--- title: "Canadian Solar CS3L-355MS Solar Panel: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "Canadian Solar CS3L-355MS solar panel. Specs: 19.20% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3l-355ms" image: "https://comparepv.com/og/panel/canadian-solar-cs3l-355ms.png" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Canadian Solar CS3L-355MS Middle of its segment, modest efficiency 579 panels in the segment PERC 350-400 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Canadian Solar - **Model:** CS3L-355MS - **Series:** HiKu - **Rated power:** 355 W - **Cell technology:** PERC ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 350-400 W (579 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 355 W | 380 W | Weak - bottom 7% | | | Module efficiency | 19.20% | 19.90% | Weak - bottom 20% | 12,946 | | Power density | 191.9 | 199.0 | Weak - bottom 20% | 12,939 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,489 | | Weight (kg) | 21.1 kg | 21.4 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 25 yrs | Typical | 9,912 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 19.20% | 19.90% | Weak - bottom 20% | 12,946 | | Power density | 191.9 | 199.0 | Weak - bottom 20% | 12,939 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,489 | | Weight per kWp | 59.4 | 55.8 | Typical | 12,234 | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 25 yrs | Typical | 9,912 | ### Watch out for - **19.20% module efficiency** - Bottom 20% of the PERC 350-400 W segment, against a median of 19.90%. - **191.9 watts per square metre** - Bottom 20% of the PERC 350-400 W segment, against a median of 199.0. - **Best for:** Residential and commercial. - **Not ideal for:** Tight roof space and roofs where every square metre has to count. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 355 W - **Efficiency:** 19.20 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 33.50 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 10.61 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 40.20 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 11.33 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.350 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.270 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.050 %/degC - **NOCT:** 42 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Cell count:** 120 ### Physical - **Length:** 1765 mm - **Width:** 1048 mm - **Thickness:** 40 mm - **Weight:** 21.1 kg - **Area:** 1.85 m2 - **Power density:** 191.9 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 12 years - **Performance warranty:** 25 years ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 12946 of 14129 | | Power density | 12939 of 14129 | | Temperature coefficient | 10489 of 14129 | | Weight | 12234 of 14129 | | Warranty | 9912 of 14129 | ## Pros - **Tier-1 bankability from Canadian Solar** - The manufacturer has operated since 2001 and consistently appears on the BNEF Tier 1 list, easing bank financing for commercial and utility-scale PV projects built on the HiKu series. - **Half-cut cells with multi-busbar design** - Half-cut mono PERC cells combined with a 9-busbar structure reduce power loss under partial shading and improve mechanical durability compared to conventional full-cell modules. - **Long linear power warranty** - The 25-year linear power degradation warranty is standard for the premium segment and matches competitors (Boviet Solar VEGA, ENCOR EC), ensuring predictable energy yield over the system's lifetime. - **Low LCOE from high module wattage** - Power output up to 375 Wp on a limited mounting footprint lowers the levelized cost of energy (LCOE), making the series attractive for both rooftop installations and ground-mounted PV farms. - **Robust mechanical construction** - A reinforced frame and glass provide high resistance to snow and wind loads, which matters for installations in more demanding climate conditions. ## Cons - **Production discontinued in 2022** - The HiKu series (CS3W) was discontinued after 2022, meaning limited availability of new modules, no support for expanding existing installations with identical panels, and potentially harder-to-access warranty service in the long run. - **Efficiency lags newer competitors** - Maximum efficiency of 20.3% falls short of newer peer models such as ENCOR EC (20.59%) and JS Solar JSHC166M120 (21.3%) at the same 375 Wp power rating, reflecting aging PERC technology versus N-type alternatives. - **No bifacial technology** - HiKu panels are monofacial, limiting additional energy yield from ground-reflected light available in newer bifacial series used in ground-mounted projects. ## About this series The HiKu series is a proven solution for both rooftop and ground-mounted installations, combining high module power output with a compact footprint. The panels use **half-cut cells** built on mono PERC technology, so a single microcrack or partial shading does not cause a drastic drop in energy production, and power losses are distributed more evenly across the module. The nine-busbar cell structure (**multi-busbar**) improves current collection and increases the module's mechanical resistance, resulting in longer, more stable performance in demanding climate conditions. HiKu works well in residential prosumer installations as well as commercial projects and solar farms, where a **low levelized cost of energy (LCOE)** matters most. A robust frame and glass construction ensure high resistance to snow and wind loads, and Canadian Solar's certified manufacturing quality contributes to project bankability, making financing easier to secure. This is the right choice for installers and investors looking for **proven, reliable PERC technology** at a reasonable price point, without compromising on long-term warranty coverage or energy yield. The series represents a solid balance between modern design and bankability, favored wherever investment predictability is the top priority. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 19.2% matches the \*\*PERC 0-400W\*\* median - Power density of 191.9 W/m² matches the \*\*PERC 0-400W\*\* median - At -0.35%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*PERC 0-400W\*\* panels - In the top 92% for efficiency among all PERC panels ## Questions ### Are Canadian Solar HiKu 375 Wp panels still available for purchase? The HiKu series with 375 Wp modules has been discontinued from current production by Canadian Solar in favor of newer generations such as HiKu6 or TOPHiKu6. These panels may still be found in distributor stock or as available from remaining inventory, but quantities are limited and once sold out they will not be manufactured again. ### How does half-cut cell technology in HiKu panels differ from standard full-cell modules? Half-cut cells are cut in half, reducing resistive losses so that a single microcrack or partial shading does not cause a drastic drop in the panel's overall power output. In practice this means higher energy yield and lower risk of hot spots compared to older panels using full-size cells. ### What warranty applies to the HiKu 375 Wp panels? Canadian Solar provides a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year linear power output warranty for the HiKu series. This means that after 25 years of operation the panel should still generate a significant portion of its original rated power, which is standard practice among tier 1 manufacturers. ### Is the HiKu 375 Wp a bifacial panel? No, the HiKu series in its 375 Wp version is a monofacial module without a rear surface that generates energy from reflected albedo light. If you want the extra energy yield from bifacial gain, consider Canadian Solar's newer bifacial series, such as BiHiKu. ### Are HiKu panels suitable for commercial installations and solar farms, or only residential rooftops? The HiKu series was designed for versatile use - it performs well in small residential rooftop systems as well as in large commercial projects and utility-scale solar farms, where low levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and strong bankability are key priorities. ### Is it worth buying HiKu panels despite discontinued production, if I can get them at a lower price? Yes, if available at an attractive price, since the mono PERC technology with half-cut cells and multi-busbar structure is a proven, reliable solution, and Canadian Solar as a tier 1 manufacturer provides full warranty support throughout the entire 25-year period, regardless of whether the model is still in production. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/Canadian_Solar-Datasheet-HiKu_CS3L-MS_EN-0d2a904fd1b9.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [JA Solar NS-330MH-80](https://comparepv.com/panel/ja-solar-ns-330mh-80) | 330 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.9 pp | | [PolyCrown Solar Tech NS-330MH-80](https://comparepv.com/panel/polycrown-solar-tech-ns-330mh-80) | 330 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.9 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M320W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m320w) | 320 W | Lighter, +3.8 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M340W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m340w) | 340 W | Lighter, +3.8 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M360W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m360w) | 360 W | Lighter, +3.8 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M380W (1/4\*4\*38)](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m380w-1-4-4-38) | 380 W | Lighter, +3.8 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M400W (1/2\*4\*20)](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m400w-1-2-4-20) | 400 W | +45 W, +3.8 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M400W (1/4\*4\*40)](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m400w-1-4-4-40) | 400 W | +45 W, +3.8 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M380W (1/2\*4\*19)](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m380w-1-2-4-19) | 380 W | Lighter, +3.8 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Maxeon SPR-MAX3-400-COM](https://comparepv.com/panel/maxeon-spr-max3-400-com) | 400 W | Cooler, +3.4 pp, +15 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS3L-325P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3l-325p) | 325 W | -30 W, hotter, -1.6 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3L-330P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3l-330p) | 330 W | -25 W, hotter, -1.4 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3L-335P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3l-335p) | 335 W | -20 W, hotter, -1.1 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3L-340P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3l-340p) | 340 W | -15 W, hotter, -0.8 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3L-345P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3l-345p) | 345 W | -10 W, hotter, -0.5 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3L-350P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3l-350p) | 350 W | Hotter, -0.3 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | +155 W, cooler, +5.8 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3l-355ms Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.