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AE Solar AE MD-132E 490W
AE Solar Brand review

AE MD-132E 490W

490 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Light for its output, no clear weak spot

Rank 9,216 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
490
Strong · top 15%
Efficiency (%)
20.65
Typical · median 20.82%
Density (Wp/m²)
206.5
Typical · median 208.5
Temp (%/°C)
-0.350
Typical · median -0.350
Weight (kg)
24.5
Strong · top 18%
Warranty (yrs)
30
Strong · top 20%

The AURORA MD-132E series consists of monocrystalline photovoltaic modules built with half-cut cells using Ga-doped PERC technology, engineered for installations that demand both high energy performance and resilience under demanding operating conditions. Cutting the cells in half reduces resistive losses and improves the module's behavior under partial shading, resulting in higher and more stable energy yield throughout the system's operational lifetime. Panels from the MD-132E series stand out for their resistance to salt corrosion, ammonia, sand, and dust, making them well suited for agricultural and livestock farms as well as coastal or industrial regions with elevated particulate exposure. The design also delivers strong resistance to potential-induced degradation (PID) and LID, limiting long-term power loss and helping lower the overall LCOE of the installation. This makes the series a solid choice for investors seeking panels with predictable, long-term performance - whether for commercial installations or larger rooftop and ground-mount systems, where stable energy production under harsh environmental conditions is critical to project profitability. The series pairs a robust mechanical build with a long-term product warranty, further reinforcing the security of the investment.

Ranking

452 panels in the segment PERC 450-500 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall 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 50.0 53.1 Strong · top 18% 3,329
Performance warranty 30 yrs 25 yrs Strong · top 20% 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

6 positive · 2 caution
Best for

Commercial, utility-scale and shaded-installations.

Strengths
50.0 kg per kWp

Top 18% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 53.1.

30 year performance warranty

Top 20% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 25 yrs.

What owners get
Extended 30-year power warranty

The manufacturer guarantees a linear power degradation to >87% output after 30 years, whereas the tier-1 segment standard is a 25-year power warranty declining to about 84.8%. This lowers risk exposure for LCOE modeling over the full project lifetime.

Corrosion and environmental contaminant resistance

MD-132E modules have documented resistance to salt mist, ammonia, sand, and dust, making them well-suited for agri-PV installations, livestock farms, and coastal or industrial projects with high particulate exposure - segments where standard PERC modules often require additional protective coatings.

Half-cut cells with low PID/LID degradation

The 132 half-cut Ga-doped PERC cells reduce resistive losses and improve partial-shading behavior, while high PID and LID resistance translates into a more stable energy yield over the long-term operating life.

BNEF Tier-1 status and manufacturer stability

AE Solar has held BloombergNEF Tier-1 status for 16 consecutive quarters (as of Q1 2025), confirming bankability. The manufacturer has operated since 2003, is headquartered in Germany, and the MD-132E series (launched in 2022) remains in active production, ensuring ongoing service and spare-parts availability.

Trade-offs
Efficiency trails N-type segment leaders

The MD-132E series' efficiency (20.44-21.29%) is up to 1.4 percentage points lower than comparable 505 Wp N-type modules, such as Sunova Tangra M Pro HD and Q-SUN Qrystal N10 (22.7%). PERC technology is nearing its practical efficiency ceiling here, meaning lower power output per m² than newer-generation competitors on limited roof or ground space.

No bifacial variant in this line

The MD-132E modules are not bifacial (is_bifacial: false) - additional yield from rear-side reflected light is only available in AE Solar's separate BD series. For ground-mount projects with high-albedo surfaces, this limits potential yield compared to bifacial alternatives of similar nominal power.

Notes from the database
  • 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
  • At -0.35%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for PERC 450-500W panels
  • In the top 79% for efficiency among all PERC panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 490 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 20.65 % Typical Segment median 20.82%
Vmpp · Impp 38.55 V · 12.71 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 46.05 V · 13.47 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2094×1133×30 mm · 2.37 m² of roof
Weight 24.5 kg Strong Strong · top 18%
Cells 132 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.350 %/°C Typical median -0.350 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.275 · 0.045 %/°C
NOCT 45 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 15 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 30 years Strong top 20% · median 25 yrs
End-of-warranty output 81.5 % Equals 400 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.50 → 0.55 % First year, then annual

Simulations

Live - change any input
Lifetime output & value
30 years at 1200 kWh/kWp/year and €0.50 per kWh
Power in year 30
-
Lifetime energy
-
Energy value
-

Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.

