--- title: "Canadian Solar CS1H-320MS 320W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Canadian Solar CS1H-320MS 320W solar panel. Specs: 19.00% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs1h-320ms" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Canadian Solar CS1H-320MS Solid all-round for its segment 286 panels in the segment PERC 300-350 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Canadian Solar - **Model:** CS1H-320MS - **Series:** HiDM-Black - **Rated power:** 320 W - **Cell technology:** PERC ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 300-350 W (286 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 320 W | 325 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 19.00% | 19.00% | Typical | 12,945 | | Power density | 189.8 | 190.0 | Typical | 12,950 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.370 | -0.360 | Typical | 13,081 | | Weight (kg) | 19.2 kg | 19.0 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 25 yrs | Typical | 9,798 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 19.00% | 19.00% | Typical | 12,945 | | Power density | 189.8 | 190.0 | Typical | 12,950 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.370 | -0.360 | Typical | 13,081 | | Weight per kWp | 60.0 | 60.0 | Typical | 12,326 | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 25 yrs | Typical | 9,798 | - **Best for:** Residential. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 320 W - **Efficiency:** 19.00 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 36.20 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 8.85 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 44.00 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 9.60 A - **Max system voltage:** 1000 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.370 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.290 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.050 %/degC - **NOCT:** 44 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** PERC ### Physical - **Length:** 1700 mm - **Width:** 992 mm - **Thickness:** 35 mm - **Weight:** 19.2 kg - **Area:** 1.69 m2 - **Power density:** 189.8 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 15 years - **Performance warranty:** 25 years ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 12945 of 14005 | | Power density | 12950 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 13081 of 14005 | | Weight | 12326 of 14005 | | Warranty | 9798 of 14005 | ## Pros - **Full-black premium aesthetics** - Black frame, black backsheet and a uniform cell matrix eliminate the visible white strips found in lower-cost modules, making the series an attractive choice for residential installations where roof appearance matters. - **Tier-1 manufacturer, 20+ years on market** - Canadian Solar is a bankable Tier-1 manufacturer founded in 2001 in Canada, reducing supplier-bankruptcy risk and easing project financing through banks and leasing institutions. - **25-year linear power warranty** - The series carries a 25-year linear power warranty alongside a 15-year product warranty, which at launch (2018) was a premium-tier standard for PERC modules, giving investors predictable long-term returns. - **Enhanced partial-shading resilience** - Lower internal current and reduced hot-spot temperature limit cell degradation risk under partial shading, while the design minimizes the impact of microcracks on long-term energy yield. - **High-density PERC cell packing** - High-packing-density mono-PERC cells achieve up to 20.2% efficiency and 340 Wp of power, maximizing energy harvest per available roof area on constrained mounting surfaces. ## Cons - **Series discontinued** - The HiDM-Black series has been discontinued - limited availability of warranty service, spare parts, and matching replacement modules for repairs or system expansion may pose a risk for investors. - **PERC technology trails newer alternatives** - Peak efficiency of 20.2% lags comparable models - Resun RS6K-M FULL BLACK (20.15%) and MWG Mono (20.12%) are close, but Panasonic HIT.+ N340/N335, using heterojunction (HJT) technology, reaches 20.3% with a better temperature coefficient than PERC. - **No bifacial technology** - The module lacks bifacial capability, limiting additional energy yield from reflected light compared to newer double-sided panels, particularly in installations over bright roof or ground surfaces. ## About this series The HiDM-Black series consists of fully black photovoltaic modules designed for rooftops where aesthetics matter just as much as performance. Featuring **high-density mono-PERC cells**, the panel maximizes the available light-absorption area, translating into higher energy yield per square meter of module surface. The black frame, black backsheet, and uniform cell matrix allow the panel to blend seamlessly into the roof, eliminating the visible white gaps between cells found in cheaper solutions. The manufacturer also focused on reliability under demanding conditions - **lower internal current and reduced hot-spot temperature** limit the risk of degradation under partial shading, while the design **minimizes the impact of micro-cracks** on long-term output. The panel withstands extreme mechanical loads, including heavy snow and strong wind, making it a solid choice even in harsher climates. The whole series is backed by a **25-year linear power output warranty**, giving investors confidence in stable returns over decades. This solution is aimed primarily at residential installations, where both visual appeal and long-term energy efficiency are equally important. