--- title: "Canadian Solar CS3K-320P 320W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Canadian Solar CS3K-320P 320W solar panel. Specs: 19.30% efficiency, Polycrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-320p" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Canadian Solar CS3K-320P Solid all-round for its segment 286 panels in the segment PERC 300-350 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Canadian Solar - **Model:** CS3K-320P - **Series:** KuPower CS3K-P - **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 | 19.30% | 19.00% | Typical | 12,799 | | Power density | 192.6 | 190.0 | Typical | 12,815 | | 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 | 19.30% | 19.00% | Typical | 12,799 | | Power density | 192.6 | 190.0 | Typical | 12,815 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.360 | -0.360 | Typical | 12,345 | | Weight per kWp | 57.8 | 60.0 | Typical | 11,428 | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 25 yrs | Typical | 9,798 | - **Best for:** Residential, commercial, shaded-installations and cold-climate. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 320 W - **Efficiency:** 19.30 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 33.50 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 9.56 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 40.10 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 9.97 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:** 42 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Polycrystalline - **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:** 192.6 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 12 years - **Performance warranty:** 25 years ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 12799 of 14005 | | Power density | 12815 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 12345 of 14005 | | Weight | 11428 of 14005 | | Warranty | 9798 of 14005 | ## Pros - **Half-cut cells reduce power loss** - The use of half-cut polycrystalline cells lowers resistive losses at cell interconnections and limits the impact of microcracks and partial shading on overall module output, resulting in more stable energy production under real-world operating conditions. - **Extended 12/25-year warranty** - 12 years of product warranty plus 25 years of linear power warranty exceeds the typical terms for polycrystalline modules from the series' launch period (2017), where 10/25 years was the norm, reducing investment risk for owners. - **Tier-1, bankable manufacturer** - Canadian Solar is a Tier-1 manufacturer operating since 2001, which facilitates project financing through banks and funds and increases confidence in warranty claim fulfillment compared to non-Tier-1 producers. - **Voltage flexibility 1000V/1500V** - Availability in 1000 V or 1500 V system voltage versions, combined with a robust mechanical design rated for heavy snow and wind loads, allows the module to be matched to a wide range of inverters and installation sites, including commercial projects. - **Competitive efficiency for a poly module** - Maximum efficiency of up to 19.9% places the series above the comparable Jinko Solar 72 Series Polycrystalline module (17%) and near Waaree ARKA (19.81%), making it one of the more efficient polycrystalline offerings from that era. ## Cons - **Production discontinued in 2020** - The KuPower CS3K-P series has been discontinued (released 2017, ended 2020), meaning limited availability of identical replacement modules in case of failure or system expansion needs. - **Lower efficiency than monocrystalline modules** - Polycrystalline technology caps efficiency at max 19.9%, well below monocrystalline peer comparables — for example JA Solar Monocrystalline80 reaches 23.15% at the same 330 Wp power rating, requiring more roof area to achieve equivalent system capacity. - **Legacy PERC technology, no N-type upgrades** - The module relies solely on PERC technology without N-type enhancements (TOPCon/HJT), which offer lower annual degradation and better high-temperature performance — current-generation series available on the market deliver higher lifetime energy yield. ## About this series The KuPower CS3K-P series consists of polycrystalline photovoltaic modules engineered for reliability and stable performance under demanding operating conditions. The panels use **half-cut polycrystalline cells**, which reduces power loss in cell interconnections and limits the impact of micro-cracks on the overall module output. This design delivers **better shading tolerance**, allowing the installation to keep generating energy even when part of the panel surface is partially shaded, for example by leaves or dirt. The modules also feature **lower hot-spot temperatures**, which reduces the risk of cell degradation and extends the product's service life. A robust mechanical build supports installation in regions with heavy snow and wind loads, while the availability of 1000 V and 1500 V system voltage versions makes it easy to match the modules with different types of installations and inverters. The KuPower CS3K-P series works well for both rooftop installations and larger commercial projects, where predictable energy yield at a reasonable cost matters most. An additional advantage is the **extended warranty** covering both materials and workmanship as well as the linear power output over time, which translates into