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Canadian Solar Panels: High Efficiency and Value
Canadian Solar Incorporated was founded in 2001 by Dr. Shawn Qu, in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Five years later, in November 2006, Canadian Solar became publicly traded on Nasdaq with the symbol CSIQ at $15 per share.
Today, Canadian Solar is one of the largest manufacturers of solar components on the planet with a presence in 6 continents and over 23 countries, with 14,000 employees worldwide.
Canadian Solar has an annual production capacity of 25 GW making a variety of solar products for both grid tied and off grid residential systems as well as components for large commercial and utility scale power systems.
Canadian Solar is unique among solar module manufacturers in that it has a vertical integrated company structure. Ingots, silicon wafers, and solar cells are created from raw materials. These components are assembled into solar panels and sold in 160 countries around the globe.
Who is Canadian Solar
Over two decades ago, in a small Ontario town, Canadian Solar founder, chairman and CEO Dr. Shawn Qu embarked on a bold mission: to foster sustainable development and to create a better and cleaner earth for future generations by bringing electricity powered by the sun to millions of people worldwide.
In March 2020 the Research and Development group at Canadian Solar created an n-type multicrystalline silicon solar cell that tested at 23.81% efficiency, setting a new world record.
Guelph, Ontario still serves as the company's world headquarters and while most of the company's manufacturing takes place in China, the Guelph manufacturing facilities still maintain a production capacity of over 500 MW per year.
Global sourcing of labor and materials allows Canadian Solar to rank among the lowest price points of tier 1 panels, coming in at a pre-installation cost of only .69/watt. If you are looking for a North American solar company that packs a lot of value modules, consider taking a closer look at Canadian Solar solar panels.
Canadian Solar is a huge company offering a large variety of products. For residential applications, in the US, Canadian Solar offers the HiKu and HiDM lines. In Texas, the most used is the HiKu line. The HiKu panel can use either poly crystalline or monocrystalline silicon cells in configurations of 108, 120, 132, or 144 half-cells.
Canadian Solar Panels by the Numbers
Canadian Solar offers a variety of solar panels perfectly suited for common residential grid-tied systems as well as off grid residential systems.
Canadian Solar Hiku panels feature a 182 mm silicon wafer and dual cell PERC technology, resulting in a 2.7% increase in energy yield, over the course of the module's lifetime.
The industry trend across manufacturers in the US has been changing from the “tic-tac-toe” pattern of the past toward a generation of more aesthetically pleasing, all black(BoB) panels. In response to market demand, Canadian Solar has released the Hiku6 Mono PERC Black series with power ratings from 380 to 405 watts.
We will focus first on the Canadian Solar Hiku6 Mono PERC 395 Watt Black as it is newly released in the Texas residential solar market.
Canadian Solar Hiku6 Monocrystalline PERC 395 Watt Black
The Canadian Solar Hiku6 Monocrystalline PERC 395-Watt Black module has a power max output of 395 W.
These latest generation of all black monocrystalline modules creates an appealing, sleek solar display on the roof.
In independent third-party testing, all Hiku6 Mono PERC Black models tested at or above their reported electrical output. Some panels produced as much as 10 watts over their reported rating. The report indicates some of the 395-watt panels tested near or at 405W production potential level. This is especially encouraging, not only for overall electricity production, but also when figuring future rates of degradation.
The Hiku6 Mono PERC 395 W Black also features a very respectable rate of degradation, guaranteed not to exceed 2% during the first year and less than 0.55% each subsequent to year 25.
*The Canadian Solar Hiku Mono PERC series is also available in a traditional white model with a white back sheet. While this model received high marks in all categories, reviews did note that the panels looked dated and were less aesthetically pleasing compared to the much sleeker Canadian Solar Hiku6 Mono PERC all Black series.
Specification
Power output
Efficiency rating
Cell Type
Power tolarence
Front & back load
Warranty
Hiku Black Mono PERC CS 395W
395 W
20.2 %
monocrystalline
-0(+10W)
5400 Pa-2400 Pa
12 year defect and workmanship
25-year production warranty
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Canadian Solar Panels Efficiency
Canadian Solar Hiku6 Mono PERC Black series solar module’s efficiency ratings range between 19.5% and 20.7%. This places them quite high in average solar panel efficiency. The Hiku6 line achieves these levels through its featured 182 mm wafer, 156 / 144 dual cells, and PERC technology.
Canadian Power Tolerance Rating
Power tolerance refers to the amount of electricity it will produce either above or below its rated power capacity at Standard Test Conditions (STC). The smaller the power tolerance deviation or range, the more accurate the rated power capacity is.
Canadian Solar modules have a power tolerance of +10W or about +2.5%
This means Canadian Solar panels will, at minimum, operate at their rated capacity, However, these panels have exceeded, by as much as 10 watts or approximately 2.5% of rated capacity.
For example, a Canadian Solar panel rated at 395 W will operate anywhere from 395 W to 405 W (or approximately 2.5% higher than the 395 w) under STC.
