--- title: "AE Solar CMD-120BDS-I 495W Solar Panel: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "AE Solar CMD-120BDS-I 495W solar panel. Specs: 22.97% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmd-120bds-i-495w" image: "https://comparepv.com/og/panel/ae-solar-cmd-120bds-i-495w.png" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # AE Solar CMD-120BDS-I 495W Middle of its segment, heavy for its output 1,096 panels in the segment TOPCon 450-500 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** AE Solar - **Model:** CMD-120BDS-I 495W - **Series:** ALPINE CMD-120BDS-I - **Rated power:** 495 W - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment TOPCon 450-500 W (1096 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 495 W | 465 W | Strong - top 4% | | | Module efficiency | 22.97% | 22.52% | Typical | 2,289 | | Power density | 229.7 | 225.2 | Typical | 2,204 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,220 | | Weight (kg) | 32.0 kg | 24.0 kg | Weak - bottom 3% | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 22.97% | 22.52% | Typical | 2,289 | | Power density | 229.7 | 225.2 | Typical | 2,204 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,220 | | Weight per kWp | 64.6 | 52.2 | Weak - bottom 3% | 13,111 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Watch out for - **64.6 kg per kWp** - Bottom 3% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of 52.2. Ranked 13,111th in the whole database. - **Best for:** Residential, commercial, cold-climate and shaded-installations. - **Not ideal for:** Weight-limited structures. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 495 W - **Efficiency:** 22.97 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 35.89 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 13.79 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 43.19 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 14.54 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 - **Bifacial:** yes - **Bifacial gain:** 10.00 ### Physical - **Length:** 1902 mm - **Width:** 1133 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 32.0 kg - **Area:** 2.15 m2 - **Power density:** 229.7 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:** 433 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 2289 of 14129 | | Power density | 2204 of 14129 | | Temperature coefficient | 2220 of 14129 | | Weight | 13111 of 14129 | | Warranty | 21 of 14129 | ## Pros - **Highest efficiency within the peer group** - The maximum efficiency of 22.97% surpasses all other competing products, including the Seraphim YUKON N Series (22.87%), Solarspace SS8-60HD (22.87%), and Resun RS8K-M (22.94%). This translates to a significantly higher annual energy yield, without the need to increase the size of the panel array. - **30-year product and performance warranty** - AE Solar guarantees maintaining over 87% of its nominal power output after 30 years of operation, while the industry standard is a 25-year power warranty with a decline to approximately 84.8% (JA Solar, Trina Solar). The extended 5-year warranty significantly improves return on investment (ROI) in projects with long-term investment horizons. - **The only European Tier-1 BNEF manufacturer** - AE Solar has been included in the BNEF Tier-1 list for the 16th consecutive quarter (Q1 2025), making it the only European manufacturer to achieve this status. Furthermore, its bankability has increased from 26% (2023) to 50% (2024). This status facilitates bank financing for projects and reduces the installer's reputational risk towards the end investor. - **Superior hail resistance (Class 4)** - The module withstands hail with a diameter of 40 mm at a speed of 27.54 m/s, significantly exceeding the IEC 61215 requirement (25 mm / 23 m/s). Tests conducted by TÜV Rheinland revealed no microcracks or power loss - a crucial feature for installations in mountainous and coastal areas. - **Class A fire rating and IEC 61730 certification** - Having a Class A fire rating eliminates installation restrictions on residential, commercial, and public buildings, where it is increasingly becoming a requirement for insurance and a condition for obtaining building permits. ## Cons - **Larger mass of double-glass construction** - Bifacial double-glass panels result in a weight of approximately 28-33 kg per panel, compared to ~22-26 kg for comparable single-glass panels of the same power rating. In densely built-up roof structures, this may require an additional structural analysis of the roof and potential reinforcement, resulting in costs that are separate from the product itself. - **Bankability lags behind the leading Asian banks.** - According to the BNEF 2024 survey, the bankability of AE Solar is 50%, while leading Asian manufacturers (JA Solar, Trina Solar, LONGi) exceed 80%. For large projects financed by conservative institutions or under strict EPC requirements, this may necessitate an extended due diligence process for the manufacturer. ## About this series The AE Solar ALPINE CMD-120BDS-I series redefines durability standards by combining **Bifacial Double Glass** technology with an innovative design resistant to extreme weather conditions. These panels eliminate the problem of cell degradation in harsh climates thanks to the use of double glass, which significantly extends their lifespan and energy stability. The use of **N-type cells** in combination with Half-cut architecture minimizes resistive losses and improves efficiency in low-light conditions. This solution is primarily dedicated to investors seeking maximum efficiency from limited roof or ground space, where every additional watt of power gained thanks to the module's bifaciality counts. What sets them apart from the competition is their exceptional **resistance to snow and wind loads**, making them the ideal choice for demanding installations in mountain and coastal regions. Thanks to the use of SMBB technology, the current flow is optimized, which reduces the risk of micro-cracks. By choosing the ALPINE series, you invest in **Class A fire safety** and the highest aesthetics, which goes hand in hand with technological advancement. It is an ideal choice for commercial and residential projects where the priority is a maximum long-term return on investment and full system reliability for many years. