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In this Canadian Solar review, we’ll take an in-depth look into this leading solar panel manufacturer. You’ll find an overview of the company, how it compares to others in the market, and in-depth reviews of Canadian solar panels. By the end, you’ll be able to decide with confidence whether they can fulfil your renewable energy needs or not.
Canadian Solar Company Overview
Canadian Solar was founded in 2001 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, by Shawn Qu. While the company is still headquartered in Guelph, it now has subsidiaries in 24 countries across six continents. It also has 26 manufacturing facilities in the Americas and Asia, with over 13,000 employees as of 2020.
The company itself primarily manufactures solar PV (photovoltaic) modules. However, it’s also involved in a number of large-scale utility solar projects, especially through its subsidiaries, like Recurrent Energy.
Canadian Solar is a publicly traded company that made its debut on NASDAQ in 2006. The company brought in revenue of $7.47 billion in 2022.
The company has already had a massive global impact in the renewable energy space. It claims to have made over 118GW in solar module shipments and over 4.GWh in battery storage shipments to customers in over 160 countries. It has 27.3GW in its current project pipeline, with more bound up in its subsidiaries.
Canadian Solar products
Canadian Solar panels form the core of its product line. Below are some of its most notable solar module ranges and their key specifications:
All-Black
| Product code | CS6R |
| Power output | 380W-405W |
| Efficiency | Up to 20.7% |
| Solar Cell Technology | All Black Mono Perc |
| Warranty | 25-year linear performance warranty, 12-year product warranty |
| Price | Estimated from €0.133/Wp |
These Canadian solar panels are designed with a minimalist black appearance and hidden busbars. They have smaller power outputs and efficiencies than some of the other ranges. This makes them best suited to residential installations where aesthetics are more important than maximum performance.
Developed to be easy to install in tighter spaces or special arrangements, the All-Black design also comes in a 108 TOPCon cell (420W-440W) variant for slightly more demanding applications.
These high-tech solar modules come with LID/LeTID mitigation technology, which results in up to 50% lower degradation.
HiKu6
| Power output | 395W-560W |
| Efficiency | Up to 21.8% |
| Solar Cell Technology | Mono Perc |
| Warranty | 25-year linear performance warranty, 12-year product warranty |
| Price | Estimated from €0.120/Wp |
The HiKu6 series offers slightly improved performance at the cost of the all-black aesthetic. These entry-level modules come in three ranges: 108, 120, and 144 mono cell lineups. These panels have widespread appeal thanks to the balance of performance and affordability they offer.
Like the All-Black range, the HiKu6 features LID/LeTID mitigation technology for lower degradation. These panels are also designed for greater shade tolerance so that there’s less of a performance hit in less well-lit areas. However, permanent shade is not tolerated and will void the warranty.
These Canadian Solar panels are a smart investment for both residential and smaller-scale commercial situations.
TOPHiKu6
| Power output | 425W-625W |
| Efficiency | Up to 23.2% |
| Solar Cell Technology | N-type TOPCon Technology |
| Warranty | 30-year linear performance warranty, 12-year product warranty |
| Price | Estimated from €0.135/Wp |
These represent the most affordable Canadian Solar panels using its advanced N-type TOPCon solar cell technology. As you can see, they offer a marked improvement in both cell efficiency and maximum power output.
Its high efficiency and robust power output cater specifically to settings demanding a high energy yield with minimal space, maximising the return on investment for large-scale solar grids.
This may not be the most cost-effective solution for home use. However, it excels at larger-scale use cases, such as commercial rooftops, industrial installations, utility-scale projects, or agricultural installations.
BiHiKu6
| Power output | 530W-555W |
| Efficiency | Up to 21.5% |
| Solar Cell Technology | Bifacial Mono Perc |
| Warranty | 30-year linear performance warranty, 12-year product warranty |
| Price | Estimated from €0.155/Wp |
The BiHiKu6 range is designed for the ideal cost-to-performance ratio, catering to utility power plants and other industrial applications. Thanks to their highly efficient design, these panels provide up to 12.3% lower LCOE and up to 5.2 % lower system cost.
They are also compatible with most mainstream trackers, making them easier to monitor and maintain at scale. Plus, their dual capture capability makes them particularly effective in environments with high ground reflectivity, such as snowy or sandy areas.
TOPBiHiKu6
| Power output | 430W-595W |
| Efficiency | Up to 23% |
| Solar Cell Technology | N-type Bifacial TOPCon Technology |
| Warranty | 30-year linear performance warranty, 12-year product warranty |
| Price | Estimated from €0.165/Wp |
The TOPBiHiKu6 is an advanced offering from Canadian Solar. It leverages the latest N-type Bifacial TOPCon technology to maximise power output and efficiency. This model is tailored for commercial and utility-scale applications that require high energy output with minimal space usage.
