--- title: "AE Solar CMD-120-480 Solar Panel: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "AE Solar CMD-120-480 solar panel. Specs: 22.27% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmd-120-480" image: "https://comparepv.com/og/panel/ae-solar-cmd-120-480.png" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # AE Solar CMD-120-480 Light for its output, no clear weak spot 1,096 panels in the segment TOPCon 450-500 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** AE Solar - **Model:** CMD-120-480 - **Series:** METEOR CMD-120 - **Rated power:** 480 W - **Cell technology:** TOPCon ## How it compares Compared against segment TOPCon 450-500 W (1096 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 480 W | 465 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 22.27% | 22.52% | Typical | 5,544 | | Power density | 222.7 | 225.2 | Typical | 5,352 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,220 | | Weight (kg) | 22.5 kg | 24.0 kg | Strong - top 20% | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 22.27% | 22.52% | Typical | 5,544 | | Power density | 222.7 | 225.2 | Typical | 5,352 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,220 | | Weight per kWp | 46.9 | 52.2 | Strong - top 20% | 1,379 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Strengths - **46.9 kg per kWp** - Top 20% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of 52.2. - **Best for:** Residential and commercial. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 480 W - **Efficiency:** 22.27 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 35.38 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 13.57 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 42.71 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 14.31 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.290 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.250 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.046 %/degC - **NOCT:** 42 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Cell count:** 120 ### Physical - **Length:** 1902 mm - **Width:** 1133 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 22.5 kg - **Area:** 2.15 m2 - **Power density:** 222.7 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 15 years - **Performance warranty:** 30 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 87.4 % - **First-year degradation:** 1.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.40 % - **Output after 30 years:** 420 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 5544 of 14129 | | Power density | 5352 of 14129 | | Temperature coefficient | 2220 of 14129 | | Weight | 1379 of 14129 | | Warranty | 21 of 14129 | ## Pros - **The only European Tier 1 BNEF manufacturer** - According to the BNEF 2024 ranking, AE Solar (founded in 2003, headquartered in Augsburg) is the only European manufacturer of Tier 1 PV modules with high bankability - the indicator increased from 26% (2023) to 50% (2024), representing the largest increase among all 67 manufacturers studied. This translates to easier acceptance of projects by banks financing renewable energy installations. - **Efficacy of 22.97% - above the control group** - Maximum efficiency of 22.97% exceeds direct competitors: Seraphim YUKON N and Solarspace SS8-60HD (both 22.87%), and is close to Resun Solar RS8K-M (22.94%). With limited roof space, the difference of 0.1% compared to the competition actually increases annual energy yield without the need to install additional modules. - **Low thermal expansion coefficient of -0.29%/°C** - The Pmax value of -0.29%/°C (confirmed for CMD-120 series in the manufacturer's datasheet) is significantly more favorable than typical PERC modules (-0.34 to -0.36%/°C). In Poland's climate, with intense sunny days in July and August, this translates to significantly lower power losses during peak production hours. - **30-year linear warranty on power >87% at Pnom** - The manufacturer guarantees maintaining over 87% of its nominal power after 30 years - 5 years longer than the 25-year standard used by most manufacturers of N-type TOPCon modules in this price range. The longer warranty period reduces production risk when calculating LCOE and obtaining bank financing. - **Kiwa PVEL Top Performer 2025 and DIBt certification** - AE Solar, as the first Tier 1 manufacturer, has obtained the DIBt (German Institute for Building Technology) certification, which is required for construction projects in Germany and is also accepted by some institutions in Poland. The independent Kiwa PVEL Top Performer 2025 award confirms the modules' resistance to long-term degradation in standardized laboratory tests. ## Cons - **Available only in the monofacial version.** - The METEOR CMD-120 series in this configuration is monofacial, which excludes any gain from reflection off the ground (typically +5-15% for ground-mounted systems with a light surface). Bifacial versions of the same family (CMD-120BDS, CMD-120BDS-I 475-495W) require separate selection and pricing, which can complicate comparisons of offers. ## About this series The AE Solar METEOR CMD-120 series is designed for installations where stable energy production, regardless of weather and temperature, is paramount. The use of **N-type TOPCon** cells helps to minimize performance degradation over time and also improves module performance in less sunny conditions - which is particularly important in Polish conditions during the autumn and winter months. **Bifacial** variants also allow for additional use of reflected light from the ground, making it easier to "extract" more energy from the same roof or ground-mounted surface. The manufacturer also emphasizes **high resistance to degradation** and a refined layer structure, which translates into predictable system performance over many years. The METEOR CMD-120 is a good choice for homes, businesses, and commercial projects, especially