--- title: "AE Solar AE MD-132BD-490 Solar Panel: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "AE Solar AE MD-132BD-490 solar panel. Specs: 20.65% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-md-132bd-490" image: "https://comparepv.com/og/panel/ae-solar-ae-md-132bd-490.png" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # AE Solar AE MD-132BD-490 Warranty pick, heavy for its output 452 panels in the segment PERC 450-500 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** AE Solar - **Model:** AE MD-132BD-490 - **Series:** AURORA MD-132BD - **Rated power:** 490 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) | 490 W | 460 W | Strong - top 15% | | | Module efficiency | 20.65% | 20.82% | Typical | 11,092 | | Power density | 206.5 | 208.5 | Typical | 11,061 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,489 | | Weight (kg) | 28.0 kg | 24.5 kg | Weak - bottom 21% | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 25 yrs | Strong - top 20% | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 20.65% | 20.82% | Typical | 11,092 | | Power density | 206.5 | 208.5 | Typical | 11,061 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,489 | | Weight per kWp | 57.1 | 53.1 | Weak - bottom 21% | 11,169 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 25 yrs | Strong - top 20% | 21 | ### Strengths - **30 year performance warranty** - Top 20% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 25 yrs. ### Watch out for - **57.1 kg per kWp** - Bottom 21% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 53.1. - **Best for:** Commercial, utility-scale and shaded-installations. - **Not ideal for:** Weight-limited structures. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 490 W - **Efficiency:** 20.65 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 38.55 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 12.71 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 46.05 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 13.47 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:** 132 - **Bifacial:** yes - **Bifacial gain:** 10.00 ### Physical - **Length:** 2094 mm - **Width:** 1133 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 28.0 kg - **Area:** 2.37 m2 - **Power density:** 206.5 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 15 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:** 400 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 11092 of 14129 | | Power density | 11061 of 14129 | | Temperature coefficient | 10489 of 14129 | | Weight | 11169 of 14129 | | Warranty | 21 of 14129 | ## Pros - **BNEF Tier 1 (16th Edition, Q1 2025)** - AE Solar has been included in the BloombergNEF Tier 1 list for the 16th time, which confirms the company's financial stability and makes it easier to obtain project financing (non-recourse) without the need for additional brand credibility verification. - **Double-glass, bifacial design** - Double glazing enhances resistance to ammonia, salt mist, and UV radiation, while bifaciality allows for additional energy generation from reflected light - particularly important in ground-mounted installations with reflective surfaces (gravel, white membrane). The combination of these two features in the 485-505 W segment distinguishes this series from mono-facial competitors. - **PERC-enhanced cells - low LID** - The use of gallium doping in silicon reduces the Light-Induced Degradation phenomenon more effectively than standard boron-doped PERC cells, resulting in more stable performance parameters during the first 1000 hours of operation. - **30-year product and performance warranty** - Both warranty documents (product warranty and power warranty) cover a full 30 years - which exceeds the market standard of 25 years (e.g., JA Solar, Jinko Solar). This enhances the bankability of the project and the calculation of LCOE over a 30-year horizon, without the need to purchase insurance with a warranty period that matches the project's lifespan. - **Mechanical strength: 6000 / 4000 Pa** - The certified snow load capacity of 6000 Pa and wind load capacity of 4000 Pa places the series above the typical minimum (5400 / 2400 Pa), representing a significant advantage in mountainous areas and climates with extreme snowfall. ## Cons - **Performance lower than competitors: N-type** - The maximum efficiency of 21.29% (PERC P-type) is noticeably lower than comparable TOPCon modules: Sunova Tangra M Pro HD and Q-SUN Qrystal N10 achieve 22.7% at the same power of 505 Wp - this difference of approximately 1.4% means that, for the same roof area, the series generates approximately 6% less energy than the leading competitors in the market. - **Temperature coefficient: -0.35%/°C** - A typical efficiency ratio for P-type PERC is -0.35%/°C, while N-type TOPCon cells (such as those found in Sunova Tangra M Pro HD) achieve approximately -0.31%/°C. At a temperature of 45°C, this difference represents a relative power loss of approximately 0.7% - a measurable loss in south-facing and unshaded metal roofs. ## About this series The AE Solar AURORA MD-132BD series are panels designed for maximum energy yield, especially when every square meter of roof or structure counts. The use of **monocrystalline cells in a half-cut configuration** helps to minimize losses due to partial shading and stabilizes the module's performance under real-world installation conditions. A key advantage is **the bifacial design** - the panel utilizes not only direct sunlight, but also reflected light from the ground, which translates into additional energy production potential in a well-chosen environment (e.g., a light-colored roof, gravel, or highly reflective membranes). The **double-glass** version enhances resistance to environmental factors and promotes long-term stability of performance parameters, which is crucial for projects focused on predictable returns. This series is suitable for commercial, industrial, and larger ground-mounted installations, where **reliability** and operational durability are important. It stands out from