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AE Solar CMER-96BDS-I-460
AE Solar Brand review

CMER-96BDS-I-460

460 Wp TOPCon Bifacial 80%
ComparePV verdict

Efficiency leader, heavy for its output

Rank 7,658 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
460
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
23.04
Strong · top 14%
Density (Wp/m²)
230.4
Strong · top 15%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.290
Typical · median -0.290
Weight (kg)
30.0
Weak · 6.0 kg above median
Warranty (yrs)
30
Typical · median 30 yrs

The ALPINE CMER-96BDS-I series is AE Solar's response to the growing frequency of extreme weather events across Europe, including hailstorms that have increasingly damaged PV installations even in Poland. These modules are engineered for regions exposed to harsh climate conditions - thanks to a reinforced front glass and a rigid anodized aluminum frame, the series achieves certified hail resistance at a high durability class. The panels use half-cut n-Type TOPCon cells, resulting in lower power losses under partial shading and greater long-term parameter stability compared to older PERC technology. The bifacial double-glass design captures additional light reflected off the ground, boosting energy yield without increasing the installation footprint. An added benefit is resistance to salt corrosion, sand, and ammonia, making the series well suited to both agricultural sites and coastal installations. The entire lineup is backed by a 30-year product and performance warranty, making it an attractive choice for investors seeking durability and predictable long-term return on investment.

Ranking

1,089 panels in the segment TOPCon 450-500 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 23.04% 22.52% Strong · top 14% 1,711
Power density 230.4 225.2 Strong · top 15% 1,750
Temperature coefficient -0.290 -0.290 Typical 2,165
Weight per kWp 65.2 52.2 Weak · bottom 2% 13,052
Performance warranty 30 yrs 30 yrs Typical 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

7 positive · 2 caution
Best for

Residential, commercial and agrivoltaic.

Not ideal for

Weight-limited structures.

Strengths
23.04% module efficiency

Top 14% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of 22.52%.

230.4 watts per square metre

Top 15% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of 225.2.

Watch-outs
65.2 kg per kWp

Bottom 2% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of 52.2. Ranked 13,052nd in the whole database.

What owners get
Certified Class 4 hail resistance

The modules withstand hailstones up to 40mm in diameter at 27.54 m/s, well above the IEC requirement of 25mm at 23 m/s. TÜV Rheinland third-party testing confirmed no visual defects and minimal power degradation after impact.

Up to 23.04% efficiency - top of segment

Peak efficiency of 23.04% puts the series ahead of comparable TOPCon modules such as Phono Solar's Draco series (23.02%) and SunKean SKT440-460M12 (23.02%), and notably above Axitec's AXIbiperfect GR WB (22.54%).

Low -0.29%/°C temperature coefficient

The n-Type TOPCon bifacial glass-glass cells maintain stable output across -40°C to 85°C, resulting in lower power losses on hot days compared to older PERC-based technology.

Tier-1 manufacturer per BloombergNEF, 5 years running

AE Solar (Germany, founded 2003) has held BloombergNEF Tier 1 status continuously since 2021 (17 times overall), underscoring bankability and operational stability - a key factor for project financing.

Resistant to salt mist, sand, and ammonia corrosion

Certification for harsh environments allows deployment in both agricultural settings (ammonia exposure) and coastal installations (salt mist) without voiding the warranty.

Trade-offs
Product warranty limited to 15 years

Despite a 30-year power output warranty, the product warranty (covering material and workmanship defects) is only 15 years - shorter than the emerging 25-30 year standard now offered by some tier-1 manufacturers. This creates an asymmetry: the module remains covered for power degradation, but a mechanical defect after year 15 would fall outside warranty protection.

Notes from the database
  • 23.0% module efficiency - 0.5pp better than the TOPCon 450-500W median of 22.5%
  • Power density of 230.4 W/m² packs 5.2 W/m² more into the same footprint vs TOPCon 450-500W median (225.2 W/m²)
  • At -0.29%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for TOPCon 450-500W panels
  • At 30.0 kg, this panel is 6.0 kg heavier than the TOPCon 450-500W median (24.0 kg) - more demanding for installation crews
  • 80% bifaciality enables rear-side power generation, boosting yield by 4-12% on reflective surfaces

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 460 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 23.04 % Strong Segment median 22.52%
Vmpp · Impp 30.59 V · 15.04 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 36.17 V · 16.10 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1762×1133×30 mm · 2.00 m² of roof
Weight 30.0 kg Weak Weak · 6.0 kg above median
Cells 96 · TOPCon Monocrystalline
Bifaciality 80 % Rear output as a share of front
Coefficient Pmax -0.290 %/°C Typical median -0.290 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.240 · 0.040 %/°C
NOCT 43 °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 402 W guaranteed
Degradation 1.00 → 0.40 % First year, then annual

Datasheet charts

Open datasheet PDF

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 460 Wp appear here. The rest cover the whole series.