Heat losses
-0.350 %/°C against a segment median of -0.350
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
AE Solar AE MD-132E 490W 490 W 20.65% -0.350 24.5 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg +20 W, cooler, +4.4 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.2 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg +15 W, cooler, +4.1 pp
WST-505BKX54-A2 505 W 24.70% -0.260 25.0 kg +15 W, cooler, +4.1 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.9 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg +10 W, cooler, +3.9 pp
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.9 pp
CMD-88BD-I-345 345 W 14.54% -0.290 35.0 kg -145 W, heavier, -6.1 pp
CMD-88BD-I-350 350 W 14.75% -0.290 35.0 kg -140 W, heavier, -5.9 pp
CMD-88BD-I-355 355 W 14.96% -0.290 35.0 kg -135 W, heavier, -5.7 pp
CMD-88BD-I-360 360 W 15.17% -0.290 35.0 kg -130 W, heavier, -5.5 pp
CMD-88BD-I-365 365 W 15.38% -0.290 35.0 kg -125 W, heavier, -5.3 pp
MIRAGE 450W (Terracotta) 450 W 18.97% -0.300 24.0 kg Cooler, -1.7 pp, -5 yr warranty
MIRAGE 475W (Emerald) 475 W 20.02% -0.300 24.0 kg Cooler, -0.6 pp, -5 yr warranty
GKA120N-PRO-590W 590 W 23.82% -0.300 26.7 kg +100 W, cooler, +3.2 pp
GKA120N-PRO-585W 585 W 23.62% -0.300 26.7 kg +95 W, cooler, +3.0 pp

Found 405 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 416 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 433 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 961 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

About the AURORA MD-132E series

6 answered

These answers cover the whole series. Where a figure differs, the specification above is this module's own.

What is the maximum power output of AURORA MD-132E panels and who are they designed for?
AURORA MD-132E panels reach up to 505 Wp thanks to half-cut cells using Ga-doped PERC technology. This high per-module power output reduces the number of panels needed to reach a target system capacity, lowering mounting structure and installation costs. This series is primarily aimed at commercial installations, large rooftop systems, and ground-mount solar farms.
Are AURORA MD-132E panels suitable for agricultural and livestock farm installations?
Yes, the MD-132E series is engineered for resistance to ammonia, sand, dust, and salt corrosion, making it well suited for agricultural farms and livestock operations. The enhanced chemical resistance of the frame and coatings reduces the risk of accelerated degradation in environments with elevated ammonia concentrations, typical of poultry farms or barns.
What warranty comes with AURORA MD-132E panels?
AE Solar provides a 15-year product warranty along with a 30-year linear power output warranty. This means the panel maintains a guaranteed level of energy production over three decades, while material or manufacturing defects are covered for a decade and a half. This warranty scope adds investment security for commercial installations and large-scale rooftop systems.
How does half-cut PERC technology differ from standard monocrystalline panels?
Half-cut cells are split in half, reducing resistive losses in the panel's internal wiring. Combined with Ga-doped PERC technology, which improves light absorption and reduces electron recombination, the panel achieves higher efficiency and performs better under partial shading, such as from chimneys or trees, compared to standard full-cell modules.
Are AURORA MD-132E panels resistant to PID degradation and LID effect?
Yes, the MD-132E module design provides strong resistance to potential-induced degradation (PID) and light-induced degradation (LID), the power loss that occurs during the first hours of operation. This helps the panel maintain more stable energy production throughout its service life, directly contributing to a lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE) compared to modules more prone to these effects.
Is AE Solar a tier 1 manufacturer and where is it headquartered?
Yes, AE Solar is classified as a tier 1 manufacturer, indicating financial stability and the capacity to honor long-term warranties, including the 30-year power warranty offered on the AURORA MD-132E series. The company is headquartered in Germany, which is an additional reassurance for many European investors selecting module suppliers for commercial and industrial projects.
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