Strong in heat, modest efficiency
The Terra E CMER-64BD is a double-glass module designed specifically for agrivoltaic installations, where energy generation needs to coexist with crop cultivation beneath the panels. The series' key differentiator is its high transparency of up to 40%, allowing light to spread evenly under the structure so photosynthesis of the crops below is not compromised. The panel uses n-Type TOPCon half-cut cells, delivering stable performance and lower power degradation over time compared to conventional p-Type PERC structures. The bifacial double-glass design additionally captures light reflected from the ground, boosting total energy yield without increasing the installation footprint. The module shields crops from hail, strong wind, heavy rain, frost, and excessive sun exposure, allowing it to serve both as an energy source and an agricultural cover, including on greenhouse roofs. High mechanical durability against snow load and wind makes the panel well suited to demanding field conditions. The series targets agricultural investors, agri-PV project developers, and farms seeking a solution that combines food production with renewable energy generation, while the long-term performance warranty of up to 30 years ensures predictable returns on investment.
Ranking
Signals from the data
Agrivoltaic, shaded-installations and commercial.
Tight roof space, roofs where every square metre has to count and weight-limited structures.
Top 2% of the PERC 250-300 W segment, against a median of -0.370. Ranked 2,220th in the whole database.
Top 20% of the PERC 250-300 W segment, against a median of 25 yrs.
Bottom 2% of the PERC 250-300 W segment, against a median of 17.21%. Ranked 14,002nd in the whole database.
Bottom 2% of the PERC 250-300 W segment, against a median of 172.1. Ranked 13,981st in the whole database.
Bottom 3% of the PERC 250-300 W segment, against a median of 66.5. Ranked 13,839th in the whole database.
Using n-Type TOPCon technology instead of conventional p-Type PERC delivers a lower LID/LeTID degradation rate and better power stability at high temperatures, translating into higher lifetime energy yield.
The dual-glass bifacial design with up to 40% transparency allows even light distribution beneath the panels, which is critical for maintaining crop photosynthesis - a feature rarely found in standard modules aimed at agricultural use.
A performance warranty extending to 30 years places the series on par with the best tier-1 offerings on the market (industry standard is typically 25 years), increasing investment predictability for long-payback agri-PV projects.
AE Solar is a German manufacturer operating since 2003, repeatedly confirmed on the BNEF Tier 1 list (15-16 consecutive quarters through 2024/2025), which simplifies project financing through banks and funds.
The dual-glass construction and reinforced frame let the panel double as agricultural protection against hail, strong wind and frost, making it a dual-function solution - both energy generation and crop shielding.
Efficiency of 14.53-15.53% is markedly lower than comparable market modules, e.g. Canadian Solar KuBlack (18.7%) or Selfa SV120M.3.2 (17%). This is a byproduct of the transparent gaps designed to let light through to crops, so the metric shouldn't be judged 1:1 against standard panels, but it does mean lower power yield per m² of installed area.
- Module efficiency of 14.5% is 4.9pp below average for PERC 0-400W panels (median: 19.4%)
- Power density of 145.3 W/m² is 48.9 W/m² below PERC 0-400W median (194.2 W/m²) - needs more roof space
- Temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C vs median -0.36%/°C means ~3% less power loss at 65°C
- Weight of 23.0 kg is 2.5 kg above PERC 0-400W median (20.5 kg) - verify structural support
- Bifaciality factor of 80% can add 4-12% extra yield with reflective mounting surface
Specifications
Datasheet charts
Measured curves published by AE Solar in this model's datasheet. A chart carrying a wattage was measured on that variant alone - only the ones that describe 290 Wp appear here. The rest cover the whole series.
Simulations
Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.
Model: bifaciality × albedo × 0.6 view factor. A first-order estimate, not a yield simulation.
Found 1402 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 1432 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 3651 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 3999 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here
About the Terra E CMER-64BD series
These answers cover the whole series. Where a figure differs, the specification above is this module's own.