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Canadian Solar Brand review

CS3K-310MS

310 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Solid all-round for its segment

Rank 13,203 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
310
Weak · bottom 17%
Efficiency (%)
18.70
Typical · median 19.00%
Density (Wp/m²)
186.6
Typical · median 190.0
Temp (%/°C)
-0.360
Typical · median -0.360
Weight (kg)
18.5
Typical · median 19.0 kg
Warranty (yrs)
25
Typical · median 25 yrs

The KuBlack CS3K-MS series consists of monocrystalline PERC modules designed with both aesthetics and reliability in mind for rooftop installations. They stand out thanks to their fully black design - black frame, black front sheet, and matching backsheet - allowing the panels to blend seamlessly into the roofline, making them especially well suited for residential buildings where the visual impact of an installation matters. The use of half-cut cells arranged in a 120-cell layout reduces power losses from cell-to-cell connections and improves partial shading tolerance, translating into higher real-world energy yield under less-than-ideal irradiance conditions. A low power temperature coefficient keeps output stable even on hot days, while the reinforced construction withstands heavy snow and wind loads, making the series a solid choice for regions with more demanding climates. The modules are available for either 1000V or 1500V system voltage, simplifying compatibility with different inverter types. Canadian Solar backs the series with a 25-year linear power output warranty plus an extended product warranty, giving investors confidence in the long-term profitability of their investment.

Ranking

286 panels in the segment PERC 300-350 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 18.70% 19.00% Typical 13,058
Power density 186.6 190.0 Typical 13,051
Temperature coefficient -0.360 -0.360 Typical 12,345
Weight per kWp 59.7 60.0 Typical 12,233
Performance warranty 25 yrs 25 yrs Typical 9,798
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

5 positive · 2 caution
Best for

Residential and commercial.

What owners get
Tier-1, bankable manufacturer

Canadian Solar is a BNEF Tier-1 manufacturer founded in 2001 in Canada, which simplifies project financing through banks and leasing institutions and increases confidence in long-term warranty fulfillment.

Highest efficiency among peer comparables

Efficiency up to 18.7% outperforms comparable 310W modules from competitors: Selfa SV120M.3.2 (17%), Rarlon RL290HP-310HP-120 (18.6%), and Silfab SIL ML (18.2%), delivering higher energy yield from the same roof area.

Half-cut cells, 120-cell layout

Half-cut cell technology reduces resistive losses and improves shade tolerance, resulting in higher real-world energy yield under partial shading conditions such as chimney or antenna shadows.

25-year linear power warranty

The manufacturer guarantees a 25-year linear power warranty and a 12-year product warranty, a premium standard for PERC modules from this generation, giving investors confidence in long-term ROI.

Aesthetic all-black design

Matching black frame, front, and backsheet allow the panels to blend visually with residential roofs, where the installation's appearance is an important consideration.

Trade-offs
Discontinued production

The KuBlack CS3K-MS series, launched in 2019, has been discontinued, meaning limited availability of warranty replacements, service support, and spare modules for expanding existing installations.

Low unit power by current standards

At 300-310 Wp with up to 18.7% efficiency, this series reflects specs from several years ago - current PV modules (TOPCon, HJT) reach 400-500+ Wp and over 21-22% efficiency, yielding lower total power output on limited roof space compared to newer designs.

Notes from the database
  • At 18.7% efficiency, this panel is 0.8pp below the PERC 0-400W median of 19.4%
  • At 186.6 W/m², this panel generates 7.8 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
  • At 18.5 kg, this panel is 2.0 kg lighter than PERC 0-400W median (20.5 kg) - easier handling during installation
  • #13058 for efficiency, #12345 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 310 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 18.70 % Typical Segment median 19.00%
Vmpp · Impp 32.90 V · 9.43 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 39.70 V · 9.98 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1675×992×35 mm · 1.66 m² of roof
Weight 18.5 kg Typical Typical · median 19.0 kg
Cells 120 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.360 %/°C Typical median -0.360 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.290 · 0.050 %/°C
NOCT 43 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 12 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 25 years Typical median 25 yrs · median 25 yrs

Simulations

Live - change any input
Lifetime output & value
30 years at 1200 kWh/kWp/year and €0.50 per kWh
Power in year 30
-
Lifetime energy
-
Energy value
-

Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.