where cost-effectiveness and guaranteed yields are important, even with limited mounting space. Another advantage is the **flexibility of configuration** for different mounting scenarios. ## Notable figures - At 22.3% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* modules - At 222.7 W/m² power density, roof space requirements are typical for \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* panels - Temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C matches the \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* median - At 22.5 kg, this panel is 1.5 kg lighter than \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* median (24.0 kg) - easier handling during installation - Ranked #5544 out of 14129 panels for efficiency in the database ## Questions ### What is the warranty on AE Solar METEOR CMD-120 solar panels? The METEOR CMD-120 series comes with a 15-year product warranty (covering manufacturing defects and material issues) and a 30-year performance warranty. The manufacturer guarantees that after 30 years of operation, the modules will maintain at least 87.4% of their nominal output power. Both warranty documents are issued by AE Solar, based in Germany, which simplifies their enforcement in case of claims. ### What is the TOPCon technology used in the METEOR CMD-120, and why is it better than PERC? TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) refers to N-type solar cells with an additional passivation layer that reduces the recombination of charge carriers. In practice, this means higher conversion efficiency, lower degradation in the first few years of operation (LID), and better performance under low-light conditions compared to older PERC cells. For Polish climatic conditions, characterized by many cloudy days, this advantage is particularly noticeable in autumn and winter. ### How much energy can the AE Solar METEOR CMD-120 panel, with a power output of 495 W, generate in Polish conditions? The METEOR CMD-120 panel, with an average of 495 Wp under Polish sunlight (approximately 1050-1150 kWh/m² annually), is estimated to generate 430-520 kWh of electricity per year per panel, assuming optimal orientation and no shading. This is one of the higher values among N-type monofacial module panels, which translates to a smaller number of panels needed to achieve a specific power output for an installation. ### Is AE Solar a reliable manufacturer of solar panels? Yes. AE Solar is a German-based company that holds Tier 1 status according to the Bloomberg NEF ranking, which is awarded to manufacturers with proven financial and technical stability. The brand has been operating in the market since 2003 and supplies modules for commercial projects across Europe. For a Polish investor, it is important that the company operates under European law. ### Which types of installations are the AE Solar METEOR CMD-120 series best suited for? The METEOR CMD-120 is suitable for both residential (on pitched and flat roofs) and commercial/agricultural applications. Its 495W power output allows for achieving the required system power with fewer panels, which is advantageous in situations where the available mounting area is limited. Its stable performance at low temperatures and under diffuse light makes this series a good choice for year-round use in the Polish climate. ### Do the METEOR CMD-120 panels perform well in winter and on cloudy days? Yes. N-type TOPCon solar cells exhibit a better temperature coefficient than standard P-type PERC cells, which means lower power losses in hot weather. At the same time, their higher efficiency at low light levels makes them more effective in cloudy days and during short, winter periods of sunlight - which is particularly important in Poland, where solar irradiance is significantly reduced for several months of the year. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/AE_CMD_120_475_W_495_W_Ver26_8_1_3cc23b4a42-ead2917e96d8.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | +30 W, cooler, +2.7 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | +15 W, cooler, +2.5 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | +25 W, cooler, +2.4 pp | | [WINAICO WST-505BKX54-A2](https://comparepv.com/panel/winaico-wst-505bkx54-a2) | 505 W | +25 W, cooler, +2.4 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | Cooler, lighter, +2.2 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | +20 W, cooler, +2.2 pp | | [Talesun CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W](https://comparepv.com/panel/talesun-cipro-tn9c54m-500w) | 500 W | +20 W, cooler, +2.2 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-315](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-315) | 315 W | -165 W, heavier, -7.7 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-320](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-320) | 320 W | -160 W, heavier, -7.4 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-325](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-325) | 325 W | -155 W, heavier, -7.2 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-330](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-330) | 330 W | -150 W, heavier, -7.0 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-335](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-335) | 335 W | -145 W, heavier, -6.7 pp | | [AE Solar MD-120BD-440](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-md-120bd-440) | 440 W | -40 W, hotter, -1.8 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | +80 W, cooler, +2.5 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | +75 W, cooler, +2.3 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVHL-550M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvhl-550m) | 550 W | +70 W, lighter, +2.1 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmd-120-480 Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.