--- title: "AE Solar AE MD-120BS-455 Solar Panel: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "AE Solar AE MD-120BS-455 solar panel. Specs: 21.11% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-md-120bs-455" image: "https://comparepv.com/og/panel/ae-solar-ae-md-120bs-455.png" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # AE Solar AE MD-120BS-455 Light for its output, no clear weak spot 452 panels in the segment PERC 450-500 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** AE Solar - **Model:** AE MD-120BS-455 - **Series:** AURORA MD-120BS - **Rated power:** 455 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) | 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, shaded-installations and hot-climate. ## 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 - **Bifacial:** yes ### 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 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.55 % - **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 - **The only European Tier 1 BNEF manufacturer** - AE Solar is the only European manufacturer included in the BNEF Tier 1 ranking for 2024 (out of 67 evaluated), with its bankability increasing from 26% (2023) to 50% (2024). This translates to easier financing of commercial projects by banks and lower counterparty risk in long-term PPAs. - **Full set of 30-year guarantees** - The MD-120BS series offers both a 30-year product warranty and a 30-year power warranty (≥81.55% of nominal power after 30 years). The standard in the market among Tier 1 manufacturers (Risen, Zonergy) is a 25-year power warranty, which makes AE Solar's offering stand out in the long-term installation segment. - **Ga-doped PERC: Minimizing LID Degradation** - Doping with gallium during the production process virtually eliminates light-induced degradation (LID), reducing the annual degradation rate from the typical ~0.7% to ~0.4%/year. Over a 30-year period, this translates to a few percentage points higher cumulative yield compared to standard PERC cells without gallium doping. - **Efficiency: 21.35% - Leading-edge PERC technology, 440-460W** - The upper limit of the series' efficiency (21.35%) exceeds that of the direct competitor, Zonergy ZPM MH3-72 (21.16%), placing the module among the top performers in the 440-460 Wp range of bifacial PERC panels. For a roof with an area of 30 m², this represents an additional 10-15 Wp of installed power compared to Zonergy. - **Bifacial with AR coating and half-cut** - The bifacial design (with a reflective coating and half-cut cell technology) reduces internal resistance losses and improves performance in diffused lighting and partially shaded conditions. Bifaciality allows for an additional power generation of 5-15% from reflected light from the ground, without increasing installation costs. ## Cons - **PERC vs TOPCon: Efficiency gap ~1.7%** - The Peers RSM96-11-440-460BNDG and SunKean SKT440~460M12-96D4 panels achieve an efficiency of 23-23.02%, compared to 21.35% for the MD-120BS. This difference of approximately 1.7% represents roughly 7-8% less power output from the same roof area, which is a significant limitation in prosumer installations with limited mounting space. - **Temperature coefficient: -0.35%/°C** - The -0.35°C/℃ performance is typical for PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) technology, but significantly lower than TOPCon (-0.29°C to -0.32°C/℃). At a module temperature of 65°C (typical summer conditions in Poland, NOCT ~45°C + 20°C of solar heating), the difference compared to TOPCon results in approximately 1-1.5% lower energy yield during peak hours in the summer season. ## About this series The Aurora MD-120BS series represents a breakthrough in energy yield optimization, focusing on the total elimination of losses resulting from the natural wear of silicon components. The use of **gallium doping** in the cell production process allows for the near-total elimination of light-induced degradation (LID), which guarantees stable power output for decades. These modules utilize advanced **half-cut cell technology**, which significantly reduces internal losses and improves panel efficiency in unfavorable lighting conditions or partial shading. Thanks to the use of an **anti-reflective coating** and reinforced tempered glass, the panels are exceptionally resistant to mechanical damage and harsh weather conditions, such as hail or snow loads. This solution is dedicated to demanding investors who seek maximum durability in residential installations and commercial rooftop farms. What sets them apart from the competition is an exceptionally favorable temperature coefficient and **increased resistance to the PID effect**, ensuring safe and stable system operation even on very hot days. This is a product that combines modern engineering with high aesthetics, effectively solving the problem of performance decline over time. MD-120BS panels are a guarantee of the highest safety standards and **maximum power density** per square meter of surface area, making them a leader in the premium module segment. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 21.1% matches the \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* median - At 211.1 W/m² power density, roof space requirements are typical for \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* panels - 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 - Bifaciality factor of 70% can add 4-10% extra yield with reflective mounting surface ## Questions ### What is the warranty on AE Solar AURORA MD-120BS panels? The AURORA MD-120BS series is covered by a 30-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty. This means that the manufacturer is responsible for both the physical defects of the module and maintaining a specific level of performance for three decades. This is one of the longest warranties available on the market, significantly longer than the standard 12-15 years offered by many competitors. ### What does it mean that the AURORA MD-120BS panel is bifacial, and does this matter for rooftop installations? "Bifacial" refers to a panel that generates energy from both its front and back sides, absorbing light reflected from the roof or ground surface. In rooftop installations, the actual gain from the back side typically ranges from 5-15%, depending on the color and material of the roof covering. A light membrane or white film beneath the panels provides the greatest benefit. On dark roofs, the benefit is smaller, but the panel still functions efficiently thanks to the PERC technology. ### Do the AE Solar MD-120BS panels experience a significant drop in performance on hot days? The MD-120BS series is characterized by a favorable temperature coefficient, which means a smaller power drop at higher temperatures compared to standard modules. Furthermore, the use of gallium doping significantly reduces light-induced degradation (LID) and increases resistance to PID (potential-induced degradation). In practice, these panels maintain a stable output power even during intense heat, which is important for installations facing southern exposure. ### What distinguishes the half-cut technology used in the MD-120BS from traditional solar cells? Half-cut cells are cut in half, which reduces internal resistance and heat loss by up to 50% compared to full cells. In the MD-120BS series, this translates to improved performance under partial shading, such as from a chimney or skylight, and higher efficiency in low-light conditions. The panel achieves a maximum power output of 460 W thanks to the combination of this technology with PERC cells and gallium doping. ### Is AE Solar a reputable manufacturer, and can I trust them with a 30-year warranty? AE Solar is a Tier 1 manufacturer based in Germany, operating since 2003. The Tier 1 classification, awarded by independent financial institutions, signifies financial stability and a proven production volume, which is crucial when assessing the feasibility of long-term warranties. The company holds ISO, TÜV, and IEC certifications and sells its modules on European markets through authorized distributors. ### Are AURORA MD-120BS panels suitable for commercial installations on a large, flat roof? Yes, the MD-120BS series is designed for both residential and commercial flat-roof installations. Its high power density per square meter, along with a maximum power output of 460 W, allows for greater energy generation on a limited flat roof area. Furthermore, the bifacial design further enhances production, especially on lighter surfaces typical of white insulation membranes commonly used on flat roofs. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/ae-md-120bs-440w-460w-ver24-11-1-7b15c7697b18.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-120bs-455 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.