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Canadian Solar CS3U-390P
Canadian Solar Brand review

CS3U-390P

390 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Solid all-round for its segment

Rank 12,521 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
390
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
19.70
Typical · median 19.90%
Density (Wp/m²)
196.6
Typical · median 199.0
Temp (%/°C)
-0.360
Typical · median -0.350
Weight (kg)
22.5
Typical · median 21.4 kg
Warranty (yrs)
25
Typical · median 25 yrs

The Canadian Solar KuMax CS3U-P series consists of polycrystalline modules built on PERC technology combined with half-cut cells, which minimize power losses caused by partial shading and microcracks, extending the real-world lifespan of the installation. The use of a multi-busbar (MBB) structure improves current collection and reduces the risk of microcracks during transport and installation, resulting in higher reliability under demanding operating conditions. These panels stand out thanks to their low temperature coefficient, allowing them to lose less power on hot days and maintain stable output year-round, even in high-irradiance climates. The manufacturer also ensured resistance to PID and LID, limiting cell degradation over time and protecting the investment for years to come. This solution was designed for investors seeking a proven balance between price and quality, suitable for both rooftop installations and ground-mounted solar farms. The robust mechanical construction allows for installation in regions with heavy snow and wind loads, while Canadian Solar's global reputation adds further warranty security to the entire project.

Ranking

579 panels in the segment PERC 350-400 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 19.70% 19.90% Typical 12,511
Power density 196.6 199.0 Typical 12,547
Temperature coefficient -0.360 -0.350 Typical 12,345
Weight per kWp 57.7 55.8 Typical 11,364
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 · 4 caution
Best for

Residential and commercial.

What owners get
PERC + half-cut cells

PERC technology combined with half-cut cells reduces power loss under partial shading and lowers the risk of microcracks, translating into higher real-world energy yield under suboptimal irradiance conditions.

Multi-busbar (MBB) structure

MBB technology improves current collection from the cell and increases mechanical resistance to microcracks during transport and installation, which matters for ground-mount installations shipped over long distances.

PID and LID resistance

Certified resistance to potential-induced degradation (PID) and light-induced degradation (LID) limits power loss in the early years of operation, supporting the declared 25-year power warranty in the datasheet.

Tier-1, bankable manufacturer

Canadian Solar (founded 2001) appears in the BloombergNEF Tier 1 rankings (Q2 2026) with an annual manufacturing capacity of 61 GW, easing project financing based on this series even though it is now discontinued.

Robust mechanical construction

The reinforced frame and module construction allow installation in regions with heavy snow and wind loads, broadening the series' applicability across pitched-roof and ground-mount installations.

Trade-offs
Production discontinued

The KuMax CS3U-P series was manufactured from 2016 to 2021 and is no longer offered by the manufacturer. This means limited availability of identical modules for extending existing installations and potentially longer lead times for warranty service claims.

Below-average efficiency for segment

Efficiency of 19.2–19.9% trails newer competitors at the same 395 Wp power class — Meyer Burger Black reaches 21.5% and Waaree EDO PRO 19.83%. The 1.6–2.3 pp gap translates to lower energy yield per unit of roof area.

Older polycrystalline technology

The module uses polycrystalline PERC cells, while current segment leaders (e.g., HT-SAAE TOPCon, Meyer Burger HJT) have moved to monocrystalline N-type cells offering lower annual degradation and better high-temperature performance.

12-year product warranty

The standard 12-year product warranty is shorter than the extended 15–25 year warranties now offered by newer Tier-1 series — including some of Canadian Solar's own current lineup — which can affect the perceived residual value of the installation.

