--- title: "AE Solar AE MD-132E 490W Solar Panel: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "AE Solar AE MD-132E 490W solar panel. Specs: 20.65% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-md-132e-490w" image: "https://comparepv.com/og/panel/ae-solar-ae-md-132e-490w.png" updated: 2026-09-12 --- # AE Solar AE MD-132E 490W Light for its output, no clear weak spot 452 panels in the segment PERC 450-500 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** AE Solar - **Model:** AE MD-132E 490W - **Series:** AURORA MD-132E - **Rated power:** 490 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) | 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) | 24.5 kg | 24.5 kg | Strong - top 18% | | | 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 | 50.0 | 53.1 | Strong - top 18% | 3,329 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 25 yrs | Strong - top 20% | 21 | ### 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. - **Best for:** Commercial, utility-scale and shaded-installations. ## 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 ### Physical - **Length:** 2094 mm - **Width:** 1133 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 24.5 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 | 3329 of 14129 | | Warranty | 21 of 14129 | ## Pros - **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. ## Cons - **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. ## About this series 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. ## 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 - At -0.35%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* panels - In the top 79% for efficiency among all PERC panels ## Questions ### 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. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/AE_MD_132_E_485_W_505_W_SC_11_5_Ver26_8_1_0cef023a2c-de48754b7051.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | +20 W, cooler, +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 | +15 W, cooler, +4.1 pp | | [WINAICO WST-505BKX54-A2](https://comparepv.com/panel/winaico-wst-505bkx54-a2) | 505 W | +15 W, cooler, +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 | +10 W, cooler, +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, -0.6 pp, -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-132e-490w Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.