--- title: "AE Solar CMER-96BDS-I-460 460W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "AE Solar CMER-96BDS-I-460 460W solar panel. Specs: 23.04% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-96bds-i-460" updated: 2026-09-12 --- # AE Solar CMER-96BDS-I-460 Efficiency leader, heavy for its output 1,089 panels in the segment TOPCon 450-500 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** AE Solar - **Model:** CMER-96BDS-I-460 - **Series:** ALPINE CMER-96BDS-I - **Rated power:** 460 W - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment TOPCon 450-500 W (1089 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 460 W | 465 W | Typical | | | 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 (kg) | 30.0 kg | 24.0 kg | Weak - bottom 2% | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | 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 | ### 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 out for - **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. - **Best for:** Residential, commercial and agrivoltaic. - **Not ideal for:** Weight-limited structures. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 460 W - **Efficiency:** 23.04 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 30.59 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 15.04 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 36.17 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 16.10 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 - **Bifacial gain:** 10.00 ### Physical - **Length:** 1762 mm - **Width:** 1133 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 30.0 kg - **Area:** 2.00 m2 - **Power density:** 230.4 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:** 402 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 1711 of 14005 | | Power density | 1750 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 2165 of 14005 | | Weight | 13052 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## Pros - **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. ## Cons - **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. ## About this series 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. ## Notable figures - 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 ## Questions ### 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. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/AE_CMER_96_BDS_I_440_W_460_W_Ver26_8_1_c69ecc83a4-80045277604b.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | +50 W, lighter, +2.0 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | +35 W, lighter, +1.8 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | Cooler, lighter, +1.7 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | +30 W, 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 | +40 W, lighter, +1.5 pp | | [AE Solar CMER-64BD-290](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-64bd-290) | 290 W | -170 W, lighter, -8.5 pp | | [AE Solar CMER-64BD-295](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-64bd-295) | 295 W | -165 W, lighter, -8.3 pp | | [AE Solar CMER-64BD-300](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-64bd-300) | 300 W | -160 W, lighter, -8.0 pp | | [AE Solar CMER-64BD-305](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-64bd-305) | 305 W | -155 W, lighter, -7.8 pp | | [AE Solar CMER-64BD-310](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-64bd-310) | 310 W | -150 W, lighter, -7.5 pp | | [AE Solar AE\_CMD-108BD-Terracotta](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-108bd-terracotta) | 360 W | -100 W, -5.0 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [AE Solar AE\_CMD-108BD-Emerald](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-108bd-emerald) | 375 W | -85 W, -4.3 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [AE Solar AE\_CMD-108BD-Blues](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-108bd-blues) | 380 W | -80 W, -4.0 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [AE Solar AE\_CMD-108BD-Frost](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-108bd-frost) | 385 W | -75 W, -3.8 pp, -5 yr warranty | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-cmer-96bds-i-460 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.