Notes from the database
  • At 19.7% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical PERC 0-400W modules
  • Power density of 196.6 W/m² matches the PERC 0-400W median
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.36%/°C matches the PERC 0-400W median
  • At 22.5 kg (2.0 kg above PERC 0-400W median of 20.5 kg), requires checking roof load capacity
  • In the top 89% for efficiency among all PERC panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 390 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 19.70 % Typical Segment median 19.90%
Vmpp · Impp 40.80 V · 9.56 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 48.60 V · 10.17 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2000×992×35 mm · 1.98 m² of roof
Weight 22.5 kg Typical Typical · median 21.4 kg
Cells 144 · PERC Polycrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.360 %/°C Typical median -0.350 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.280 · 0.050 %/°C
NOCT 42 °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 -0.350
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Canadian Solar CS3U-390P 390 W 19.70% -0.360 22.5 kg You are here
GS10-B120-GF-440 440 W 20.33% -0.320 24.0 kg +50 W, cooler, +0.6 pp
LNSU-410M 410 W 20.31% -0.360 24.5 kg +20 W, heavier, +0.6 pp
GS10-B120-GF-435 435 W 20.10% -0.320 24.0 kg +45 W, cooler, +0.4 pp
LNSK-340M 340 W 20.08% -0.360 21.0 kg -50 W, lighter, +0.4 pp
LNSU-405M 405 W 20.06% -0.360 24.5 kg +15 W, heavier, +0.4 pp
CS3U-395P 395 W 19.90% -0.360 22.5 kg Very close match
LNSU-400M 400 W 19.81% -0.360 24.5 kg +10 W, heavier
LNSF-400M 400 W 19.76% -0.360 23.5 kg +10 W, heavier
CS3W-440PB-AG 440 W 19.70% -0.360 28.4 kg +50 W, heavier, +5 yr warranty
CS3U-355P 355 W 17.90% -0.360 22.5 kg -35 W, -1.8 pp
CS3U-360P 360 W 18.20% -0.360 22.5 kg -30 W, -1.5 pp
CS3U-365P 365 W 18.40% -0.360 22.5 kg -25 W, -1.3 pp
CS3U-370P 370 W 18.70% -0.360 22.5 kg -20 W, -1.0 pp
CS3U-375P 375 W 18.90% -0.360 22.5 kg -15 W, -0.8 pp
SPR-MAX7-475 475 W 24.00% -0.270 21.1 kg Cooler, +4.3 pp, +15 yr warranty
SPR-MAX7-470 470 W 23.70% -0.270 21.1 kg Cooler, +4.0 pp, +15 yr warranty

Found 124 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 260 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 455 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 719 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
Is the Canadian Solar KuMax CS3U-P 395W still available for purchase?
The KuMax CS3U-P series has been discontinued by Canadian Solar and replaced by newer TOPCon cell-based models. Units from this series may still be available through distributors as remaining stock, but it's worth checking current availability with your supplier before planning a larger installation, to avoid issues sourcing identical modules later.
What warranty comes with the KuMax CS3U-P panels and what does it cover?
Canadian Solar provides a 12-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, plus a 25-year linear power output warranty. The power warranty guarantees the panel still generates a defined percentage of its initial rated output after years of use, which is standard for Tier 1 manufacturers.
How do the half-cut cells in the KuMax CS3U-P differ from standard full-size cells?
Half-cut cells are cut in half, reducing resistive losses and limiting the impact of partial shading on overall panel output. In practice, shading of one section of the module (e.g., from a leaf or chimney) causes a smaller power drop than with traditional panels, and the design also reduces the risk of microcracks during transport and installation.
Do KuMax CS3U-P panels perform well in hot summer conditions?
Yes, the series features a low temperature coefficient of power, meaning less output loss on hot days compared to standard polycrystalline modules. This allows the panels to maintain more stable energy production during summer, when irradiance is highest but cell temperature also rises and naturally reduces efficiency.
What is the maximum power output of the KuMax CS3U-P and what installations is it suited for?
Modules in the KuMax CS3U-P series reach up to 395 Wp maximum power. Thanks to a robust mechanical frame, resistance to snow and wind loads, and PERC technology with half-cut cells, they work well in both residential rooftop installations and larger ground-mounted solar farms where cost-to-reliability ratio matters.
Are KuMax CS3U-P panels resistant to PID and LID degradation?
Yes, the manufacturer built in resistance to PID (Potential Induced Degradation) and LID (Light Induced Degradation), common causes of gradual output loss in solar panels during the first years of operation. Limiting these effects results in more predictable energy production and better long-term protection of the investment.
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