It also features a bifacial design, with the potential to generate up to 85% more energy from the back side of the solar panel. It’s ideal for developers and businesses looking to optimize energy production while managing costs effectively.
It comes in four different ranges:
- 144 TOPCon 182 Plus cell (more on this range below)
- 144 TOPCon 182 cell
- 120 TOPCon 182 Plus cell
- 108 TOPCon 182 Plus cell
182 Plus TOP(Bi)HiKu6
| Power output | 590W-620W |
| Efficiency | Up to 23% |
| Solar Cell Technology | N-type Bifacial TOPCon Technology |
| Warranty | 30-year linear performance warranty, 12-year product warranty |
| Price | Estimated from €0.170/Wp |
The 182 Plus TOP(Bi)HiKu6 is the top-of-the-range within the TopBiHiKu6 family. Not only does it offer the highest density of cells, but it also features an enhanced version of its 182mm cells. This places these panels firmly at the top end of solar panel performance.
HiKu7
| Power output | 585W-675W |
| Efficiency | Up to 21.7% |
| Solar Cell Technology | Dual Cell Perc Module (Mono) |
| Warranty | 25-year linear performance warranty, 12-year product warranty |
| Price | Estimated from €0.150/Wp |
The HiKu7 is the next evolution of Canadian Solar’s HiKu6 range. It brings with it enhanced shade tolerance and lower hot spot temperatures. This helps improve both the efficiency and durability of the solar panels under typical operating conditions. It’s all largely thanks to the upgrade from mono-cell to dual-cell technology.
BiHiKu7
| Power output | 580W-670W |
| Efficiency | Up to 21.6% |
| Solar Cell Technology | Bifacial Mono Perc |
| Warranty | 30-year linear performance warranty, 12-year product warranty |
| Price | Estimated from €0.155/Wp |
The BiHiKu7 is the bifacial version of Canadian Solar’s latest series. It sacrifices a minuscule amount of efficiency to generate reflected light from the back of the panel as well. It comes with many of the same upgrades as the standard HiKu7, with an impressive up to 8.9 % lower LCOE and up to 4.6 % lower system cost thanks superb efficiency.
TOPBiHiKu7
| Power output | 620W-715W |
| Efficiency | Up to 23% |
| Solar Cell Technology | N-type Bifacial TOPCon Technology |
| Warranty | 30-year linear performance warranty, 12-year product warranty |
| Price | Estimated from €0.170/Wp |
The TOPBiHiKu7 represents the top-of-the-line when it comes to Canadian Solar panels. Topping out at 715W, these are some of the highest-watt panels you’ll find on the market. Their low power degradation and high energy yield make them suitable for large-scale C&I applications. They also feature the highest efficiency of all Canadian Solar panels.
Other features of the TOPBiHiKu7 Canadian Solar panels include:
- Up to 85% Power Bifaciality for power from the back side
- Anti-LeTID & anti-PID performance.
- Lower temperature coefficient (Pmax): -0.29%/°C, increases energy yield in hot climate
- 1st year power degradation no more than
- 1% Subsequent annual power degradation of no more than 0.4%
What technology does Canadian Solar use in its solar panels?
As one of the leading suppliers of solar panels, Canadian Solar uses a spectrum of cutting-edge technologies across its various product ranges.
Some of the features you can expect from all Canadian Solar panels are:
- Lower LCOE & system cost
- Advanced LID/LeTID mitigation technology for up to 50% lower degradation
- The ability to handle heavy snow loads up to 5400 Pa; wind loads up to 2400 Pa
- Designed to minimise the risk of micro-cracks from impacts
Canadian Solar also leverages the following technologies in some of its panels, based on what applications they cater to:
BiFacial
These solar panels are equipped with cells on both surfaces, enabling them also to capture sunlight reflected off the ground. Canadian Solar claims that its dual-cell bifacial technology is capable of generating up to 85% more power, depending on the reflectivity of the surface behind the panels.
Mono Perc
Monocrystalline cells (Mono) are still the most commonly used solar cell technology in both residential and commercial solar panels, thanks to their efficiency, capacity, and cost-effectiveness.
N-Type Solar Cells
N-type solar cells use silicon doped with phosphorus to create an excess of electrons—negative charge carriers. This type of solar cell is known for its high efficiency and better performance in high temperatures compared to traditional P-type cells. N-type cells are less susceptible to light-induced degradation, offering longer life and greater energy yield.
TOPCon
Many Canadian Solar panels feature TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) technology, particularly its higher-end lines. This tech consists of a thin silicon oxide layer nested between a silicon substrate and a highly conductive polysilicon layer.
The oxide layer minimises carrier recombination, while the polysilicon layer improves electrical conductivity. In short, this leads to higher energy conversion efficiencies, particularly in low-light conditions or high heat.
Performance of the Canadian Solar solar panels
Canadian Solar is renowned for its commitment to innovation and quality in the solar industry, consistently advancing the performance and efficiency of its solar panels. The company utilises several state-of-the-art technologies, including Mono PERC, N-type TOPCon, and multi-busbar solar cells, which contribute to substantial gains in solar panel efficiencies.
