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AE Solar MD-120BD-450
AE Solar Brand review

MD-120BD-450

450 Wp PERC Bifacial 70%
ComparePV verdict

Warranty pick, heavy for its output

Rank 10,081 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
450
Weak · bottom 12%
Efficiency (%)
20.88
Typical · median 20.82%
Density (Wp/m²)
208.8
Typical · median 208.5
Temp (%/°C)
-0.350
Typical · median -0.350
Weight (kg)
25.5
Weak · 1.0 kg above median
Warranty (yrs)
30
Strong · top 20%

The AE Solar AURORA series consists of modules based on a proven PERC technology with monocrystalline silicon solar cells, developed with a focus on high operational stability in real-world conditions. The use of half-cut cells helps to minimize losses due to partial shading and improves the performance of rooftop installations with obstructions such as chimneys or skylights. Thanks to good performance in diffuse light, AURORA can maintain a solid yield even on cloudy days, which is important in the Polish climate.

A key feature of the series is the emphasis on long-term reliability - the solutions used aim to limit LID degradation, and the design is intended for durability in more challenging environmental conditions. Depending on the project requirements, there are options for both mono and bifacial modules, making it easy to choose the right option for rooftop, carport, and larger ground-mounted systems.

AURORA is a good choice for investors who expect predictable yields, flexible project design, and technology without unnecessary risks.

Ranking

449 panels in the segment PERC 450-500 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 20.88% 20.82% Typical 10,320
Power density 208.8 208.5 Typical 10,265
Temperature coefficient -0.350 -0.350 Typical 10,419
Weight per kWp 56.7 53.1 Weak · bottom 22% 10,792
Performance warranty 30 yrs 25 yrs Strong · top 20% 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

6 positive · 2 caution
Best for

Commercial, utility-scale and shaded-installations.

Not ideal for

Weight-limited structures.

Strengths
30 year performance warranty

Top 20% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 25 yrs.

Watch-outs
56.7 kg per kWp

Bottom 22% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 53.1.

What owners get
30-year product and performance warranty

The AURORA series offers both product and performance warranties of up to 30 years – while the industry standard is typically 10-12 years for product warranties and 25 years for performance warranties. This represents a significant advantage when calculating project financing and assessing banking risk.

The only European Tier 1 BNEF with high bankability

AE Solar has been included in the BNEF Tier 1 list for the 16th consecutive quarter (Q1 2025), and as the only European manufacturer, it achieved a "High Bankability" rating in 2024 (the bankability indicator increased from 26% in 2023 to 50% in 2024). This is a key argument for projects financed by banks – the manufacturer is viewed as an exceptionally safe and reliable partner compared to Asian alternatives.

Half-cut solar panels + Ga-doped PERC cells

The use of half-cut cells reduces mismatch losses by approximately 50% compared to standard cells when partially shaded. Gallium doping minimizes the LID (Light-Induced Degradation) effect, which is a major weakness of conventional p-type PERC cells.

25 different power options, ranging from 395 to 660 Wp

The range of 395 to 660 W, available in 25 variants, allows for precise selection of modules for both small residential and industrial/commercial installations, as well as ground-mounted systems – without the need to compromise between individual power output and adaptation to the roof area.

Kiwa PVEL Top Performer 2025

AE Solar has been awarded the Kiwa PVEL Top Performer Award 2025 in independent performance tests of photovoltaic modules, confirming the declared parameters under real-world conditions – not just in laboratory settings.

Trade-offs
PERC's efficiency is noticeably lower than that of TOPCon technology.

The maximum efficiency of the AURORA module is 21.35%, while direct comparisons with N-type TOPCon technology-based modules achieve 23.32–23.8% (HY Solar: 23.8%, Talesun BIPRO: 23.7%, PolyCrown: 23.32%). This difference of 2–2.5% corresponds to approximately 10–11% less power generated from the same roof area. Furthermore, TOPCon modules exhibit lower annual degradation (approximately 0.40% vs. approximately 0.55% for PERC) and are free from the LID (light-induced degradation) effect – which has a significant impact on the overall energy yield over a 30-year lifespan.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 20.9% matches the PERC 450-500W median
  • Power density of 208.8 W/m² matches the PERC 450-500W median
  • At -0.35%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for PERC 450-500W panels
  • At 25.5 kg, weight matches the PERC 450-500W median
  • Bifaciality factor of 70% can add 4-10% extra yield with reflective mounting surface

