--- title: "Canadian Solar CS3K-310MS 310W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Canadian Solar CS3K-310MS 310W solar panel. Specs: 18.70% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-310ms" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Canadian Solar CS3K-310MS Solid all-round for its segment 286 panels in the segment PERC 300-350 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Canadian Solar - **Model:** CS3K-310MS - **Series:** KuBlack CS3K-MS - **Rated power:** 310 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) | 310 W | 325 W | Weak - bottom 17% | | | 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 (kg) | 18.5 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 | 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 | - **Best for:** Residential and commercial. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 310 W - **Efficiency:** 18.70 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 32.90 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 9.43 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 39.70 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 9.98 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.360 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.290 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.050 %/degC - **NOCT:** 43 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Cell count:** 120 ### Physical - **Length:** 1675 mm - **Width:** 992 mm - **Thickness:** 35 mm - **Weight:** 18.5 kg - **Area:** 1.66 m2 - **Power density:** 186.6 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 12 years - **Performance warranty:** 25 years ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 13058 of 14005 | | Power density | 13051 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 12345 of 14005 | | Weight | 12233 of 14005 | | Warranty | 9798 of 14005 | ## Pros - **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. ## Cons - **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. ## About this series 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. ## Notable figures - 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 ## Questions ### 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. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/Canadian_Solar-Datasheet-KuBlack_CS3K-MS_EN-8dbd71286352.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, +4.6 pp | | [PolyCrown Solar Tech NS-300MH-72](https://comparepv.com/panel/polycrown-solar-tech-ns-300mh-72) | 300 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.6 pp | | [Heckert Solar ZEUS 1.2 FullBlack 280W](https://comparepv.com/panel/heckert-solar-zeus-1-2-fullblack-280w) | 280 W | Cooler, +4.6 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [JA Solar NS-330MH-80](https://comparepv.com/panel/ja-solar-ns-330mh-80) | 330 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.4 pp | | [PolyCrown Solar Tech NS-330MH-80](https://comparepv.com/panel/polycrown-solar-tech-ns-330mh-80) | 330 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.4 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M285W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m285w) | 285 W | Lighter, +4.3 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M260W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m260w) | 260 W | -50 W, lighter, +4.3 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M270W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m270w) | 270 W | Lighter, +4.3 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M300W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m300w) | 300 W | Lighter, +4.3 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-295P-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-295p-ag) | 295 W | Heavier, -0.9 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-300MS](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-300ms) | 300 W | -10 W, -0.6 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-305MS](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-305ms) | 305 W | -0.3 pp | | [Maxeon SPR-MAX3-400-COM](https://comparepv.com/panel/maxeon-spr-max3-400-com) | 400 W | +90 W, +3.9 pp, +15 yr warranty | | [Lina Energy LEPV 400](https://comparepv.com/panel/lina-energy-lepv-400) | 400 W | +90 W, cooler, +3.6 pp | | [Phono Solar NS-360MH-60](https://comparepv.com/panel/phono-solar-ns-360mh-60) | 360 W | +50 W, cooler, +3.4 pp | | [PolyCrown Solar Tech NS-360MH-60](https://comparepv.com/panel/polycrown-solar-tech-ns-360mh-60) | 360 W | +50 W, cooler, +3.4 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-310ms Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.