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AU Optronics Brand review

ASM170M

170 Wp Monocrystalline
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, weak in heat

Rank 13,973 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
170
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
16.00
Typical · median 16.01%
Density (Wp/m²)
132.8
Weak · bottom 6%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.438
Weak · bottom 5%
Weight (kg)
17.0
Weak · 4.2 kg above median
Warranty (yrs)
-
Not published

The AU Optronics ASM Mono solar panel series is a solution designed to maximize energy yields with limited mounting space. The use of advanced monocrystalline cell technology with high-purity silicon ensures that these modules are characterized by significantly higher efficiency than standard market products. A key differentiator of the series is its exceptional resistance to potential-induced degradation (PID), which translates into long-term power production stability and investment security. These panels effectively solve the problem of inefficient solar energy utilization in low-light conditions, offering stable operation even on cloudy days. Thanks to the use of an anti-reflective glass coating and precisely designed cell architecture, light energy is absorbed more efficiently, minimizing reflection losses. It is an ideal choice for private and business investors seeking reliability in harsh conditions - these modules show high resistance to salt mist and high humidity. Compared to the competition, AU Optronics ASM Mono focuses on rigorous quality tests exceeding industry standards, ensuring trouble-free operation in the variable Polish climate. It is a premium class product, combining innovation with real operational savings.

Ranking

388 panels in the 70-270 W band, all technologies
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 16.00% 16.01% Typical 13,641
Power density 132.8 160.0 Weak · bottom 6% 13,947
Temperature coefficient -0.438 -0.370 Weak · bottom 5% 13,849
Weight per kWp 100.0 69.8 Weak · bottom 9% 13,911
Performance warranty - 25 yrs Not published 13,880
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

4 positive · 5 caution
Not ideal for

Hot climates, roofs where every square metre has to count and weight-limited structures.

Watch-outs
-0.438 %/°C temperature coefficient

Bottom 5% of the 70-270 W band, against a median of -0.370. Ranked 13,849th in the whole database.

132.8 watts per square metre

Bottom 6% of the 70-270 W band, against a median of 160.0. Ranked 13,947th in the whole database.

100.0 kg per kWp

Bottom 9% of the 70-270 W band, against a median of 69.8. Ranked 13,911th in the whole database.

What owners get
Tier-1 bankability (according to BNEF)

AU Optronics is listed on BloombergNEF's Tier-1 list, which means it meets the criterion of securing financing for 6 projects ≥10 MW from 6 independent banks. This is a significant guarantee of the manufacturer's financial viability and service availability for investors and financial institutions investing in PV installations, covering a 25-year horizon.

Diamond-class PID resistance

AUO claims PID resistance comparable to Diamond – degradation below 1% after a 1000-hour PID test according to IEC 62804. In Polish conditions, with TN-C-S installations (without negative grounding), this represents a real advantage over modules without certified PID resistance.

More than 28 years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing

AUO has been operating since 1996 as a manufacturer of advanced semiconductors (TFT-LCD, solar cells) in Taiwan. Its long history of production translates into stable control over the quality of silicon wafers and documented testing processes that exceed minimum IEC standards.

The ASM170M is a solar panel manufactured by Australian Solar Manufacturing (ASM).

Within the segment of small, monocrystalline modules with 170 Wp at 16% efficiency, AUO ASM Mono directly competes with Australian Solar Manufacturing ASM170M (170 Wp, 16%) – which confirms that its parameters meet the real market benchmark for this product class.

Trade-offs
Efficiency of 16% vs. 17.1% for the competition

JA Solar P2 and MY Solar P2 achieve an efficiency of 17.1% at the same power output of 170 Wp, which means that an AUO ASM Mono panel requires an area of approximately 1.06 m² compared to approximately 0.99 m² for competitors – a difference of about 6.8%. In installations with limited roof space, this directly reduces the maximum possible system power.

Only one power rating available (170 Wp).

The series offers only one power rating – 170 Wp. The lack of modules in the range of, for example, 175–185 Wp limits the flexibility of designers when optimizing string configurations and matching them to inverters with higher MPP points.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 16.0% is 5.8pp below the database median (21.8%)
  • Power density of 132.8 W/m² is 85.3 W/m² below database median (218.1 W/m²) - needs more roof space
  • At -0.44%/°C, loses 0.14pp more power per degree than database median (-0.30%/°C)
  • Weight of 17.0 kg (9.5 kg below database median of 26.5 kg) allows easier transport and roof mounting
  • #13641 for efficiency, #13849 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 170 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 16.00 % Typical Segment median 16.01%
Vmpp · Impp 38.16 V · 4.53 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 44.12 V · 4.81 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1000 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1580×810×45 mm · 1.28 m² of roof
Weight 17.0 kg Weak Weak · 4.2 kg above median
Cells 72 Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.438 %/°C Weak bottom 5% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.297 · 0.030 %/°C

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
-

Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.

