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AE Solar MD-144BS-550

MD-144BS-550

550 Wp PERC Bifacial 70%
ComparePV verdict

Light for its output, no clear weak spot

Rank 3,047 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
550
Weak · bottom 15%
Efficiency (%)
21.31
Typical · median 21.29%
Density (Wp/m²)
213.1
Typical · median 212.9
Temp (%/°C)
-0.350
Typical · median -0.350
Weight (kg)
26.5
Strong · 4.3 kg below median
Warranty (yrs)
30
Strong · top 25%

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

589 panels in the segment PERC 550-600 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 21.31% 21.29% Typical 8,503
Power density 213.1 212.9 Typical 8,474
Temperature coefficient -0.350 -0.350 Typical 10,419
Weight per kWp 48.2 52.7 Strong · top 5% 2,087
Performance warranty 30 yrs 27 yrs Strong · top 25% 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

7 positive · 1 caution
Best for

Commercial and shaded-installations.

Strengths
48.2 kg per kWp

Top 5% of the PERC 550-600 W segment, against a median of 52.7. Ranked 2,087th in the whole database.

30 year performance warranty

Top 25% of the PERC 550-600 W segment, against a median of 27 yrs.

What owners get
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.

Trade-offs
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.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 21.3% matches the PERC 550-600W median
  • At 213.1 W/m² power density, roof space requirements are typical for PERC 550-600W panels
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C matches the PERC 550-600W median
  • 26.5 kg weight - 4.3 kg lighter than PERC 550-600W median (30.8 kg), reducing installation effort
  • Bifaciality factor of 70% can add 4-10% extra yield with reflective mounting surface

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 550 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 21.31 % Typical Segment median 21.29%
Vmpp · Impp 42.57 V · 12.92 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 51.44 V · 13.67 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2278×1133×30 mm · 2.58 m² of roof
Weight 26.5 kg Strong Strong · 4.3 kg below median
Cells 144 · 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 30 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 30 years Strong top 25% · median 27 yrs
End-of-warranty output 81.5 % Equals 449 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.50 % First year

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-144BS-550 550 W 21.31% -0.350 26.5 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg -40 W, cooler, +3.7 pp
LR7-60HVH-560M 560 W 24.80% -0.260 25.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.5 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg -45 W, cooler, +3.4 pp
LR7-60HVH-555M 555 W 24.60% -0.260 25.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.3 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg -50 W, cooler, +3.2 pp
AE CMD-96BD 375W 375 W 14.53% -0.290 31.0 kg -175 W, cooler, -6.8 pp
AE CMD-96BD 380W 380 W 14.72% -0.290 31.0 kg -170 W, cooler, -6.6 pp
AE CMD-96BD 385W 385 W 14.92% -0.290 31.0 kg -165 W, cooler, -6.4 pp
AE CMD-96BD 390W 390 W 15.11% -0.290 31.0 kg -160 W, cooler, -6.2 pp
AE CMD-96BD 395W 395 W 15.30% -0.290 31.0 kg -155 W, cooler, -6.0 pp
AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw 650 W 25.20% -0.260 27.0 kg +100 W, cooler, +3.9 pp
AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw 645 W 25.00% -0.260 27.0 kg +95 W, cooler, +3.7 pp
AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw 640 W 24.80% -0.260 27.0 kg +90 W, cooler, +3.5 pp
AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw 635 W 24.60% -0.260 27.0 kg +85 W, cooler, +3.3 pp
AIKO-A630-MAH72Dw 630 W 24.40% -0.260 32.5 kg +80 W, cooler, +3.1 pp

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

Common questions

6 answered
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.
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