I-V Curves at Various Irradiance Levels (Cells temp. = 25°C) I-V Curves at Various Irradiance Levels (Cells temp. = 25°C) Whole series

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
-
With bifacial gain
-

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
-
Bifacial gain
Rear gain over light concrete: -
-

Model: bifaciality × albedo × 0.6 view factor. A first-order estimate, not a yield simulation.

Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
AE Solar CMER-96BDS-I-460 460 W 23.04% -0.290 30.0 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg +50 W, lighter, +2.0 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg +35 W, lighter, +1.8 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +1.7 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg +30 W, lighter, +1.5 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +1.5 pp
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg +40 W, lighter, +1.5 pp
CMER-64BD-290 290 W 14.53% -0.290 23.0 kg -170 W, lighter, -8.5 pp
CMER-64BD-295 295 W 14.78% -0.290 23.0 kg -165 W, lighter, -8.3 pp
CMER-64BD-300 300 W 15.03% -0.290 23.0 kg -160 W, lighter, -8.0 pp
CMER-64BD-305 305 W 15.28% -0.290 23.0 kg -155 W, lighter, -7.8 pp
CMER-64BD-310 310 W 15.53% -0.290 23.0 kg -150 W, lighter, -7.5 pp
AE_CMD-108BD-Terracotta 360 W 18.03% -0.320 26.0 kg -100 W, -5.0 pp, -5 yr warranty
AE_CMD-108BD-Emerald 375 W 18.78% -0.320 26.0 kg -85 W, -4.3 pp, -5 yr warranty
AE_CMD-108BD-Blues 380 W 19.03% -0.320 26.0 kg -80 W, -4.0 pp, -5 yr warranty
AE_CMD-108BD-Frost 385 W 19.29% -0.320 26.0 kg -75 W, -3.8 pp, -5 yr warranty

Found 1395 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 1425 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 3614 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 3962 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
Are ALPINE CMER-96BDS-I panels hail resistant?
Yes, the ALPINE CMER-96BDS-I series was specifically engineered for extreme weather events. A reinforced front glass and a solid anodized aluminum frame provide certified high-class hail resistance. This is a significant advantage in Poland, where severe hailstorms have increasingly been damaging standard PV installations in recent years.
How does n-Type TOPCon technology in the ALPINE CMER-96BDS-I differ from older PERC panels?
The n-Type TOPCon cells used in this series deliver lower power losses under partial shading and higher parameter stability over time compared to PERC cells. Additionally, the half-cut cell design reduces electrical resistance and microcrack-related failure risk, resulting in higher and more predictable energy output throughout the panel's lifetime.
How much extra energy do bifacial ALPINE CMER-96BDS-I panels produce?
Thanks to the bifacial dual-glass construction, the panels capture sunlight reflected off the mounting surface, such as a light-colored roof, gravel, or snow, generating additional energy from the rear side. The actual gain depends on ground albedo and installation height, but it increases total energy yield without requiring extra roof or ground space.
What warranty comes with ALPINE CMER-96BDS-I panels?
The series is backed by a 15-year product warranty and a 30-year power output warranty, ensuring the declared power rating is maintained over three decades of operation. This level of coverage is typical of tier-1 manufacturers like AE Solar and makes the series a solid choice for investors planning a long-term return on their PV investment.
Are ALPINE CMER-96BDS-I panels suitable for coastal or agricultural installations?
Yes, the series is resistant to salt corrosion, sand, and ammonia, making it well suited for installations near the sea as well as farms and livestock facilities, where standard panels can degrade faster. This adds an extra layer of durability beyond standard certification requirements.
What is the maximum power output of the ALPINE CMER-96BDS-I series?
Panels in this series reach up to 460 Wp, and with 96 half-cut n-Type TOPCon cells, they achieve high power density per panel area. Combined with the energy bonus from the bifacial design, this results in an attractive energy yield to roof or ground space ratio.
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