--- title: "AE Solar AE MD-144BD-550 550W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "AE Solar AE MD-144BD-550 550W solar panel. Specs: 21.31% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-md-144bd-550" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # AE Solar AE MD-144BD-550 Warranty pick, no clear weak spot 589 panels in the segment PERC 550-600 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** AE Solar - **Model:** AE MD-144BD-550 - **Series:** AURORA AE MD-144BD - **Rated power:** 550 W - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 550-600 W (589 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 550 W | 560 W | Weak - bottom 15% | | | Module efficiency | 21.31% | 21.29% | Typical | 8,503 | | Power density | 213.1 | 212.9 | Typical | 8,474 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,419 | | Weight (kg) | 31.0 kg | 30.8 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 27 yrs | Strong - top 25% | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 21.31% | 21.29% | Typical | 8,503 | | Power density | 213.1 | 212.9 | Typical | 8,474 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,419 | | Weight per kWp | 56.4 | 52.7 | Typical | 10,606 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 27 yrs | Strong - top 25% | 21 | ### Strengths - **30 year performance warranty** - Top 25% of the PERC 550-600 W segment, against a median of 27 yrs. - **Best for:** Commercial, utility-scale and shaded-installations. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 550 W - **Efficiency:** 21.31 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 42.57 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 12.92 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 51.44 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:** 144 - **Bifacial:** yes - **Bifacial gain:** 10.00 ### Physical - **Length:** 2278 mm - **Width:** 1133 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 31.0 kg - **Area:** 2.58 m2 - **Power density:** 213.1 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:** 449 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 8503 of 14005 | | Power density | 8474 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 10419 of 14005 | | Weight | 10606 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## Pros - **The only European Tier-1 supplier with high creditworthiness** - According to the BloombergNEF Global PV Module Bankability 2024 report, AE Solar ranked 18th out of 67 evaluated manufacturers and is the only Tier-1 European supplier with a "high bankability" rating (50% in 2024 vs 26% in 2023). This translates to easier financing of PV farm projects by banks and infrastructure funds. - **70% bifacial double glass** - The bifacial design with 70±5% bifaciality allows for energy generation from both sides of the module, utilizing reflected light from the ground surface. In ground-mounted installations on reflective surfaces (gravel, concrete), the achievable additional gain ranges from 5–15% per year, compared to equivalent monofacial modules. - **Ga-doped PERC – Eliminating LID Degradation** - Doping with gallium in P-type PERC cells effectively neutralizes the LID (Light-Induced Degradation) phenomenon, which is typical of conventional boron-doped cells. The manufacturer guarantees the stability of the parameters throughout the 30-year power warranty period, distinguishing this series from standard PERC modules without gallium doping. - **Competitive advantage within the leading segment** - The module's efficiency, at 21.31% (in the 550 Wp variant), is practically identical to that of direct competitors: Goldi Solar GS10-B144-TF (21.3%), IBC Solar 182M Half Cell (21.28%), and S-Energy SL65-72BGJ (21.3%). The series maintains its power density compared to its peers, which is crucial when space is limited. - **Mechanical and chemical resistance of double glass** - The frame-less construction and double-pane glass provide certified resistance to ammonia and salt mist corrosion (according to IEC 61701 and IEC 62716). This is a significant advantage for installations in agricultural, coastal, and industrial areas, where conventional aluminum-framed modules require more frequent replacement. ## Cons - **Product warranty extended from 25 years to 15 years** - The manufacturer offers a 15-year product warranty (materials and workmanship), while the current market standard for Tier 1 modules is 25 years (e.g., Trina Solar, JA Solar, Longi). In the event of mechanical damage or delamination after the 15-year warranty period, repairs or replacements will be the sole responsibility of the investor. - **P-type PERC technology instead of N-type TOPCon** - In 2025-2026, N-type TOPCon technology became the dominant standard in the 500 Wp and above solar panel segment. TOPCon modules offer bifaciality exceeding 80% (compared to 70% for the previous generation), a lower annual degradation rate (~0.4% vs ~0.45-0.5% for PERC), and improved temperature coefficients. This translates into a measurable reduction in cumulative energy yield over a 30-year warranty period. ## About this series AE Solar AURORA AE MD-144BD series photovoltaic panels represent an advanced solution for demanding investments, combining **Bifacial Double Glass** technology with the high efficiency of monocrystalline cells. The use of a bifacial design allows for efficient energy harvesting not only from direct sunlight but also from light reflected off the ground, which significantly increases the total annual energy yield. A key advantage of this series is the application of **gallium-doped technology**, which effectively eliminates the negative impact of light-induced degradation (LID), ensuring exceptional parameter stability for decades. Thanks to the 144 half-cut cell structure, the modules show less susceptibility to the negative effects of shading and are characterized by **reduced resistive losses**, which translates into better performance in difficult weather conditions. This product is primarily dedicated to solar farms and large commercial installations, where **maximizing power density** and a fast return on investment are of key importance. The robust construction based on double glass guarantees full resistance to ammonia corrosion and salt mist, which sets this series apart from the competition, especially in demanding industrial and agricultural environments. By choosing the AURORA series, investors gain the **highest level of fire safety** and mechanical durability that goes far beyond market standards. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 21.3% matches the \*\*PERC 550-600W\*\* median - Power density of 213.1 W/m² matches the \*\*PERC 550-600W\*\* median - At -0.35%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*PERC 550-600W\*\* panels - 70% bifaciality enables rear-side power generation, boosting yield by 4-10% on reflective surfaces - Ranked #8503 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database ## Questions ### What is the warranty on AE Solar AURORA AE MD-144BD solar panels? The AURORA AE MD-144BD series is covered by a 15-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty. This means that for three decades, the manufacturer guarantees the maintenance of a specific level of performance for the modules. In terms of market standards, the 30-year performance warranty is one of the longest offered in the Tier 1 panel segment, which reflects AE Solar's confidence in the durability of this series. ### What benefits does the use of galem doping in AE MD-144BD panels provide, and why is this important? The addition of gallium replaces traditional boron in the PERC cell structure, eliminating light-induced degradation (LID). In practice, this means that the panel does not lose a noticeable amount of power in the initial weeks of operation, which is a common occurrence with older boron-based panels. For the investor, this translates to a higher actual energy yield throughout the warranty period and a more predictable return on investment. ### Are the AE Solar AURORA AE MD-144BD panels suitable for a solar farm? Yes, the MD-144BD series is primarily designed for solar farms and large commercial installations. With a peak power output of 550 Wp, bifacial modules with a 70% bifaciality ratio, and a dual-speed mounting system, it ensures high power density and resistance to industrial conditions, including ammonia corrosion and salt fog. This makes it particularly attractive for agrophotovoltaic applications. ### How does the bifacial nature of the AURORA AE MD-144BD panels affect energy production? The MD-144BD modules have a bifaciality ratio of approximately 70%, meaning that the back side of the panel absorbs up to 70% of the energy compared to the front side, utilizing reflected light from the ground or surroundings. In installations with a light-colored surface or snow, the actual annual yield can be up to 10-20% higher compared to an identical monofacial module. This effect is most pronounced in ground-mount installations with adequate spacing. ### Do the half-cut cells in the AE MD-144BD series improve performance under partial shading? Yes. A 144-cell half-cut module divides the module into two separate electrical circuits. Even if one part of the panel is shaded, only that circuit will lose power, while the other continues to function normally. In comparison to traditional full-cell modules, the power loss due to partial shading is significantly lower, and the cells themselves generate less heat, which extends their lifespan and maintains higher efficiency on hot days. ### Why are AURORA AE MD-144BD double-glass panels a better choice than standard panels with a backsheet? Double-glazed glass replaces the backsheet (backsheet) with a second sheet of tempered glass, eliminating the risk of corrosion, film cracking, and moisture penetration over time. MD-144BD panels are resistant to ammonia and salt fog, which is important in agricultural and coastal environments. The double-glazed design also provides a higher level of fire safety and mechanical strength that exceeds that of most film-based modules. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/ae-md-144bd-530w-550w-sc-11-5-ver25-9-1-397a71eb16ca.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.7 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.5 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.4 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.3 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.2 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 375W](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-96bd-375w) | 375 W | -175 W, cooler, -6.8 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 380W](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-96bd-380w) | 380 W | -170 W, cooler, -6.6 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 385W](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-96bd-385w) | 385 W | -165 W, cooler, -6.4 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 390W](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-96bd-390w) | 390 W | -160 W, cooler, -6.2 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 395W](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-96bd-395w) | 395 W | -155 W, cooler, -6.0 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a650-mae72mw) | 650 W | +100 W, cooler, +3.9 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a645-mae72mw) | 645 W | +95 W, cooler, +3.7 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a640-mae72mw) | 640 W | +90 W, cooler, +3.5 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a635-mae72mw) | 635 W | +85 W, cooler, +3.3 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A630-MAH72Dw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a630-mah72dw) | 630 W | +80 W, cooler, +3.1 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-md-144bd-550 Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator, a bifacial gain calculator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.