--- title: "Canadian Solar CS3K-290PB-AG 290W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Canadian Solar CS3K-290PB-AG 290W solar panel. Specs: 17.20% efficiency, Polycrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-290pb-ag" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Canadian Solar CS3K-290PB-AG Warranty pick, heavy for its output 74 panels in the segment PERC 250-300 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Canadian Solar - **Model:** CS3K-290PB-AG - **Series:** BiKu - **Rated power:** 290 W - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 250-300 W (74 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 290 W | 275 W | Strong - top 17% | | | Module efficiency | 17.20% | 17.21% | Typical | 13,404 | | Power density | 172.4 | 172.1 | Typical | 13,387 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.360 | -0.370 | Strong - top 23% | 12,345 | | Weight (kg) | 22.3 kg | 18.5 kg | Weak - bottom 5% | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 25 yrs | Strong - top 20% | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 17.20% | 17.21% | Typical | 13,404 | | Power density | 172.4 | 172.1 | Typical | 13,387 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.360 | -0.370 | Strong - top 23% | 12,345 | | Weight per kWp | 76.9 | 66.5 | Weak - bottom 5% | 13,657 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 25 yrs | Strong - top 20% | 21 | ### Strengths - **30 year performance warranty** - Top 20% of the PERC 250-300 W segment, against a median of 25 yrs. - **-0.360 %/°C temperature coefficient** - Top 23% of the PERC 250-300 W segment, against a median of -0.370. ### Watch out for - **76.9 kg per kWp** - Bottom 5% of the PERC 250-300 W segment, against a median of 66.5. Ranked 13,657th in the whole database. - **Best for:** Residential and commercial. - **Not ideal for:** Weight-limited structures. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 290 W - **Efficiency:** 17.20 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 32.30 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 8.98 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 38.90 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 9.49 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.360 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.280 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.050 %/degC - **NOCT:** 41 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Polycrystalline - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Cell count:** 120 - **Bifacial:** yes - **Bifacial gain:** 30.00 ### Physical - **Length:** 1696 mm - **Width:** 992 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 22.3 kg - **Area:** 1.68 m2 - **Power density:** 172.4 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 12 years - **Performance warranty:** 30 years ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 13404 of 14005 | | Power density | 13387 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 12345 of 14005 | | Weight | 13657 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## Pros - **Bifacial energy gain up to 70%** - A bifaciality factor of up to 70% enables real additional energy yield from the rear side of the module, particularly on ground-mount installations and flat roofs with high-albedo surfaces, without increasing the installation footprint. - **Glass-glass construction improves durability** - The dual-glass (glass-glass) encapsulation avoids the backsheet/EVA degradation issues typical of standard laminates and improves mechanical resistance, supporting Canadian Solar's 30-year power warranty. - **Backed by a Tier-1 bankable manufacturer** - Canadian Solar is a Tier-1 (bankable) manufacturer operating since 2001, meaning low counterparty risk for bank-financed projects and strong credibility with insurers and institutional investors. - **30-year linear power warranty** - The 30-year power warranty and 12-year product warranty match or exceed the standard at the time the series launched (2018), and combined with a low power temperature coefficient, deliver stable energy yield in hot climates. - **MBB (multi-busbar) technology** - Multi-busbar cell metallization reduces resistive losses compared to conventional lower-busbar-count cells, improving both efficiency and module aesthetics. ## Cons - **Discontinued (series ended in 2020)** - The BiKu series launched in 2018 and ceased production in 2020, superseded by the BiHiKu line and TOPCon technology. This limits access to warranty service, spare parts, and matching modules for expanding an existing installation. - **Lower efficiency than current peer modules** - Maximum efficiency of 19.9% trails comparable 400 Wp modules currently on the market, such as Heliene 108HC M10 SL All Black (20.5%) and MWG Mono (20.12%), meaning a larger installed area is needed for equivalent power. - **Legacy PERC cell technology** - The 2018-generation PERC cells exhibit a higher LID/LeTID degradation rate and weaker temperature performance than newer N-type technologies (TOPCon, HJT), which now dominate the premium bifacial module segment. ## About this series The BiKu series consists of bifacial photovoltaic modules from Canadian Solar built around poly-crystalline cells in a glass-glass housing, allowing the rear side of the panel to capture additional energy reflected from the ground. This design works particularly well on ground-mounted installations, flat roofs, or structures over light-colored surfaces, where albedo lets you meaningfully boost energy yield without expanding the installation footprint. The panels use **MBB (multi busbar)** technology, which reduces resistive losses and improves the module's aesthetics, while the **glass-glass** construction increases mechanical durability and extends product lifespan. The series stands out for its **high bifaciality of up to 70%**, translating into a real power gain from the rear side of the module. Thanks to a **low power temperature coefficient**, the panels maintain high efficiency even on hot days, and the sturdy aluminum frame provides resistance to heavy snow and wind loads. This makes it a strong