Heat losses
-0.438 %/°C against a segment median of -0.370
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
AU Optronics ASM170M 170 W 16.00% -0.438 17.0 kg You are here
GKA182M150W 150 W 23.00% - 9.0 kg -20 W, lighter, +7.0 pp
GKA182M160W 160 W 23.00% - 9.0 kg -10 W, lighter, +7.0 pp
GKA182M180W 180 W 23.00% - 9.0 kg +10 W, lighter, +7.0 pp
GKA182M200W 200 W 23.00% - 9.0 kg +30 W, lighter, +7.0 pp
GKA182M120W 120 W 23.00% - 6.1 kg -50 W, lighter, +7.0 pp
GKA182M135W 135 W 23.00% - 6.1 kg -35 W, lighter, +7.0 pp
NS-220MH-80 220 W 22.06% -0.290 10.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +6.1 pp
NS-220MH-80 220 W 22.06% -0.290 10.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +6.1 pp
NS-210MH-80 210 W 21.06% -0.290 10.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +5.1 pp
NS-210MH-80 210 W 21.06% -0.290 10.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +5.1 pp
ZEUS 1.2 FullBlack 280W 280 W 23.31% -0.260 14.3 kg +110 W, cooler, +7.3 pp
GKA182M285W 285 W 23.00% - 10.8 kg +115 W, lighter, +7.0 pp
GKA182M240W 240 W 23.00% - 10.8 kg +70 W, lighter, +7.0 pp
GKA182M260W 260 W 23.00% - 10.8 kg +90 W, lighter, +7.0 pp
GKA182M270W 270 W 23.00% - 10.8 kg +100 W, lighter, +7.0 pp
DM270M10T-B32HBT 270 W 22.90% -0.290 15.3 kg +100 W, cooler, +6.9 pp

Found 20 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 20 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 35 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 45 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
What is the warranty on AU Optronics ASM Mono panels?
AU Optronics ASM monochrome panels are covered by the manufacturer's standard product warranty for materials and workmanship (typically 10-12 years), as well as a linear warranty for power for 25 years, with a minimum of 85% of the nominal power remaining at the end of the period. As a Tier 1 manufacturer based in Taiwan, AU Optronics is a financially stable company, which in practice means that warranty claims are likely to be honored.
What is PID resistance, and does the ASM Mono series have it?
PID (Potential Induced Degradation) refers to the degradation of solar cells caused by voltage differences within the system, particularly a concern in high-voltage DC systems. The AU Optronics ASM Mono series is designed with built-in PID protection, which means that the long-term power loss due to this effect is minimized. This is especially important in string inverters without optimizers, where the cells operate at the full string voltage.
Will AU Optronics ASM Mono 170W panels be suitable for a small roof or in a space with limited mounting area?
Yes, a power output of 170 W, combined with monocrystalline technology, results in higher efficiency per square meter compared to cheaper polycrystalline panels of the same size. The ASM Mono series is specifically designed for installations with limited space, where maximizing energy generation from each square meter of roof is a priority.
How do AU Optronics ASM monochrome panels perform on cloudy days or in low-light conditions?
Monocrystalline high-purity cells used in the ASM Mono series exhibit a better response at low light intensity compared to polycrystalline cells. The anti-reflective coating on the glass further increases the absorption of scattered light. In practice, this means a more stable power output in typical Polish weather conditions, which often include many cloudy days.
Is the ASM Mono series suitable for installation near the sea or in a humid climate?
Yes, AU Optronics' ASM Mono panels have been proven to be resistant to both saline mist and high humidity, making them a suitable choice for coastal or high-humidity environments. AU Optronics, as a manufacturer based in Taiwan, has been designing its modules for the harsh environmental conditions typical of East Asia for many years, which translates into the durability of the products.
Why is AU Optronics considered a Tier 1 manufacturer, and what does this mean for the buyer?
A Tier 1 status awarded by independent agencies (such as Bloomberg NEF) indicates that AU Optronics meets stringent criteria for financial stability, production scale, and quality control. For the buyer, this guarantees that the manufacturer will remain in business throughout the warranty period and that the modules have passed tests exceeding standard industry norms. This directly translates to the security of a long-term investment in a photovoltaic system.
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