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 19.0% matches the \*\*PERC 0-400W\*\* median - Power density of 189.8 W/m² is 4.7 W/m² below \*\*PERC 0-400W\*\* median (194.4 W/m²) - needs more roof space - Temperature coefficient of -0.37%/°C matches the \*\*PERC 0-400W\*\* median - 19.2 kg weight - 1.3 kg lighter than \*\*PERC 0-400W\*\* median (20.5 kg), reducing installation effort - In the top 92% for efficiency among all PERC panels ## Questions ### How much power do Canadian Solar HiDM-Black 340W panels produce and what is their efficiency? The HiDM-Black module reaches a maximum power output of 340 Wp with an efficiency of approximately 20.2%. Thanks to high-density-packed mono-PERC cells in a 60-cell format, energy yield per surface area is higher than in conventional panels of similar size. This makes it a good choice for roofs with limited space where maximizing power per square meter matters. ### Are HiDM-Black panels suitable for a sloped residential roof? Yes, the HiDM-Black series was designed for residential installations on sloped roofs. The fully black look (black frame, black backsheet, no visible white gaps between cells) blends smoothly into the roof surface, while the weight of about 19.2 kg and dimensions of 1700x992 mm make it easy to install on standard roof structures. ### What warranty comes with Canadian Solar HiDM-Black panels? The manufacturer provides a 15-year product warranty and a 25-year linear power warranty. This means that after 25 years of operation the panel should still generate energy at the level guaranteed by the manufacturer, giving investors confidence in a stable return on the installation for decades. ### Can HiDM-Black panels withstand heavy snow loads and strong wind? Yes, the module's construction withstands snow loads up to 5400 Pa and wind loads up to 2400 Pa, making it a suitable choice even for regions with harsher climate conditions, including heavy snowfall and strong winds. ### Is the Canadian Solar HiDM-Black series still available for purchase? The HiDM-Black series has been discontinued from Canadian Solar's current production lineup and replaced by newer models. Panels may still be available from distributors with remaining stock, but when planning a new installation it's worth checking availability with a local supplier or considering the manufacturer's current series with comparable specifications. ### How does the mono-PERC technology in HiDM-Black differ from standard monocrystalline panels? Mono-PERC cells have an additional passivation layer on the rear surface that reflects unused light back into the cell, boosting efficiency. HiDM-Black further uses lower internal current and reduced hot-spot temperature, which lowers the risk of degradation under partial shading, for example from a chimney or antenna on the roof. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/Canadian_Solar-Datasheet-HiDM-Black_CS1H-MS_EN-f584ace454a1.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [JA Solar NS-300MH-72](https://comparepv.com/panel/ja-solar-ns-300mh-72) | 300 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.3 pp | | [PolyCrown Solar Tech NS-300MH-72](https://comparepv.com/panel/polycrown-solar-tech-ns-300mh-72) | 300 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.3 pp | | [Heckert Solar ZEUS 1.2 FullBlack 280W](https://comparepv.com/panel/heckert-solar-zeus-1-2-fullblack-280w) | 280 W | Cooler, +4.3 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [JA Solar NS-330MH-80](https://comparepv.com/panel/ja-solar-ns-330mh-80) | 330 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.1 pp | | [PolyCrown Solar Tech NS-330MH-80](https://comparepv.com/panel/polycrown-solar-tech-ns-330mh-80) | 330 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.1 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M285W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m285w) | 285 W | Lighter, +4.0 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M270W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m270w) | 270 W | -50 W, lighter, +4.0 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M300W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m300w) | 300 W | Lighter, +4.0 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M320W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m320w) | 320 W | Lighter, +4.0 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-290PB-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-290pb-ag) | 290 W | Heavier, -1.8 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-295PB-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-295pb-ag) | 295 W | Heavier, -1.5 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-300PB-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-300pb-ag) | 300 W | Heavier, -1.2 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-305PB-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-305pb-ag) | 305 W | Heavier, -0.9 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-310MB-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-310mb-ag) | 310 W | Heavier, -0.6 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-315MB-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-315mb-ag) | 315 W | Heavier, -0.3 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-320MB-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-320mb-ag) | 320 W | Cooler, heavier, +5 yr warranty | | [Maxeon SPR-MAX3-400-COM](https://comparepv.com/panel/maxeon-spr-max3-400-com) | 400 W | Cooler, +3.6 pp, +15 yr warranty | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs1h-320ms Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.