choice for investors seeking higher returns per square meter of installation and greater durability than conventional single-sided modules, while keeping the same straightforward mounting typical of standard silicon panels. ## Notable figures - At 17.2% efficiency, this panel is 2.2pp below the \*\*PERC 0-400W\*\* median of 19.4% - At 172.4 W/m², this panel generates 22.0 W/m² less per unit area than \*\*PERC 0-400W\*\* median (194.4 W/m²) - At -0.36%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*PERC 0-400W\*\* panels - Weight of 22.3 kg is 1.8 kg above \*\*PERC 0-400W\*\* median (20.5 kg) - verify structural support - Bifacial design (70% factor) captures reflected light - adds 4-10% yield on ground-mount or white roof ## Questions ### Is the Canadian Solar BiKu series still available for purchase? The BiKu series has been discontinued by Canadian Solar and replaced by newer bifacial lines based on mono PERC and TOPCon cells. BiKu panels may still be found through some distributors as remaining stock, but purchasing them comes with limited availability of spare parts and matching modules for existing installations. Current bifacial models from the manufacturer are worth considering as a replacement. ### How much extra energy does the 70% bifaciality of BiKu panels actually deliver? A 70% bifaciality coefficient means the rear side of the module can generate up to 70% of the front side's power under ideal albedo conditions. In practice, when mounted over a light-colored ground surface (gravel, white roofing) or on a ground-mount structure with adequate clearance, the real annual energy gain typically ranges from 5-20%, depending on mounting height, tilt angle, and ground reflectance. ### What warranty comes with Canadian Solar BiKu panels? BiKu panels carry Canadian Solar's standard 12-year product warranty and a 30-year linear power warranty, guaranteeing a specified percentage of rated power output over that period. Although the series has been discontinued, warranty obligations remain valid for already-installed panels, as Canadian Solar, being a tier 1 manufacturer, maintains after-sales support for legacy products. ### Are BiKu panels suitable for ground-mount installations? Yes, this is one of the series' primary applications. The glass-glass construction and high bifaciality make BiKu panels well suited for ground-mount solar farms, where mounting on a rack with sufficient clearance above the ground lets the rear side capture reflected light. They also perform well on flat roofs with light-colored surfaces, such as PVC membrane roofing. ### How does glass-glass construction differ from standard glass-backsheet panels, and is it worth the extra cost? In glass-glass panels, cells are laminated between two glass sheets instead of glass and a polymer backsheet. This increases mechanical strength, reduces moisture-related degradation, and extends module lifespan, which is reflected in longer warranty terms. The added cost makes sense for harsh-site installations or projects where maximum durability matters most, such as solar farms designed for a 30-year operating life. ### Does the MBB technology in BiKu panels improve performance under partial shading? MBB (multi busbar) technology increases the number of thin conductive paths on each cell, shortening the current path, reducing resistive losses, and improving aesthetics through less visible busbars. While MBB alone doesn't eliminate shading losses the way half-cut cells do, the added path redundancy modestly improves resilience against microcracks and localized power loss. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/Canadian_Solar-Datasheet-BiKu_CS3K-PB-AG_High-Efficiency_EN-78c21f4a686c.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [SunLink LNSK-340M](https://comparepv.com/panel/sunlink-lnsk-340m) | 340 W | +50 W, +2.9 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-330P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-330p) | 330 W | +40 W, +2.7 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-335MB-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-335mb-ag) | 335 W | +45 W, +2.7 pp | | [SunLink LNSK-335M](https://comparepv.com/panel/sunlink-lnsk-335m) | 335 W | +45 W, +2.6 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-325P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-325p) | 325 W | Lighter, +2.4 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [SunLink LNSK-330M](https://comparepv.com/panel/sunlink-lnsk-330m) | 330 W | +40 W, +2.3 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-320P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-320p) | 320 W | Lighter, +2.1 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-295PB-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-295pb-ag) | 295 W | +0.3 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-300PB-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-300pb-ag) | 300 W | +10 W, +0.6 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-305PB-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-305pb-ag) | 305 W | +15 W, +0.9 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-310MB-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-310mb-ag) | 310 W | +20 W, +1.2 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-315MB-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-315mb-ag) | 315 W | +25 W, +1.5 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-320MB-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-320mb-ag) | 320 W | +30 W, +1.8 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS1H-320MS](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs1h-320ms) | 320 W | Lighter, +1.8 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-325MB-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-325mb-ag) | 325 W | +35 W, +2.1 pp | | [Maxeon SPR-MAX3-400-COM](https://comparepv.com/panel/maxeon-spr-max3-400-com) | 400 W | +110 W, +5.4 pp, +10 yr warranty | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-290pb-ag Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator, a bifacial gain calculator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.