Gersthofen, Germany, November 2026 — AESOLAR today announced the launch of Meteor Gen 3, a new series of TOPCon quarter-cut PV modules. By dividing each N-type TOPCon cell into four, Meteor Gen 3 reaches up to 670W and 24.80% module efficiency. The series comes in three models for utility, C&I and residential projects: CMEQ-66BDS, CMEQ-48BDE and CMEQ-48BDS. All three retain the module dimensions of the previous Meteor generation.
Meteor Gen 3 is the latest step in a product line that AESOLAR has developed one cell format at a time. The first generation, the CMD series, established AESOLAR's N-type TOPCon platform. The second, the CMER series, moved to rectangular G12R cells to make better use of the module area. The third, the CMEQ series, now takes the cell itself further. The effect is measurable in the same footprint. The CMEQ-66BDS delivers up to 40W more than the CMER-132BDS in the same 2382 × 1134 mm format, and module efficiency rises from 23.34% to 24.80%. In the 1762 × 1133 mm format, the CMEQ-48BDE and CMEQ-48BDS add 35W and 25W respectively over their Gen 2 counterparts.
"Every generation of Meteor has started from the same engineering question: how much more energy can one module deliver?" said Zi, marketing manager of AESOLAR. "Meteor Gen 3, the solution comes from inside the cell. By dividing each cell into four, we lower the current, reduce losses and add power within the frame sizes our partners already build with."
The advantage of the quarter-cut design begins with a basic electrical principle: resistive loss rises with the square of the current (P = I²R). A quarter-cut cell carries half the current of a half-cut cell, along a shorter path, so the loss in each conductor segment of equal resistance falls to a quarter. More of the energy generated in the cell reaches the module output, and less is converted into heat in the cells and interconnects. This is reflected in a temperature coefficient of -0.26 %/°C across all three models, compared with -0.29 %/°C in the previous generation, which helps the modules hold their output on hot days.
The smaller cell format also strengthens the module mechanically. Smaller cell segments are less exposed to mechanical stress and keep any micro-crack contained to a smaller area. As a result, a single abnormal cell affects only 0.37% of system output.* Together with 85 ± 5% bifaciality and 88.85% of power retained after 30 years, Meteor Gen 3 is engineered for higher energy yield over the full life of a project. More power per module also means fewer modules per megawatt and more capacity on a limited roof or site, which helps lower the levelised cost of energy.
Meteor Gen 3 joins the existing Meteor range rather than replacing it, and the Meteor CME-132BDS remains AESOLAR's highest-power format at up to 730W. The first Meteor Gen 3 production run has been allocated to project partners. Developers, EPCs and distributors can register for the next allocation at sales@ae-solar.com. Datasheets are available at https://ae-solar.com/products/Meteor.
About AESOLAR
AESOLAR is a globally active Tier 1 photovoltaic module manufacturer headquartered in Gersthofen, Germany. Founded in 2003, the company combines German engineering heritage with worldwide manufacturing and distribution capabilities. Rated BloombergNEF Tier 1, Wood Mackenzie Grade A, AESOLAR serves customers in over 100 countries across utility, commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential applications, with a portfolio spanning PV modules, inverters and energy storage.
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