lower investment risk for installers and investors alike. ## Notable figures - At 19.3% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical \*\*PERC 0-400W\*\* modules - At 192.6 W/m² power density, roof space requirements are typical for \*\*PERC 0-400W\*\* panels - 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 - In the top 91% for efficiency among all PERC panels ## Questions ### Are Canadian Solar KuPower CS3K-P panels still available for purchase? The KuPower CS3K-P series has been discontinued from Canadian Solar's current production lineup and replaced by newer, higher-wattage models. Units may still be found through distributors clearing remaining stock, though availability is limited. Before buying, check current stock with your supplier and confirm that manufacturer warranty coverage still applies to that production batch. ### What warranty comes with KuPower CS3K-P panels? Canadian Solar provides a 12-year product warranty covering materials and workmanship, plus a 25-year linear power output warranty. This means the module should retain a significant portion of its original output after 25 years of operation. This level of coverage is standard for tier 1 manufacturers and reduces investment risk for installers and system owners. ### How do half-cut cells in the KuPower CS3K-P differ from standard cells? Half-cut cells are standard polycrystalline PERC cells cut in half, reducing resistive losses in cell interconnections and limiting the impact of microcracks on overall module performance. This design improves shading tolerance, so the panel keeps generating power even when part of its surface is partially covered by leaves or a chimney shadow, boosting real-world energy yield in urban settings. ### Is the 330 Wp KuPower CS3K-P suitable for a residential rooftop installation? Yes, the 330 Wp module works well for residential installations on pitched roofs. Its robust mechanical frame withstands high snow and wind loads, which matters in harsher climates. Availability in 1000 V or 1500 V system voltage versions makes it easier to match with different inverters, and the lower hot-spot temperature reduces the risk of cell degradation during prolonged sun exposure. ### Are KuPower CS3K-P panels bifacial, generating power from both sides? No, the KuPower CS3K-P series uses standard mono-facial modules rather than bifacial technology. The panel generates power only from the light-facing side. If you want extra energy yield from reflected light, such as with a light-colored surface or flat roof installation, consider bifacial models from other Canadian Solar series. ### Is Canadian Solar a reliable PV panel manufacturer? Yes, Canadian Solar is a tier 1 manufacturer headquartered in Canada, active in the market for over 20 years and regularly ranked among the most bankable module suppliers by Bloomberg NEF. Tier 1 status reflects financial stability and lowers the risk that product warranty claims won't be honored due to manufacturer insolvency. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/Canadian_Solar-Datasheet-KuPower_CS3K-P_High-Efficiency_EN-2a327c9fdf10.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [SunLink LNSK-340M](https://comparepv.com/panel/sunlink-lnsk-340m) | 340 W | +20 W, heavier, +0.8 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-330P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-330p) | 330 W | +10 W, +0.6 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-335MB-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-335mb-ag) | 335 W | Heavier, +0.6 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [SunLink LNSK-335M](https://comparepv.com/panel/sunlink-lnsk-335m) | 335 W | +15 W, heavier, +0.5 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3L-365P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3l-365p) | 365 W | +45 W, heavier, +0.4 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-325P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-325p) | 325 W | +0.3 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3L-360P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3l-360p) | 360 W | +40 W, heavier | | [SunLink LNSK-330M](https://comparepv.com/panel/sunlink-lnsk-330m) | 330 W | +10 W, heavier | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-295P-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-295p-ag) | 295 W | Heavier, -1.5 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-300MS](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-300ms) | 300 W | -20 W, -1.2 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-305MS](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-305ms) | 305 W | -15 W, -0.9 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-310MS](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-310ms) | 310 W | -10 W, -0.6 pp | | [Maxeon SPR-MAX3-400-COM](https://comparepv.com/panel/maxeon-spr-max3-400-com) | 400 W | Cooler, +3.3 pp, +15 yr warranty | | [Lina Energy LEPV 400](https://comparepv.com/panel/lina-energy-lepv-400) | 400 W | +80 W, cooler, +3.0 pp | | [Phono Solar NS-360MH-60](https://comparepv.com/panel/phono-solar-ns-360mh-60) | 360 W | +40 W, cooler, +2.8 pp | | [PolyCrown Solar Tech NS-360MH-60](https://comparepv.com/panel/polycrown-solar-tech-ns-360mh-60) | 360 W | +40 W, cooler, +2.8 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-320p Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.