--- title: "AE Solar ME-120BD-600W Solar Panel: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "AE Solar ME-120BD-600W solar panel. Specs: 21.23% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-me-120bd-600w" image: "https://comparepv.com/og/panel/ae-solar-me-120bd-600w.png" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # AE Solar ME-120BD-600W Middle of its segment, heavy for its output 217 panels in the segment PERC 600-650 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** AE Solar - **Model:** ME-120BD-600W - **Series:** AURORA (ME-120BD) - **Rated power:** 600 W - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 600-650 W (217 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 600 W | 605 W | Weak - bottom 16% | | | Module efficiency | 21.23% | 21.38% | Typical | 9,125 | | Power density | 212.3 | 213.8 | Typical | 9,139 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.340 | -0.340 | Typical | 8,846 | | Weight (kg) | 35.0 kg | 34.0 kg | Weak - bottom 21% | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 21.23% | 21.38% | Typical | 9,125 | | Power density | 212.3 | 213.8 | Typical | 9,139 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.340 | -0.340 | Typical | 8,846 | | Weight per kWp | 58.3 | 55.7 | Weak - bottom 21% | 11,757 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Watch out for - **58.3 kg per kWp** - Bottom 21% of the PERC 600-650 W segment, against a median of 55.7. - **Best for:** Commercial, utility-scale and shaded-installations. - **Not ideal for:** Weight-limited structures. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 600 W - **Efficiency:** 21.23 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 34.40 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 17.44 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 41.50 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 18.52 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.340 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.250 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.040 %/degC - **NOCT:** 43 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Cell count:** 120 - **Bifacial:** yes ### Physical - **Length:** 2171 mm - **Width:** 1302 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 35.0 kg - **Area:** 2.83 m2 - **Power density:** 212.3 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:** 489 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 9125 of 14129 | | Power density | 9139 of 14129 | | Temperature coefficient | 8846 of 14129 | | Weight | 11757 of 14129 | | Warranty | 21 of 14129 | ## Pros - **The only European Tier-1 BNEF manufacturer** - AE Solar (headquartered in Germany, founded in 2003) has been listed on BNEF's Tier-1 ranking for over 16 quarters and is the only European manufacturer in BNEF's 2024 bankability ranking, where its indicator has increased from 26% (2023) to 50% (2024). This directly translates to easier financing of projects by banks and a higher residual value for the installations. - **30-year product and performance warranty** - The manufacturer guarantees ≥87% of the rated power after 30 years of operation for both warranty components - product warranty and linear power warranty. Comparable models from the competition (e.g., Talesun BISTAR TP7F78M) typically offer a 25-year power warranty, making the ME-120BD more advantageous in long-term utility and commercial projects. - **Double-glass, bifacial design** - Bifacial modules with a back-facing glass achieve a bifaciality factor of approximately 70%, allowing for additional energy generation from reflected light (particularly on bright surfaces such as concrete, light membranes, or snow). The double-glass construction eliminates the risk of degradation from the back sheet and improves resistance to mechanical loads and corrosion. - **Ga-doped PERC half-cut - limited LID (light induced degradation)** - The use of gallium doping in mono-PERC cells reduces the LID (Light-Induced Degradation) effect, which in traditional boron-doped PERC cells can range from 1-2% in the first year. The half-cut (120-cell) configuration reduces resistive losses and improves performance under partial shading compared to full-cell predecessors in the same power class. ## Cons - **The product line has been discontinued.** - The ME-120BD series has been discontinued, which means limited and declining market availability, no further production of the model, and a potential difficulty in replacing a faulty module under warranty after 10-15 years. This is a significant concern for projects that require expansion or long-term technical support. - **PERC technology is losing ground to TOPCon technology.** - Direct equivalents in the 580-600Wp segment - Tongwei TWMND N-type (23.2% efficiency) and Lexron 144 CELL TOPCon (23.23%) - achieve approximately 2% higher module efficiency, a higher bifaciality ratio (~85% vs ~70%), and a more favorable temperature coefficient (-0.30 vs -0.35%/°C for PERC). Field tests in 2025 are expected to show approximately 1.5-2.5% higher annual energy yield with TOPCon under the same mounting conditions. ## About this series The AE Solar AURORA (ME-120BD) series is designed to maximize energy yield in locations where every square meter and long-term stability are crucial. These are **bifacial** modules that can utilize not only direct sunlight, but also light reflected from the ground - allowing the installation to produce more energy under the same conditions. The use of a **double-glass** construction enhances resistance to environmental factors and minor damage, which is important for roofs exposed to wind, hail, or significant temperature fluctuations. Mono-PERC cells with gallium doping, along with a **half-cut** design, help reduce losses and improve performance under partial shading, typical in homes with chimneys or commercial installations on roofs. The ME-120BD series is suitable for modern roof and ground-mounted projects, especially where durability, better performance in diffuse light, and predictable energy yield over the entire lifespan are important. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 21.2% matches the \*\*PERC 600-650W\*\* median - Power density of 212.3 W/m² matches the \*\*PERC 600-650W\*\* median - At -0.34%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*PERC 600-650W\*\* panels - At 35.0 kg, weight matches the \*\*PERC 600-650W\*\* median - Bifaciality factor of 70% can add 4-10% extra yield with reflective mounting surface ## Questions ### Is the AE Solar AURORA ME-120BD series still available for sale? The AE Solar AURORA ME-120BD series has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer actively distributed. Individual units may still be available from distributors with previous stock, but purchasing a new installation based on this series is now difficult. If you are looking for a module with similar specifications, you should consider the current AE Solar Aurora series in newer versions. ### What does it mean that the AE Solar AURORA ME-120BD panel is bifacial, and does this actually increase production in a real-world scenario? Bifaciality means that the ME-120BD module generates energy from both the front (direct sunlight) and the back (reflected sunlight from the ground, such as a light membrane, gravel, or snow). In practice, with the appropriate surface and mounting angle, it is possible to achieve up to 5% to even 15% more energy compared to a standard monofacial panel with the same rated power. ### What is the warranty on AE Solar AURORA ME-120BD panels? The manufacturer offers a 30-year product warranty (for physical defects and workmanship) as well as a 30-year performance warranty. This ensures that the panel should maintain a specific level of performance throughout this period, and any material defects are covered by replacement or repair. This is one of the longest warranties available on the market for photovoltaic modules. ### Does the double-glass construction in the ME-120BD series offer any advantages in terms of durability on a Polish roof? Yes, having a glass on both sides (instead of a rear film) significantly increases resistance to moisture, hail, and large daily temperature fluctuations, which are typical of the Polish climate. It also eliminates the risk of the rear laminate cracking, which can occur in traditional modules after several years on roofs exposed to strong winds or heavy snow loads. The ME-120BD panel weighs approximately 35 kg, which should be considered when planning the supporting structure. ### Do half-cut cells in AE Solar AURORA ME-120BD improve performance when the panels are partially shaded by a chimney or antenna? Yes. A 120-cell half-cut module divides the panel into two independent circuits. Shading of one half of the panel (e.g., by a chimney or antenna) does not completely block the other, which reduces energy losses. When combined with mono PERC technology and gallium-doped cells, they are also more resistant to LID degradation and maintain performance throughout the warranty period. ### What is the maximum power output of the AE Solar AURORA ME-120BD series panels, and which types of installations are they best suited for? The ME-120BD series was available in versions up to 600 Wp, with a module efficiency of 21.23%. Its large dimensions (2171 x 1302 mm) and high individual power make it particularly suitable for ground-mounted and large commercial building rooftops, where maximizing power generation from available space is crucial. For smaller residential rooftops, more compact modules with smaller dimensions may be a better option. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/ae-me-120bd-580w-600w-sc-11-5-ver25-9-1-8e9e6c2ac0f9.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [AIKO AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a650-mae72mw) | 650 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.0 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a645-mae72mw) | 645 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.8 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.6 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a640-mae72mw) | 640 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.6 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.4 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a635-mae72mw) | 635 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.4 pp | | [AE Solar AE ME-120 580](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-me-120-580) | 580 W | -20 W, lighter, -0.7 pp | | [AE Solar AE ME-120 585](https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-ae-me-120-585) | 585 W | -15 W, lighter, -0.5 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210N120](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210n120) | 680 W | +80 W, lighter, +2.8 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210N120-675](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210n120-675) | 675 W | +75 W, lighter, +2.6 pp | | [Q-SUN Solar QN-670HJT-01](https://comparepv.com/panel/q-sun-solar-qn-670hjt-01) | 670 W | +70 W, cooler, +2.5 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210N120-670](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210n120-670) | 670 W | +70 W, lighter, +2.4 pp | | [Q-SUN Solar QN-665HJT-01](https://comparepv.com/panel/q-sun-solar-qn-665hjt-01) | 665 W | +65 W, cooler, +2.3 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210N120-665](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210n120-665) | 665 W | +65 W, lighter, +2.3 pp | | [Sunpro Power SPDG660-N120M12](https://comparepv.com/panel/sunpro-spdg660-n120m12) | 660 W | +60 W, cooler, +2.1 pp | | [Phono Solar NS-660MH-120](https://comparepv.com/panel/phono-solar-ns-660mh-120) | 660 W | +60 W, cooler, +2.1 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/ae-solar-me-120bd-600w Not in this file, on the page: the I-V and temperature curves lifted from the manufacturer's datasheet, a thirty-year output simulator, a bifacial gain calculator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.