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AE Solar MC-120-380

AE Solar MC-120-380

380 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Space saver, no clear weak spot

Rank 11,424 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
380
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
20.87
Strong · top 3%
Density (Wp/m²)
208.7
Strong · top 3%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.350
Typical · median -0.350
Weight (kg)
18.6
Strong · 2.8 kg below median
Warranty (yrs)
30
Strong · top 13%

The AURORA MC-120 series from AE Solar is a mono-facial module lineup built for installations that need to perform reliably in demanding environmental conditions - from coastal sites to agricultural facilities. At its core sits P-Type PERC technology with half-cut cells, which reduces resistive losses and improves output stability even under partial shading, delivering higher energy yield per square meter of roof or ground space. What sets the MC-120 apart from competing panels is its tested resistance to salt, sand, and ammonia corrosion - a critical feature for installers working near coastlines, in desert regions, or close to livestock facilities. The module also provides protection against PID and LID degradation, minimizing the risk of power loss during the first years of operation and supporting a predictable, long-term return on investment. A robust, anodized aluminum frame combined with strong resistance to wind, snow, and hail loads makes the module suitable for both rooftop installations and ground-mounted PV farms. The lineup is backed by a 30-year power warranty, giving investors and system designers confidence in the panel's stable performance throughout its full service life.

Ranking

579 panels in the segment PERC 350-400 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 20.87% 19.90% Strong · top 3% 10,407
Power density 208.7 199.0 Strong · top 3% 10,376
Temperature coefficient -0.350 -0.350 Typical 10,489
Weight per kWp 48.9 55.8 Strong · top 3% 2,645
Performance warranty 30 yrs 25 yrs Strong · top 13% 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

8 positive · 1 caution
Best for

Residential, commercial and shaded-installations.

Strengths
208.7 watts per square metre

Top 3% of the PERC 350-400 W segment, against a median of 199.0. Ranked 10,376th in the whole database.

48.9 kg per kWp

Top 3% of the PERC 350-400 W segment, against a median of 55.8. Ranked 2,645th in the whole database.

20.87% module efficiency

Top 3% of the PERC 350-400 W segment, against a median of 19.90%. Ranked 10,407th in the whole database.

What owners get
Certified corrosion resistance

The module has passed independent salt mist, sand/dust, and ammonia corrosion resistance tests (in line with IEC 61701 and ammonia atmosphere standards), making it one of the few models specifically suited for coastal, desert, and agricultural installations - a real edge over standard PERC modules without such certification.

Half-cut cells with PID/LID protection

120 half-cut cells (equivalent to 60 full cells) reduce resistive losses and improve performance under partial shading, while built-in PID and LID protection minimizes power degradation during the first years of operation.

30-year power warranty from a Tier-1 manufacturer

AE Solar is the only European PV module manufacturer with BNEF Tier-1 classification, in operation since 2003 and headquartered in Germany. The 30-year linear power warranty paired with a 15-year product warranty gives investors a predictable financial profile comparable to leading Asian manufacturers.

High mechanical load resistance

The module withstands snow loads up to 5400 Pa (550 kg/m²) and wind loads up to 2400 Pa, plus hail impact of 25 mm diameter at 23 m/s, making it a versatile choice for both sloped rooftops and ground-mount PV farms in demanding climates.

Competitive efficiency versus peers

The maximum efficiency of 20.87% matches or exceeds comparable 120-cell PERC series: VDS-S120/M6H (20.8%) and Gamko GKA166M120 (20.85%), at the same 380 Wp maximum power.

Trade-offs
P-Type PERC, not TOPCon/N-type technology

Released in 2022, the series relies on older P-Type PERC cell technology, while by 2026 the Tier-1 market has largely shifted toward N-type TOPCon and HJT with lower annual degradation rates and better high-temperature performance. This may be a drawback for buyers prioritizing the latest cell technology.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 20.9% is 1.4pp above the PERC 0-400W median (19.4%)
  • 208.7 W/m² power density - 14.5 W/m² more than PERC 0-400W median (194.2 W/m²), more power per roof area
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C matches the PERC 0-400W median
  • At 18.6 kg, this panel is 1.9 kg lighter than PERC 0-400W median (20.5 kg) - easier handling during installation
  • #10407 for efficiency, #10489 for temperature performance out of 14129 panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 380 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 20.87 % Strong Segment median 19.90%
Vmpp · Impp 34.80 V · 10.92 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 41.70 V · 11.80 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1754×1038×30 mm · 1.82 m² of roof
Weight 18.6 kg Strong Strong · 2.8 kg below median
Cells 120 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.350 %/°C Typical median -0.350 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.286 · 0.057 %/°C
NOCT 45 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 15 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 30 years Strong top 13% · median 25 yrs
End-of-warranty output 81.5 % Equals 310 W guaranteed

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
-

Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.

