--- title: "AE Solar MD-144BS-540 540W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "AE Solar MD-144BS-540 540W solar panel. Specs: 20.92% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-md-144bs-540" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # AE Solar MD-144BS-540 Light for its output, no clear weak spot 706 panels in the segment PERC 500-550 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** AE Solar - **Model:** MD-144BS-540 - **Series:** AURORA MD-144BS - **Rated power:** 540 W - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 500-550 W (706 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 540 W | 535 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 20.92% | 20.90% | Typical | 10,014 | | Power density | 209.2 | 209.0 | Typical | 10,065 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,419 | | Weight (kg) | 26.5 kg | 28.4 kg | Strong - top 10% | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 20.92% | 20.90% | Typical | 10,014 | | Power density | 209.2 | 209.0 | Typical | 10,065 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,419 | | Weight per kWp | 49.1 | 53.0 | Strong - top 10% | 2,710 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Strengths - **49.1 kg per kWp** - Top 10% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 53.0. Ranked 2,710th in the whole database. - **Best for:** Commercial and shaded-installations. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 540 W - **Efficiency:** 20.92 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 42.15 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 12.81 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 49.90 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 13.57 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.350 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.275 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.045 %/degC - **NOCT:** 45 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Cell count:** 144 - **Bifacial:** yes ### Physical - **Length:** 2278 mm - **Width:** 1133 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 26.5 kg - **Area:** 2.58 m2 - **Power density:** 209.2 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 30 years - **Performance warranty:** 30 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 81.5 % - **First-year degradation:** 2.50 % - **Output after 30 years:** 440 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 10014 of 14005 | | Power density | 10065 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 10419 of 14005 | | Weight | 2710 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## Pros - **Kiwa PVEL Top Performer 2025** - The AURORA series has been recognized as a Top Performer in the 2025 edition of the Kiwa PVEL PV Module Reliability Scorecard report – an independent audit confirming the superior reliability of the modules in degradation, mechanical stress, and environmental resistance tests. This is one of the few industry awards based solely on laboratory results, rather than manufacturer claims. - **The only European Tier-1 project with high bankability** - AE Solar has been consistently listed on the BNEF Tier-1 list since its 16th edition (including Q1 2025), and as the only European manufacturer, it achieved a high bankability rating of 50% in 2024, compared to 26% the previous year. This translates to easier financing for PV farm projects and lower risk premiums from insurers. - **30-year product and performance warranty** - The manufacturer guarantees ≥87.4% of the nominal power after 30 years with an annual degradation of ≤0.4% (years 2–30). Comparable products from the same segment (Goldi Solar GS10-B144-TF, IBC Solar 182M, S-Energy SL65) offer similar parameters, but the AE Solar product warranty extends for 30 years, which is a distinguishing feature in the PERC half-cut segment. - **Efficiency of 20.53–21.31% with bifaciality** - The operational range of the module is identical to that of the PERC segment: Goldi Solar achieves 21.3%, IBC Solar 21.28%, S-Energy 21.3%. The MD-144BS does not lag behind these models while also featuring bifaciality with a single glass, which means an additional gain from backlighting (typically +5–15% on ground-mounted installations with a bright surface) without overloading the installation with the weight of double glass. - **Environmental resistance and protection against PID (Process Interruption Detection)** - The modules feature certified salt spray resistance tests (IEC 61701), ammonia resistance (IEC 62716), and protection against sand and dust, making them suitable for installation in coastal, agricultural, and industrial areas without additional enclosures. The integrated PID protection eliminates the risk of degradation in asymmetrical string configurations, which are common in large-scale solar farms. ## Cons - **P-type PERC – a technology that is gradually being replaced by N-type TOPCon** - In the 2025-2026 period, the market for modules above 530 W is dominated by N-type TOPCon and HJT technologies, which offer a lower temperature coefficient (typically –0.29%/°C vs. –0.35%/°C for PERC), reduced LID susceptibility, and higher bifaciality (factor >70% vs. ~60-65% for PERC single-glass). The MD-144BS is a technically sound product, but for projects planned for decades, choosing PERC may result in a slightly lower annual yield compared to newer technologies in the same price range. ## About this series The AE Solar AURORA MD-144BS series are bifacial half-cut modules designed to maximize energy yield from both direct sunlight and reflected light from the ground. This translates to increased production in ground-mounted systems, on bright roofs, and in locations where every extra percentage of yield matters without increasing the surface area. The use of **PERC** technology and a refined connection architecture improves performance under partial shading, which is a common issue on roofs with chimneys, skylights, or HVAC systems. A key feature of this series is the **bifacial** design in a single-glass variant, which simplifies logistics and installation while maintaining the benefits of back-side illumination. The modules have **high environmental resistance** (including to salt, ammonia, and sand) and **PID protection**, making them suitable for demanding operating conditions. This makes them a good choice for PV farms, large commercial roofs, and projects where stable yield and long-term profitability are priorities. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 20.9% matches the \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* median - At 209.2 W/m² power density, roof space requirements are typical for \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* panels - At -0.35%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* panels - At 26.5 kg, this panel is 1.9 kg lighter than \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* median (28.4 kg) - easier handling during installation - Bifaciality factor of 70% can add 4-10% extra yield with reflective mounting surface ## Questions ### What warranty is offered for AE Solar AURORA MD-144BS panels? The AURORA MD-144BS series comes with a 30-year product warranty and a 30-year line warranty for power output. This means that for three decades, the manufacturer guarantees a minimum power output for the module. AE Solar is a Tier 1 manufacturer based in Germany, which ensures the credibility of these warranty commitments in the context of long-term investments. ### What is the bifacial technology in the AURORA MD-144BS series, and is it worth paying extra for? Bifacial modules have active cells on both sides of the panel. The back side absorbs reflected radiation from the ground, roof, or surroundings, generating additional energy without increasing the installation area. In the case of the AURORA MD-144BS, a single-glass variant with a transparent back sheet was used, which simplifies installation and logistics compared to heavier glass-glass modules. The additional energy generated from the back side can range from a few to several dozen percent, depending on the albedo of the surface. ### Are AE Solar AURORA MD-144BS panels suitable for an industrial rooftop or a photovoltaic farm? Yes, the AURORA MD-144BS, with a power output up to 550 Wp, are modules primarily designed for commercial and solar farm installations. Their large 182 mm cell format, half-cut 144-cell arrangement, and bifacial technology maximize power generation per square meter. High resistance to snow loads (5400 Pa) and wind loads (2400 Pa), along with IEC, TÜV, and CE certifications, confirm their suitability for demanding large-scale applications. ### How does the AURORA MD-144BS series function under partial shading conditions? The half-cut cell design divides each cell in half, which reduces resistive losses and limits the impact of shading on the entire string. The PERC technology, with gallium doping, further reduces the light-induced degradation effect (LID/LeTID). In practice, this means that a chimney, skylight, or HVAC system on the roof causes a smaller drop in power production compared to traditional full-cell modules. ### Is the AE Solar AURORA MD-144BS resistant to saltwater, ammonia, and sand? Yes, the MD-144BS series has certified resistance to salt corrosion, ammonia, and sand and dust abrasion. This is important for installations near coastlines, in industrial or agricultural areas (where ammonia may be present in the air). The modules also have PID protection, which protects against degradation caused by voltage in high-voltage systems up to 1500 V. ### Is AE Solar a reliable manufacturer, and where does the AURORA MD-144BS series originate? AE Solar is a Tier 1 manufacturer, according to industry rankings, with headquarters in Germany and a long-standing presence in the European market. AURORA series modules are produced in compliance with ISO, IEC standards, and TÜV and CE certifications. The Tier 1 status indicates that the company finances its own production lines and is considered financially stable, which is important given the 30-year warranty period. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/ae-md-144bs-530w-550w-ver24-11-1-7ff04e642fce.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | -30 W, cooler, +4.1 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.9 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | +20 W, cooler, +3.9 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | -35 W, cooler, +3.8 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | +15 W, cooler, +3.7 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.6 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | -40 W, cooler, +3.6 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 375W](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-96bd-375w) | 375 W | -165 W, cooler, -6.4 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 380W](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-96bd-380w) | 380 W | -160 W, cooler, -6.2 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 385W](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-96bd-385w) | 385 W | -155 W, cooler, -6.0 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 390W](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-96bd-390w) | 390 W | -150 W, cooler, -5.8 pp | | [AE Solar AE CMD-96BD 395W](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-cmd-96bd-395w) | 395 W | -145 W, cooler, -5.6 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a650-mae72mw) | 650 W | +110 W, cooler, +4.3 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a645-mae72mw) | 645 W | +105 W, cooler, +4.1 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a640-mae72mw) | 640 W | +100 W, cooler, +3.9 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a635-mae72mw) | 635 W | +95 W, cooler, +3.7 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-md-144bs-540 Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator, a bifacial gain calculator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.