With a -0% tolerance rating, the Canadian Solar Hiku6 Mono PERC Black 395 W panel operates at, or above, 395 W. These performance scores are just one of the reasons Canadian Solar has become a top choice for Texas solar consumers.
Canadian Temperature Coefficient
Solar panels perform best at 77°F(25°C). Obviously, Texas temperatures will far exceed 77°F for long portions of the year. A solar panel’s temperature coefficient is a measurement indicating how well a specific model of solar panel will perform outside of ideal operating conditions. Knowing a panel’s temperature coefficient and the temperature of the panel will allow you to predict your panel’s performance during the dog days of summer.
Temperature coefficients are calculated in Celsius. With each degree above 77°F(25°C) a given solar panel’s electric output will be diminished by its temperature coefficients.
Using the above methodology, the Hiku Black Mono PERC CS 395W panel has a temperature coefficient of -0.34%/°C. When this panel’s temperature increases by one degree, from 25°C to 26°C (77° F to 79° F), expect a 0.34% reduction in potential electric output.
When it's July and August in Texas and temperatures climb to 95° F/35° C, expect electric output to decrease by 3.4%. When the hottest summer days drive the mercury into the triple digits, 113° F/ 45° C, the Hiku Black Mono PERC CS 395W will decrease approximately 6.8%.
Canadian Solar Panels Performance Testing
HiKu is a High Power Dual Cell PERC Module, meaning all Hiku solar panels produce up to 30% more power than other solar panels. They can also compensate for lack of light by offering a greater efficiency at low iridescence. You can essentially install these modules in places where other panels will not perform.
Canadian Solar Hiku solar panels also have dual cell technology, which provides better shade tolerance and reduces losses by up to 50%.
Comprehensive LID / LeTID mitigation\technology, up to 50% lower degradation
Warranty Canadian Solar Panel
HiKu warranty
12-Years Enhanced Product Warranty on Materials and Workmanship*
Canadian Solar’s HiKu line includes a standard product warranty against material defects and workmanship for 12 years.
25-Year Linear Power Performance Warranty
Additionally, Canadian Solar panels are covered by a 25-year performance guarantee, that the panel will produce a minimum of 98% of their rated power after 1 year, with a maximum degradation rate of 0.55% annually, through the 25th year.
Canadian’s HiKu solar panels have a significantly lower price point than the average price of Tier 1 solar panels in Texas.
We rank Canadian Solar panels a solid solar value, especially considering their lower price point and high-efficiency rating.
Are Canadian Solar Modules A Good Fit For You?
Canadian Solar has a 20+ year history of making excellent products and backing them up with warranties that meet or exceed the industry standards. So you can rest assured they will be here to back future warranties as well.
Key takeaways
- Canadian Solar is headquartered in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, with manufacturing facilities in China, Taiwan, Canada, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia among others.
- Canadian Solar is one of the 5 biggest solar panel manufacturers in the world, with 20 years in business.
- The company’s residential solar panel lines are HiKu and HiDM, giving homeowners options in terms of performance and price.
- The HiKu product line is ideal for homeowners with limited roof space since the panels have high efficiency ratings. They also offer a better temperature coefficient.
- The solar panel warranties offered by Canadian Solar meet or exceed the standard of the industry, and the company’s financial performance indicates they’ll be around to back those warranties up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Canadian Solar offers a diverse selection of solar panels, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and bifacial modules. These panels vary in efficiency, power output, and cost, providing customers with various options to suit their specific needs.
Yes, Canadian Solar is known for producing high-quality and reliable solar panels. Their products undergo rigorous testing and quality control measures to ensure they meet international standards for performance and durability.
Yes, Canadian Solar offers a warranty on their solar panels. The specific Solar warranty details may vary depending on the product model, but typically, their panels come with a 10 to 25-year linear power output warranty and a 10 to 15-year product warranty.
Yes,The efficiency of Canadian Solar panels depends on the model chosen. Generally, their monocrystalline panels tend to have higher efficiency compared to polycrystalline ones. Efficiency can range up to 20% or higher for their premium models.
Yes, Canadian Solar offers solar panels specifically designed for residential applications. These panels are available in various sizes and power outputs, making them suitable for homes of different sizes and energy needs.
Yes, Canadian Solar panels are designed to be compatible with most standard solar systems, making it relatively easy to expand your system in the future if your energy needs change.
Solar Home Review is happy to put you in contact with a reputable Canadian Solar installer in your area. Simply complete the qucik solar questionaire on our website and we will get you in contact with the right installers.
Canadian Solar primarily focuses on manufacturing solar panels and related components. However, Solar Home Review works with a network of certified installers and partners who can provide installation services for their products.
Canadian Solar panels are designed for minimal maintenance. Regularly cleaning the panels with water and a soft brush is usually sufficient to keep them operating efficiently. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals during cleaning.
Solar incentives and rebates can vary by location and change over time. It's advisable to check with a solar specailist in your area to see if there are any incentives available for installing solar panels, including those from Canadian Solar.