Heat losses
-0.360 %/°C against a segment median of -0.360
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Canadian Solar CS3K-310MS 310 W 18.70% -0.360 18.5 kg You are here
NS-300MH-72 300 W 23.32% -0.290 12.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.6 pp
NS-300MH-72 300 W 23.32% -0.290 12.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.6 pp
ZEUS 1.2 FullBlack 280W 280 W 23.31% -0.260 14.3 kg Cooler, +4.6 pp, +5 yr warranty
NS-330MH-80 330 W 23.15% -0.290 15.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.4 pp
NS-330MH-80 330 W 23.15% -0.290 15.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.4 pp
GKA182M285W 285 W 23.00% - 10.8 kg Lighter, +4.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA182M260W 260 W 23.00% - 10.8 kg -50 W, lighter, +4.3 pp
GKA182M270W 270 W 23.00% - 10.8 kg Lighter, +4.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA182M300W 300 W 23.00% - 16.2 kg Lighter, +4.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
CS3K-295P-AG 295 W 17.80% -0.360 22.5 kg Heavier, -0.9 pp, +5 yr warranty
CS3K-300MS 300 W 18.10% -0.360 18.5 kg -10 W, -0.6 pp
CS3K-305MS 305 W 18.40% -0.360 18.5 kg -0.3 pp
SPR-MAX3-400-COM 400 W 22.60% -0.270 19.0 kg +90 W, +3.9 pp, +15 yr warranty
LEPV 400 400 W 22.31% -0.290 20.0 kg +90 W, cooler, +3.6 pp
NS-360MH-60 360 W 22.12% -0.290 17.0 kg +50 W, cooler, +3.4 pp
NS-360MH-60 360 W 22.12% -0.290 17.0 kg +50 W, cooler, +3.4 pp

Found 134 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 231 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 442 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 724 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
Is the Canadian Solar KuBlack CS3K-MS series still available for purchase?
No, the KuBlack CS3K-MS series has been discontinued by Canadian Solar. These modules can currently only be found through distributors selling off remaining warehouse stock. Buyers should check availability with suppliers or consider the manufacturer's current lineup, such as TOPCon-based series that have replaced older PERC models.
What warranty comes with Canadian Solar KuBlack CS3K-MS panels?
The manufacturer provides a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year linear power warranty. This means the panel is guaranteed to maintain a gradually decreasing performance level over a quarter century, while any material or manufacturing defects within the first 12 years are covered by repair or replacement from Canadian Solar.
Are KuBlack CS3K-MS panels a good fit for a residential home due to their appearance?
Yes, this is the series' main selling point. The panels feature an all-black design - black frame, black front, and matching black backsheet - allowing them to blend seamlessly into the roof rather than standing out like traditional white-backed modules. This makes them a popular choice for homeowners who value aesthetics as much as performance.
How do the half-cut cells in the KuBlack CS3K-MS differ from standard cells?
The panel uses 120 monocrystalline PERC cells cut in half (half-cut). This design reduces current losses and internal resistance, and under partial shading, such as from a chimney or antenna, the module loses less power than a full-cell panel. As a result, real-world energy yield is higher under difficult sunlight conditions.
What is the maximum power output of the KuBlack CS3K-MS panel and what is it suited for?
Panels in this series reach up to 310 Wp of maximum power. This is typical for compact PERC modules and works well for residential installations with limited roof space, where a smaller size and lighter weight simplify mounting on standard sloped-roof structures.
Are KuBlack CS3K-MS panels compatible with 1500V inverters?
Yes, the series is available in both 1000V and 1500V system voltage variants, allowing it to match most popular string and hybrid inverters on the market. This flexibility makes the modules suitable for both small residential systems and larger commercial projects.
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