Its products typically achieve efficiencies well above the industry standard, with some panels reaching or exceeding 23%.
They have even set a world record by achieving 22.8% conversion efficiency in a p-type P5 cell back in September 2019.
What is the Canadian Solar warranty?
The exact warranty conditions depend on the range and model. Most panels either come backed with a 30 or 25-year linear performance warranty. However, all solar modules are backed by Canadian Solar’s 12-year product warranty.
Typically, modules backed by the 30-year performance warranty also feature a guarantee of a power degradation of less than 1% for the first year. Then, a linear 0.4% performance degradation for the remaining 29 years.
On the other hand, the performance warranty for the 25-year solar panels typically guarantees 2% or less for the first year and between 0.45 and 0.55% for subsequent years. However, there are some exceptions to these rules, so you should carefully check the information provided for each model.
Overall, these warranties are pretty much in line with industry standards. However, the 2% power degradation guarantee for the first year for some panels is somewhat disappointing. As is the higher-than-average 0.55% annual degradation.
How much do Canadian Solar modules cost?
Canadian Solar modules are priced competitively, typically ranging from €0.170 per watt. For a standard 6 kW residential system, this translates to an estimated cost of approximately €1,020, making Canadian Solar an affordable option.
Canadian Solar’s cost is, therefore, similar to what you can expect from an installation using JA Solar products. Coupled with potential solar tax credits and incentives, this makes them a cost-effective choice for both residential and larger commercial or utility-scale installations.
Comparison of Canadian Solar solar panels models
Here’s a quick reference table with a side-by-side comparison of the above Canadian Solar panels:
| Efficiency | Solar cell technology | Warranty | Price | Power | |
| All-Black | 20.7% | Mono Perc | 12-year product warranty, 25-year linear performance warranty | Estimated from €0.133/Wp | 380W-405W |
| HiKu6 | 21.8% | Mono Perc | 12-year product warranty, 25-year linear performance warranty | Estimated from €0.120/Wp | 395W-560W |
| TOPHiKu6 | 23.2% | N-type TOPCon Technology | 12-year product warranty, 30-year linear performance warranty | Estimated from €0.135/Wp | 425W-625W |
| BiHiKu6 | 21.5% | Bifacial Mono Perc | 12-year product warranty, 30-year linear performance warranty | Estimated from €0.155/Wp | 530W-555W |
| TOPBiHiKu6 | 23% | N-type TOPCon Technology | 12-year product warranty, 30-year linear performance warranty | Estimated from €0.165/Wp | 430W-595W |
| 182 Plus TOP(Bi)HiKu6 | 23% | N-type Bifacial TOPCon Technology | 12-year product warranty, 30-year linear performance warranty | Estimated from €0.170/Wp | 590W-620W |
| HiKu7 | 21.7% | Dual Cell Perc Module (Mono) | 12-year product warranty, 25-year linear performance warranty | Estimated from €0.150/Wp | 585W-675W |
| BiHiKu7 | 21.6% | Bifacial mono perc | 12-year product warranty, 30-year linear performance warranty | Estimated from €0.155/Wp | 580W-670W |
| TOPBiHiKu7 | Up to 23% | N-type TOPCon Technology | 12-year product warranty, 30-year linear performance warranty | Estimated from €0.170/Wp | 620W-715W |
Pros and cons of Canadian Solar panels
Pros:
- Excellent build quality
- Offers a broad catalogue of products for a variety of applications
- A Tier 1 solar company with in-house manufacturing
- Global presence with easy warranty claims handling
Cons:
- Many solar panel models are on the wider side, which can make installation tricky
- Solar panels are not actually manufactured in Canada
Canadian Solar vs other solar panel manufacturers
Canadian Solar stands out as a versatile player in the solar market, offering high-quality, competitively priced products suitable for both commercial and residential applications.
Known for robust, reliable panels like the HiKu and BiHiKu series, Canadian Solar matches industry leaders with efficiencies reaching up to 22.8%. However, LONGi leads with slightly higher efficiencies at 23.60% using monocrystalline technology, and SunPower excels in premium efficiency segments, often exceeding 22%.
Still, Canadian Solar balances performance with cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive option for a wide range of solar consumers seeking value and durability. In both pricing and performance, their panels are neck-a-neck with JA Solar solar panel models.
Summary – are Canadian Solar solar panels worth buying?
As a Tier 1 company headquartered in Canada, you can expect unflinching quality from Canadian Solar’s wide range of solar offerings. With offices around the world, they are also known for honouring their warranties, even if customers can’t go through their retailers or intermediaries.
Despite expectations, Canadian solar is also budget-friendly. Their solar panels represent a solid renewable energy investment in almost any situation, as long as solar power generation is viable in your area.