the competition due to its combination of bifaciality with a refined, durable construction, without compromising the daily performance of the installation. ## Notable figures - At 20.6% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* modules - At 206.5 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 - At 28.0 kg, this panel is 3.5 kg heavier than the \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* median (24.5 kg) - more demanding for installation crews - Bifacial design (70% factor) captures reflected light - adds 4-10% yield on ground-mount or white roof ## Questions ### What is the warranty on AE Solar AURORA MD-132BD panels? The AURORA MD-132BD series is covered by a 30-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty. This is one of the longest warranty periods available on the market, reflecting the manufacturer's confidence in the durability of the double-glass construction. AE Solar is a Tier 1 manufacturer based in Germany, which makes it easier to enforce warranty claims throughout the declared period. ### What does bifaciality mean in the AURORA MD-132BD panels, and does it actually increase energy production? Bifaciality means that the panel collects radiation from both the front and the rear glass, utilizing light reflected from the ground. In the case of the AURORA MD-132BD, the actual gains depend on the albedo (reflectivity) of the surroundings: a light-colored gravel, a white roof membrane, or concrete can increase the yield by several to fifteen percent compared to a traditional monofacial panel. The effect is marginal on a dark surface, so bifaciality works best in ground-mounted installations with a properly chosen surface. ### Will AE Solar AURORA MD-132BD solar panels be suitable for a flat roof of a commercial building? Yes, the MD-132BD series is particularly recommended for commercial and industrial installations, including flat roofs. The double-glass construction provides high resistance to mechanical loads (up to 6000 Pa of snow, 4000 Pa of wind) and to moisture and UV radiation. The bifacial design is beneficial when used with a light-colored, highly reflective roofing membrane, maximizing the reflection of radiation onto the back glass of the panel. ### What is the efficiency of the AE Solar AURORA MD-132BD module, and is this a good result? The AURORA MD-132BD series achieves a module efficiency of up to 21.3%, placing it among the leading panels based on PERC technology. The use of half-cut monocrystalline cells with a multi-busbar (MBB) design in a 132-cell configuration allows for reduced resistive losses and improved performance under partial shading. For commercial investments, where power density is a key factor, this specific advantage over less efficient, lower-priced modules is significant. ### Do these AURORA MD-132BD panels require specific mounting structures due to the glass backing? Double-glass construction makes the panel heavier than standard modules with a backsheet, so it's important to verify the load-bearing capacity of the supporting structure before installation. The installation process is similar to that of other frameless modules - standard clamps and aluminum rails are used. However, the mechanical strength of double-glass is a significant advantage in harsh climatic conditions and in ground-mounted projects with long lifespans. ### Is AE Solar a reliable manufacturer, and where is the company based? AE Solar, based in Germany, is classified as a Tier 1 manufacturer, which means it has received positive evaluations from independent industry agencies regarding its financial stability, production quality, and ability to fulfill long-term warranties. TUV, CE, and MCS certifications confirm compliance with European standards. For commercial installations with a 30-year lifespan, the manufacturer's credibility is a key factor in assessing investment risk. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/AE_MD_132_BD_485_W_505_W_SC_11_5_Ver26_8_1_75f2465449-448c2ac05273.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.4 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.2 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.1 pp | | [WINAICO WST-505BKX54-A2](https://comparepv.com/panel/winaico-wst-505bkx54-a2) | 505 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.1 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.9 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.9 pp | | [Talesun CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W](https://comparepv.com/panel/talesun-cipro-tn9c54m-500w) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.9 pp | | [AE Solar CMD-88BD-I-345](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmd-88bd-i-345) | 345 W | -145 W, heavier, -6.1 pp | | [AE Solar CMD-88BD-I-350](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmd-88bd-i-350) | 350 W | -140 W, heavier, -5.9 pp | | [AE Solar CMD-88BD-I-355](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmd-88bd-i-355) | 355 W | -135 W, heavier, -5.7 pp | | [AE Solar CMD-88BD-I-360](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmd-88bd-i-360) | 360 W | -130 W, heavier, -5.5 pp | | [AE Solar CMD-88BD-I-365](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmd-88bd-i-365) | 365 W | -125 W, heavier, -5.3 pp | | [AE Solar MIRAGE 450W (Terracotta)](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-mirage-450w-terracotta) | 450 W | Cooler, -1.7 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [AE Solar MIRAGE 475W (Emerald)](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-mirage-475w-emerald) | 475 W | Cooler, lighter, -5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA120N-PRO-590W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka120n-pro-590w) | 590 W | +100 W, cooler, +3.2 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA120N-PRO-585W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka120n-pro-585w) | 585 W | +95 W, cooler, +3.0 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-md-132bd-490 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.