--- title: "AU Optronics ASM170M 170W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "AU Optronics ASM170M 170W solar panel. Specs: 16.00% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/au-optronics-asm170m" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # AU Optronics ASM170M Middle of its segment, weak in heat 388 panels in the 70-270 W band, all technologies ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** AU Optronics - **Model:** ASM170M - **Series:** ASM Mono - **Rated power:** 170 W - **Cell technology:** Monocrystalline ## How it compares Compared against 70-270 W band, all technologies (388 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 170 W | 188 W | Typical | | | 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 (kg) | 17.0 kg | 12.8 kg | Weak - bottom 9% | | | Performance warranty | - | 25 yrs | | | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | 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 | | | ### Watch out for - **-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. - **Not ideal for:** Hot climates, roofs where every square metre has to count and weight-limited structures. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 170 W - **Efficiency:** 16.00 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 38.16 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 4.53 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 44.12 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 4.81 A - **Max system voltage:** 1000 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.438 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.297 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.030 %/degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell count:** 72 ### Physical - **Length:** 1580 mm - **Width:** 810 mm - **Thickness:** 45 mm - **Weight:** 17.0 kg - **Area:** 1.28 m2 - **Power density:** 132.8 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 13641 of 14005 | | Power density | 13947 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 13849 of 14005 | | Weight | 13911 of 14005 | | Warranty | 13880 of 14005 | ## Pros - **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. ## Cons - **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. ## About this series 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. ## Notable figures - 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 ## Questions ### 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. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/51f628eb1f80b-bfc7e631e3c2.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M150W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m150w) | 150 W | -20 W, lighter, +7.0 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M160W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m160w) | 160 W | -10 W, lighter, +7.0 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M180W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m180w) | 180 W | +10 W, lighter, +7.0 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M200W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m200w) | 200 W | +30 W, lighter, +7.0 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M120W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m120w) | 120 W | -50 W, lighter, +7.0 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M135W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m135w) | 135 W | -35 W, lighter, +7.0 pp | | [JA Solar NS-220MH-80](https://comparepv.com/panel/ja-solar-ns-220mh-80) | 220 W | Cooler, lighter, +6.1 pp | | [PolyCrown Solar Tech NS-220MH-80](https://comparepv.com/panel/polycrown-solar-tech-ns-220mh-80) | 220 W | Cooler, lighter, +6.1 pp | | [JA Solar NS-210MH-80](https://comparepv.com/panel/ja-solar-ns-210mh-80) | 210 W | Cooler, lighter, +5.1 pp | | [PolyCrown Solar Tech NS-210MH-80](https://comparepv.com/panel/polycrown-solar-tech-ns-210mh-80) | 210 W | Cooler, lighter, +5.1 pp | | [Heckert Solar ZEUS 1.2 FullBlack 280W](https://comparepv.com/panel/heckert-solar-zeus-1-2-fullblack-280w) | 280 W | +110 W, cooler, +7.3 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M285W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m285w) | 285 W | +115 W, lighter, +7.0 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M240W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m240w) | 240 W | +70 W, lighter, +7.0 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M260W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m260w) | 260 W | +90 W, lighter, +7.0 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M270W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m270w) | 270 W | +100 W, lighter, +7.0 pp | | [DMEGC DM270M10T-B32HBT](https://comparepv.com/panel/hengdian-group-dmegc-magnetics-co-ltd-dmegc-solar-dm270m10t-b32hbt) | 270 W | +100 W, cooler, +6.9 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/au-optronics-asm170m Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.