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 450 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 20.88 % Typical Segment median 20.82%
Vmpp · Impp 35.13 V · 12.81 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 41.98 V · 13.57 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1902×1133×30 mm · 2.15 m² of roof
Weight 25.5 kg Weak Weak · 1.0 kg above median
Cells 120 · PERC Monocrystalline
Bifaciality 70 % Rear output as a share of front
Coefficient Pmax -0.350 %/°C Typical median -0.350 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.275 · 0.045 %/°C
NOCT 45 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 15 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 30 years Strong top 20% · median 25 yrs
End-of-warranty output 81.5 % Equals 367 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.50 → 0.55 % First year, then annual

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
-0.350 %/°C against a segment median of -0.350
-
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 MD-120BD-450 450 W 20.88% -0.350 25.5 kg You are here
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg +45 W, cooler, +3.9 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.6 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +3.6 pp
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg +50 W, cooler, +3.6 pp
GK-3-54HGb-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg +50 W, cooler, +3.6 pp
GCL-NR10R/54BGDF 500 W 24.50% -0.260 24.6 kg +50 W, cooler, +3.6 pp
AE CMD-80BD-315 315 W 14.62% -0.290 25.5 kg -135 W, cooler, -6.3 pp
AE CMD-80BD-320 320 W 14.85% -0.290 25.5 kg -130 W, cooler, -6.0 pp
AE CMD-80BD-325 325 W 15.08% -0.290 25.5 kg -125 W, cooler, -5.8 pp
AE CMD-80BD-330 330 W 15.31% -0.290 25.5 kg -120 W, cooler, -5.6 pp
AE CMD-80BD-335 335 W 15.55% -0.290 25.5 kg -115 W, cooler, -5.3 pp
MD-120BD-440 440 W 20.42% -0.350 25.5 kg -10 W, -0.5 pp
LR7-60HVH-560M 560 W 24.80% -0.260 25.0 kg +110 W, cooler, +3.9 pp
LR7-60HVH-555M 555 W 24.60% -0.260 25.0 kg +105 W, cooler, +3.7 pp
LR7-60HVHL-550M 550 W 24.40% -0.260 16.3 kg +100 W, lighter, +3.5 pp
JAT60S40-540/LR 540 W 24.40% -0.260 23.5 kg +90 W, cooler, +3.5 pp

Found 693 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 751 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 839 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 1499 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
What kind of warranty do AE Solar AURORA panels offer?
The AE Solar AURORA series comes with a 30-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty. The manufacturer guarantees that after 30 years of operation, the panel will maintain at least 87% of its nominal output power. Degradation in the first year does not exceed 2.5%, and from the second year, it is a maximum of 0.55% per year. This is one of the most comprehensive warranties available on the market for PERC panels.
Do AE Solar AURORA panels perform well in cloudy conditions and in the Polish climate?
Yes. The AURORA series has been designed for optimal performance in diffused light, which is particularly important in Poland, where cloudy days are common. The use of half-cut modules further minimizes losses in partially shaded conditions. This allows the installation to maintain a stable energy yield even in less favorable solar conditions.
What is the maximum power output of the AE Solar AURORA series panels, and for what types of installations are they suitable?
The highest power variant in the AURORA series reaches 660 Wp, placing it in the segment of high-power modules primarily designed for ground-mounted installations, carports, and larger commercial systems. Smaller power variants from the same series are available for roof-mounted installations on residential buildings. It is always advisable to choose a model that is suitable for the roof's load-bearing capacity and available space.
What is PERC technology with half-cut cells, and why does the AURORA series use it?
PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) is an advanced technology for monocrystalline solar cells that incorporates an additional rear passivation layer, which enhances light absorption and improves efficiency. Half-cut cells divide each cell into two parts, reducing internal resistance and limiting the impact of shading on the overall module's performance. The combination of these features in the AURORA series results in higher performance and stability in everyday operation.
Is AE Solar a reputable manufacturer, and do the AURORA panels have quality certifications?
AE Solar is a German-based manufacturer classified as Tier 1 by independent industry agencies, indicating strong financial stability and a well-established market position. The AURORA series was awarded the "Top Performer 2025" title by Kiwa PVEL, one of the most respected independent photovoltaic module testing laboratories. This certification confirms that the panels meet stringent quality and durability standards.
Are AE Solar AURORA panels suitable for roofs with chimneys or dormer windows?
Yes, the AURORA series is suitable for roofs with obstructions. The use of half-cut cells divides the electrical circuits within the module, so that shading of part of the panel by a chimney, skylight, or antenna does not prevent the entire module from functioning, but only its portion. When combined with an inverter with MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) or power optimizers, this allows for a significant reduction in the typical energy losses associated with such installations.
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