Light for its output, no clear weak spot
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.
Ranking
Signals from the data
Commercial and shaded-installations.
Top 7% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 53.0. Ranked 2,373rd in the whole database.
Top 11% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 209.0.
Top 11% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 20.90%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- At 21.1% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical PERC 500-550W modules
- At 211.2 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
Specifications
Simulations
Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.
Model: bifaciality × albedo × 0.6 view factor. A first-order estimate, not a yield simulation.
Found 2326 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 2368 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 2382 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 2547 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here