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 23.0% matches the \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* median - At 229.7 W/m² power density, this panel generates 4.5 W/m² more per unit area than \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* median (225.2 W/m²) - Temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C matches the \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* median - At 32.0 kg, this panel is 8.0 kg heavier than the \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* median (24.0 kg) - more demanding for installation crews - Bifaciality factor of 80% can add 4-12% extra yield with reflective mounting surface ## Questions ### What warranty does the AE Solar ALPINE CMD-120BDS-I panel offer? The ALPINE CMD-120BDS-I series is covered by an exceptionally long manufacturer's warranty of 30 years, both for the product and for its power output. This means that AE Solar guarantees the performance of the panels above a specified degradation threshold for three decades. This is one of the longest warranties available on the market for photovoltaic modules, which significantly increases the security of long-term investments. ### What is TOPCon technology, and is it a worthwhile choice for the ALPINE CMD-120BDS-I series? TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) is an advanced technology for N-type solar cells, used in the ALPINE CMD-120BDS-I series, which offers higher efficiency and lower degradation compared to older PERC cells. The improved surface passivation of these cells allows them to generate more energy in low-light conditions and at higher temperatures. This translates to a real increase in kilowatt-hours per year for the investor, from the same rooftop. ### Are AE Solar ALPINE CMD-120BDS-I solar panels suitable for mountainous and coastal regions? Yes, the ALPINE CMD-120BDS-I series is designed for extreme weather conditions. Its double-pane Bifacial Double Glass construction provides exceptional resistance to snow and strong winds, which are typical in mountainous and coastal locations. The absence of a rear foil eliminates the risk of degradation from moisture, and the Class A fire safety rating further enhances the protection of the installation. ### What is the power output of the AE Solar ALPINE CMD-120BDS-I panels, and how many do I need for a residential installation? A single ALPINE CMD-120BDS-I module delivers a peak power of 495 Wp, making it one of the most powerful panels in the residential and commercial class. For a typical 10 kWp home installation, just 21 such panels would be sufficient. The high power of each module means fewer panels, fewer mounting points, and lower installation costs. ### Do double-sided panels ALPINE CMD-120BDS-I generate more energy than standard single-sided modules? Yes, the bifacial nature of the ALPINE CMD-120BDS-I series allows for the absorption of reflected light from the ground by the back side of the module, which, under favorable conditions (a light-colored ground surface, snow, or a light-colored facade), increases energy yield by several to fifteen percent compared to a single-sided module with the same rated power. This effect is particularly noticeable in ground-mounted and flat-roof installations with light-colored membranes. ### Is AE Solar a reputable manufacturer, and where is this company located? AE Solar is a German-based company with Tier 1 manufacturer status, which means it is listed as a bankable manufacturer by independent financial institutions and insurers. This Tier 1 status is crucial when seeking financing for solar installations and guarantees that the manufacturer has a stable market position and the resources to fulfill long-term warranty obligations for 30 years. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/AE_CMD_120_BDS_I_475_W_495_W_Ver26_8_1_43076c5087-3dccc4794183.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | Cooler, lighter, +2.0 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | Cooler, lighter, +1.8 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | Cooler, lighter, +1.7 pp | | [WINAICO WST-505BKX54-A2](https://comparepv.com/panel/winaico-wst-505bkx54-a2) | 505 W | Cooler, lighter, +1.7 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | Cooler, lighter, +1.5 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +1.5 pp | | [Talesun CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W](https://comparepv.com/panel/talesun-cipro-tn9c54m-500w) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +1.5 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-315](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-315) | 315 W | -180 W, lighter, -8.3 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-320](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-320) | 320 W | -175 W, lighter, -8.1 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-325](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-325) | 325 W | -170 W, lighter, -7.9 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-330](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-330) | 330 W | -165 W, lighter, -7.7 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-80BD-335](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-80bd-335) | 335 W | -160 W, lighter, -7.4 pp | | [AE Solar MD-120BD-440](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-md-120bd-440) | 440 W | Hotter, lighter, -2.5 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | +65 W, lighter, +1.8 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | +60 W, lighter, +1.6 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVHL-550M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvhl-550m) | 550 W | +55 W, 16 kg lighter, +1.4 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmd-120bds-i-495w Not in this file, on the page: the I-V and temperature curves lifted from the manufacturer's datasheet, a thirty-year output simulator, a bifacial gain calculator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.