--- title: "AE Solar CMER-96BDE-I-440 Solar Panel: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "AE Solar CMER-96BDE-I-440 solar panel. Specs: 22.04% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-96bde-i-440" image: "https://comparepv.com/og/panel/ae-solar-cmer-96bde-i-440.png" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # AE Solar CMER-96BDE-I-440 Middle of its segment, heavy for its output 1,220 panels in the segment TOPCon 400-450 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** AE Solar - **Model:** CMER-96BDE-I-440 - **Series:** ALPINE CMER-96BDE-I (Black, bifacial double-glass) - **Rated power:** 440 W - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment TOPCon 400-450 W (1220 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 440 W | 435 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 22.04% | 22.00% | Typical | 6,344 | | Power density | 220.4 | 220.2 | Typical | 6,325 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,220 | | Weight (kg) | 30.0 kg | 22.0 kg | Weak - bottom 4% | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 22.04% | 22.00% | Typical | 6,344 | | Power density | 220.4 | 220.2 | Typical | 6,325 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,220 | | Weight per kWp | 68.2 | 51.5 | Weak - bottom 4% | 13,425 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Watch out for - **68.2 kg per kWp** - Bottom 4% of the TOPCon 400-450 W segment, against a median of 51.5. Ranked 13,425th in the whole database. - **Best for:** Residential, commercial and cold-climate. - **Not ideal for:** Weight-limited structures. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 440 W - **Efficiency:** 22.04 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 29.50 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 14.92 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 35.05 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 15.89 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.290 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.240 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.040 %/degC - **NOCT:** 43 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Cell count:** 96 - **Bifacial:** yes ### Physical - **Length:** 1762 mm - **Width:** 1133 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 30.0 kg - **Area:** 2.00 m2 - **Power density:** 220.4 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 30 years - **Performance warranty:** 30 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 87.4 % - **First-year degradation:** 1.00 % - **Output after 30 years:** 385 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 6344 of 14129 | | Power density | 6325 of 14129 | | Temperature coefficient | 2220 of 14129 | | Weight | 13425 of 14129 | | Warranty | 21 of 14129 | ## Pros - **Swiss Hail VKF HW4 Certificate** - The module underwent independent tests by TÜV Rheinland, confirming its resistance to hail with a diameter of 40 mm at a speed of 27.54 m/s, across 16 impact points - a threshold significantly higher than the IEC standard (25 mm, 23 m/s). The tests revealed no visible damage, microcracks in the EL test, or power degradation, making ALPINE one of the few full-black modules in this power range with this certification. - **BNEF Tier 1 + high bankability** - AE Solar has been recognized as a Tier 1 company by BloombergNEF for the 16th consecutive year, and is the only European PV manufacturer to have received a "high bankability" rating in 2024 (bankability increased from 26% in 2023 to 50% in 2024). This makes it easier to obtain project financing and meet due diligence requirements for commercial installations. - **Low thermal expansion coefficient: -0.29%/°C** - The N-type TOPCon technology provides a Pmax temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C, which means lower losses at high temperatures compared to typical P-type PERC modules (approximately -0.35%/°C). This 0.06%/°C difference translates into a significantly higher summer yield, especially on roofs with dark finishes. - **30-year product warranty and linear power** - The manufacturer offers a 30-year warranty on both the product and the power output - 5 years longer than the standard 25-year warranty offered by most competitors (including Trina Solar and JA Solar in the mass market segment). This extended warranty directly improves LCOE calculations and enhances the product's attractiveness to investors. - **Bifacial, full-black, glass-glass** - This unique combination of full-black aesthetics, bifacial technology, and a glass-glass construction offers a typical bifacial gain of +5-15%, depending on the surface albedo, without increasing the installation area. Among comparable products, only the Suntech Ultra V Pro mini offers a similar glass-glass configuration, but without HW4 certification and with a shorter warranty. ## Cons - **Performance below that of the cheapest comparable companies** - The maximum efficiency of the module is 22.54%, which is approximately 0.5% lower than comparable SunKean/Sunket SKT430~450M10-108D5 modules (23.04% with the same Pmax of 450 Wp). For installations with limited space (e.g., small pitched roofs), this means a slightly lower yield with the same number of modules; however, this difference is not offset by the noticeably lower bankability and lack of HW4 certification of those manufacturers. ## About this series The AE Solar ALPINE CMER-96BDE-I series is a **full-black, bifacial double-glass module**, designed for maximum durability in demanding climates. The use of **N-type TOPCon cells** ensures stable operation and high efficiency even under less-than-ideal conditions - with lower sunlight and on cooler days. The glass-to-glass construction, combined with sealed encapsulation layers, effectively protects against moisture and minor damage, supporting the long lifespan of the installation. What truly sets ALPINE apart is its **enhanced hail resistance**, confirmed by independent tests, and its **Swiss Hail VKF HW4 certification**, which is particularly important for investments exposed to increasingly frequent extreme weather events. The bifacial operation of the module also allows for the utilization of reflected