Heat losses
-0.350 %/°C against a segment median of -0.350
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
AE Solar MC-120-380 380 W 20.87% -0.350 18.6 kg You are here
NS-330MH-80 330 W 23.15% -0.290 15.0 kg -50 W, cooler, +2.3 pp
NS-330MH-80 330 W 23.15% -0.290 15.0 kg -50 W, cooler, +2.3 pp
GKA210M340W 340 W 23.00% - 16.2 kg -40 W, lighter, +2.1 pp
GKA210M360W 360 W 23.00% - 16.2 kg -20 W, lighter, +2.1 pp
GKA210M380W (1/4*4*38) 380 W 23.00% - 17.1 kg Lighter, +2.1 pp
GKA210M400W (1/2*4*20) 400 W 23.00% - 18.0 kg +20 W, +2.1 pp
GKA210M400W (1/4*4*40) 400 W 23.00% - 18.0 kg +20 W, +2.1 pp
GKA210M380W (1/2*4*19) 380 W 23.00% - 17.1 kg Lighter, +2.1 pp
SPR-MAX3-430-R 430 W 22.70% -0.270 21.2 kg Cooler, +1.8 pp, +10 yr warranty
SPR-MAX3-400-COM 400 W 22.60% -0.270 19.0 kg Cooler, +1.7 pp, +10 yr warranty
MC-120-360 360 W 19.77% -0.350 18.6 kg -20 W, -1.1 pp
MC-120-365 365 W 20.05% -0.350 18.6 kg -15 W, -0.8 pp
MC-120-370 370 W 20.32% -0.350 18.6 kg -10 W, -0.6 pp
MC-120-375 375 W 20.60% -0.350 18.6 kg -0.3 pp
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg +130 W, cooler, +4.1 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg +115 W, cooler, +3.9 pp

Found 170 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 257 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 332 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 4180 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

About the AURORA MC-120 series

7 answered

These answers cover the whole series. Where a figure differs, the specification above is this module's own.

Are AURORA MC-120 panels suitable for coastal installations?
Yes, this is one of the series' main applications. The panels are tested for salt corrosion resistance and feature an anodized aluminum frame, protecting the structure against aggressive sea air exposure. This makes the MC-120 suitable for installations in coastal areas, where standard modules typically suffer faster frame and connector degradation.
What warranty comes with AE Solar AURORA MC-120 panels?
The series comes with a 15-year product warranty and a 30-year power warranty, which is standard for premium-class panels. This means the manufacturer guarantees a defined performance level for three decades, giving investors confidence in the long-term profitability of the installation.
How does the PERC half-cut cell technology in the AURORA MC-120 differ from standard cells?
Half-cut cells are cut in half, reducing resistive losses and the current flowing through each cell. Combined with PERC technology, which increases light absorption via an additional passivation layer, the panel achieves higher efficiency and handles partial shading, such as from a chimney or antenna, without a drastic drop in total module output.
Are MC-120 panels suitable for farms and livestock facilities?
Yes, the series was designed with these conditions in mind. The manufacturer has confirmed ammonia corrosion resistance through testing, relevant near pig barns, cattle sheds, or poultry houses. This makes the MC-120 a safe choice where standard panels could suffer accelerated frame or connector degradation from ammonia fumes.
Is the AURORA MC-120 a bifacial panel?
No, the MC-120 series is a mono-facial module, meaning it generates energy only from the front side. This solution works well for standard rooftop and ground-mount installations where the rear side has no access to reflected light, while keeping installation costs lower compared to bifacial panels.
What is the maximum power output of the AURORA MC-120 and what installations suit it?
MC-120 series modules reach up to 380 Wp of maximum power. A sturdy anodized aluminum frame and high resistance to wind, snow, and hail loads make the panel suitable for both sloped residential rooftops and larger ground-mounted PV farms.
What does PID and LID degradation protection provide in the MC-120 panels?
PID protection prevents power loss caused by potential-induced degradation, common at high system voltages, while LID protection limits performance drops caused by light exposure during the module's first operating hours. This ensures stable energy production from the very first years of operation, translating into a predictable return on investment.
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