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AE Solar CMD-120-485
AE Solar Brand review

CMD-120-485

485 Wp TOPCon
ComparePV verdict

Light for its output, no clear weak spot

Rank 7,086 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
485
Strong · top 20%
Efficiency (%)
22.51
Typical · median 22.52%
Density (Wp/m²)
225.1
Typical · median 225.2
Temp (%/°C)
-0.290
Typical · median -0.290
Weight (kg)
22.5
Strong · 1.5 kg below median
Warranty (yrs)
30
Typical · median 30 yrs

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.

Ranking

1,096 panels in the segment TOPCon 450-500 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 22.51% 22.52% Typical 4,269
Power density 225.1 225.2 Typical 4,500
Temperature coefficient -0.290 -0.290 Typical 2,220
Weight per kWp 46.4 52.2 Strong · top 16% 1,134
Performance warranty 30 yrs 30 yrs Typical 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

6 positive · 1 caution
Best for

Residential and commercial.

Strengths
46.4 kg per kWp

Top 16% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of 52.2.

What owners get
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.

Trade-offs
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.

Notes from the database
  • At 22.5% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical TOPCon 450-500W modules
  • At 225.1 W/m² power density, roof space requirements are typical for TOPCon 450-500W panels
  • At -0.29%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for TOPCon 450-500W panels
  • At 22.5 kg, this panel is 1.5 kg lighter than TOPCon 450-500W median (24.0 kg) - easier handling during installation
  • Ranked #4269 out of 14129 panels for efficiency in the database

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 485 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 22.51 % Typical Segment median 22.52%
Vmpp · Impp 35.55 V · 13.65 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 42.87 V · 14.38 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1902×1133×30 mm · 2.15 m² of roof
Weight 22.5 kg Strong Strong · 1.5 kg below median
Cells 120 · TOPCon Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.290 %/°C Typical median -0.290 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.250 · 0.046 %/°C
NOCT 42 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 15 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 30 years Typical median 30 yrs · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 87.4 % Equals 424 W guaranteed
Degradation 1.00 → 0.40 % 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
-0.290 %/°C against a segment median of -0.290
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
AE Solar CMD-120-485 485 W 22.51% -0.290 22.5 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg +25 W, cooler, +2.5 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +2.3 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg +20 W, cooler, +2.2 pp
WST-505BKX54-A2 505 W 24.70% -0.260 25.0 kg Cooler, heavier, +2.2 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +2.0 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg +15 W, cooler, +2.0 pp
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg +15 W, cooler, +2.0 pp
AE CMD-80BD-315 315 W 14.62% -0.290 25.5 kg -170 W, heavier, -7.9 pp
AE CMD-80BD-320 320 W 14.85% -0.290 25.5 kg -165 W, heavier, -7.7 pp
AE CMD-80BD-325 325 W 15.08% -0.290 25.5 kg -160 W, heavier, -7.4 pp
AE CMD-80BD-330 330 W 15.31% -0.290 25.5 kg -155 W, heavier, -7.2 pp
AE CMD-80BD-335 335 W 15.55% -0.290 25.5 kg -150 W, heavier, -7.0 pp
MD-120BD-440 440 W 20.42% -0.350 25.5 kg -45 W, hotter, -2.1 pp
LR7-60HVH-560M 560 W 24.80% -0.260 25.0 kg +75 W, cooler, +2.3 pp
LR7-60HVH-555M 555 W 24.60% -0.260 25.0 kg +70 W, cooler, +2.1 pp
LR7-60HVHL-550M 550 W 24.40% -0.260 16.3 kg +65 W, lighter, +1.9 pp

Found 698 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 756 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 844 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 1504 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

About the METEOR CMD-120 series

6 answered

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

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.
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