light from the ground, increasing energy yield without increasing the roof surface area. This is a smart choice for single-family homes, commercial buildings, and premium projects, where aesthetics, durability, and predictable energy production are key. ## Notable figures - At 22.0% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical \*\*TOPCon 400-450W\*\* modules - At 220.4 W/m² power density, roof space requirements are typical for \*\*TOPCon 400-450W\*\* panels - At -0.29%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*TOPCon 400-450W\*\* panels - Weight of 30.0 kg is 8.0 kg above \*\*TOPCon 400-450W\*\* median (22.0 kg) - verify structural support - Bifaciality factor of 80% can add 4-12% extra yield with reflective mounting surface ## Questions ### What are the wind speeds that the AE Solar ALPINE CMER-96BDE-I panels are resistant to? The ALPINE series has obtained the Swiss Hail VKF HW4 certification, verified by the TÜV Rheinland laboratory in Cologne. The module can withstand hailstones up to 40 mm in diameter impacting at a speed of 27.54 m/s - which is significantly higher than the IEC standard (25 mm at 23 m/s). After 16 impact tests, the panel showed no visible damage, micro-cracks, or power loss. This is a significant advantage for installations in mountainous and stormy regions of Poland. ### What warranty applies to AE Solar ALPINE CMER-96BDE-I panels? The manufacturer offers a product warranty of up to 30 years, as well as a 30-year linear warranty on power output. This means that the panel is guaranteed to maintain a minimum energy production level, in accordance with the degradation schedule, for three decades. This is an exceptionally long warranty period for the photovoltaic industry, which demonstrates the manufacturer's high confidence in the durability of the glass-glass module. ### Is the AE Solar ALPINE CMER-96BDE-I a bifacial panel, and what does that mean for my installation? Yes, the ALPINE module is a bifacial module with a glass-on-glass design - the rear pane collects light reflected from the ground, such as from light gravel, snow, or a white roof membrane. In practice, this can increase the actual energy yield by several to a dozen or so percent compared to a traditional monofacial panel, without occupying a larger area of the roof. ### How does N-type TOPCon technology perform in low-light conditions and on cloudy days? N-type TOPCon cells have a lower temperature coefficient and better sensitivity to diffuse light compared to older P-type PERC cells. ALPINE produces energy more efficiently on cloudy days and cold mornings, which is particularly important in the Polish climate. With a peak power of 450 Wp and this technology, the installation operates stably even under conditions that are far from the laboratory's STC (Standard Test Conditions). ### Does the black appearance of the ALPINE CMER-96BDE-I panels affect their performance? The ALPINE series is a full black module designed for premium aesthetics on dark roofs and in single-family homes. The darker coating may slightly increase the module's temperature, however, the N-type TOPCon technology is characterized by a favorable temperature coefficient, which effectively minimizes potential power losses on hot days. ### Is AE Solar a Tier 1 manufacturer, and where is its headquarters located? Yes, AE Solar is a Tier 1 manufacturer, recognized by industry rankings, with its headquarters in Germany. The Tier 1 status signifies a reputable and financially stable manufacturer, which makes it easier to obtain bank financing for installations. The ALPINE panels have undergone independent certifications, including TÜV Rheinland tests, confirming their resistance to extreme weather conditions. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/ae-cmer-96bde-i-430w-450w-sc-11-5-ver25-9-1-5772edd5343d.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | +50 W, lighter, +2.5 pp | | [Suntech STP-NT11/48QGSF-490](https://comparepv.com/panel/suntech-stp-nt11-48qgsf-490) | 490 W | +50 W, lighter, +2.5 pp | | [JA Solar JAT54S40-485/LR](https://comparepv.com/panel/ja-solar-jat54s40-485-lr) | 485 W | +45 W, lighter, +2.3 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A485-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a485-mce54mw) | 485 W | +45 W, lighter, +2.3 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A485-MAH54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a485-mah54mw) | 485 W | +45 W, lighter, +2.3 pp | | [Gokin GK-5-54HG-485M](https://comparepv.com/panel/gokin-gk-5-54hg-485m) | 485 W | +45 W, lighter, +2.3 pp | | [Heckert Solar ZEUS 3.0+ 108 485WP](https://comparepv.com/panel/heckert-solar-zeus-3-0-108-485wp) | 485 W | +45 W, lighter, +2.3 pp | | [AE Solar CMER-64BD-290](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-64bd-290) | 290 W | -150 W, lighter, -7.5 pp | | [AE Solar CMER-64BD-295](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-64bd-295) | 295 W | -145 W, lighter, -7.3 pp | | [AE Solar CMER-64BD-300](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-64bd-300) | 300 W | -140 W, lighter, -7.0 pp | | [AE Solar CMER-64BD-305](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-64bd-305) | 305 W | -135 W, lighter, -6.8 pp | | [AE Solar CMER-64BD-310](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-64bd-310) | 310 W | -130 W, lighter, -6.5 pp | | [AE Solar AE\_CMD-108BD-Terracotta](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-108bd-terracotta) | 360 W | -80 W, -4.0 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [AE Solar AE\_CMD-108BD-Emerald](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-108bd-emerald) | 375 W | -65 W, -3.3 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [AE Solar AE\_CMD-108BD-Blues](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-108bd-blues) | 380 W | -60 W, -3.0 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [AE Solar AE\_CMD-108BD-Frost](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-108bd-frost) | 385 W | -55 W, -2.8 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | +70 W, lighter, +3.0 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-96bde-i-440 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.