The AURORA MD-120BD series is covered by a 30-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty. This means that the panel should maintain performance consistent with the degradation curve specified by the manufacturer for three decades. AE Solar is a Tier 1 manufacturer based in Germany, which enhances the credibility of warranty claim processing and ensures availability of service on the European market. ### What advantages does the bifacial double-glass design in the AURORA MD-120BD panel offer, and does it truly increase energy production? Bifacial means that the AURORA MD-120BD panel generates power from both the front and the back, utilizing reflected light from the ground, a clear roof, or snow. Depending on the installation conditions, the power generated from the back side can range from 5 to even 25 percent more than the front side. The double, tempered glass on both sides protects the cells from moisture and mechanical damage, significantly extending the lifespan of the module. ### Why are the galena-doped electrodes in the AURORA MD-120BD series superior to standard bor-based electrodes? Standard silicon cells doped with boron lose a portion of their power after the initial exposure - this phenomenon is known as LID (Light-Induced Degradation). The gallium-doped cells used in the AURORA MD-120BD are resistant to LID, ensuring that the panel maintains its specified power from the very first days of operation. With a 30-year lifespan and a power output of up to 460 W, this difference translates to a measurably larger total energy yield. ### Will the AE Solar AURORA MD-120BD 460W panel perform adequately on a roof with partial shading from a chimney or skylight? Yes. The AURORA MD-120BD series is based on PERC technology with half-cut cells, which divide each cell into two independent halves. This means that the shading of one part of the module does not significantly impair the performance of the remaining cells as it does in traditional panels. This solution is particularly useful in the Polish context, where sloped roofs with chimneys and dormer windows are common. ### What is the weight of the AURORA MD-120BD panel, and does the standard sloped roof have sufficient strength to support the installation? The AE Solar AURORA MD-120BD panel, with a power output of 460 W, weighs approximately 25.5 kg, with dimensions of 1902 x 1133 x 30 mm. These are typical specifications for a double-glass module in this power class. Most pitched roofs in Poland are capable of supporting this weight, but it is advisable to have the structural capacity of the roof assessed before installing larger systems, especially in buildings constructed before 1990. ### Does AE Solar, as a manufacturer based in Germany, guarantee the security of the investment and real warranty support for 15-20 years? AE Solar is a Tier 1 manufacturer that has been operating since 2003, with its headquarters in Germany. The Tier 1 status, awarded by independent agencies, indicates the company's documented financial and technological stability. Its European headquarters facilitates the handling of claims under EU regulations, which is a significant advantage over manufacturers outside the European Union, particularly with a 30-year warranty period. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/ae-md-120bd-440w-460w-sc-11-5-ver25-9-1-7899a1d372f2.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | +50 W, cooler, +3.6 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.4 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | +45 W, cooler, +3.3 pp | | [WINAICO WST-505BKX54-A2](https://comparepv.com/panel/winaico-wst-505bkx54-a2) | 505 W | +45 W, cooler, +3.3 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.1 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | +40 W, cooler, +3.1 pp | | [Talesun CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W](https://comparepv.com/panel/talesun-cipro-tn9c54m-500w) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.1 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-315](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-315) | 315 W | -145 W, cooler, -6.7 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-320](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-320) | 320 W | -140 W, cooler, -6.5 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-325](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-325) | 325 W | -135 W, cooler, -6.3 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-330](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-330) | 330 W | -130 W, cooler, -6.0 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-335](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-335) | 335 W | -125 W, cooler, -5.8 pp | | [AE Solar MD-120BD-440](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-md-120bd-440) | 440 W | -20 W, -0.9 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | +100 W, cooler, +3.4 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | +95 W, cooler, +3.2 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVHL-550M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvhl-550m) | 550 W | +90 W, lighter, +3.0 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-md-120bd-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.