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Canadian Solar CS3W-405PB-AG
Canadian Solar Brand review

CS3W-405PB-AG

405 Wp PERC Bifacial 70%
ComparePV verdict

Warranty pick, modest efficiency

Rank 12,639 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
405
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
18.10
Weak · bottom 1%
Density (Wp/m²)
181.3
Weak · bottom 1%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.360
Weak · bottom 15%
Weight (kg)
28.4
Weak · 6.4 kg above median
Warranty (yrs)
30
Strong · top 17%

The Canadian Solar BiHiKu series consists of bifacial modules combining PERC cell technology with half-cut cells, engineered to maximize energy yield from both the front and rear side of the panel. Thanks to bifacial technology, an installation can harvest additional energy reflected from the ground, making it especially attractive for solar farms, industrial rooftops with light-colored surfaces, and elevated ground-mount structures where ambient albedo favors light reflection. The use of half-cut cells reduces resistive losses and improves partial shading tolerance, while the multi-busbar (MBB) structure increases the reliability of electrical connections and lowers the risk of micro-cracks. The modules stand out for their low temperature coefficient, allowing them to maintain performance even in the high ambient temperatures typical of large summer ground-mount installations. The manufacturer has also minimized light- and temperature-induced degradation (LID/LeTID), resulting in more stable energy production throughout the module's lifetime. The BiHiKu series works well in both commercial and industrial projects, where long-term profitability (lower LCOE) and solid product and power warranties confirming investment durability matter most.

Ranking

954 panels in the segment PERC 400-450 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 18.10% 20.60% Weak · bottom 1% 13,200
Power density 181.3 206.2 Weak · bottom 1% 13,182
Temperature coefficient -0.360 -0.350 Weak · bottom 15% 12,345
Weight per kWp 70.1 53.0 Weak · bottom 1% 13,414
Performance warranty 30 yrs 25 yrs Strong · top 17% 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

6 positive · 5 caution
Best for

Commercial and shaded-installations.

Not ideal for

Tight roof space, weight-limited structures and roofs where every square metre has to count.

Strengths
30 year performance warranty

Top 17% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 25 yrs.

Watch-outs
18.10% module efficiency

Bottom 1% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 20.60%. Ranked 13,200th in the whole database.

70.1 kg per kWp

Bottom 1% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 53.0. Ranked 13,414th in the whole database.

181.3 watts per square metre

Bottom 1% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 206.2. Ranked 13,182nd in the whole database.

What owners get
Bifacial gain up to 30% extra power

The BiHiKu series' bifacial design enables additional rear-side energy yield of up to 30% of nominal power under favorable ground albedo conditions, making it especially valuable for ground-mount farms and light-colored industrial roofs.

Low temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C

With a power temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C, the modules lose less output at high temperatures than standard PERC panels (typically around -0.40%/°C), translating into higher summer yield for ground-mount installations.

Half-cut cells with MBB technology

Half-cut cells combined with multi-busbar (MBB) interconnection reduce resistive losses, improve microcrack resistance, and enhance partial-shading tolerance compared to designs using full-size cells with fewer busbars.

Confirmed Tier-1 bankable manufacturer

Canadian Solar is listed on the BloombergNEF Tier-1 list and was recently reconfirmed as a Tier-1 supplier of PV modules and energy storage systems by S&P Global Energy (July 2026), easing project financing for commercial deployments of this series.

30-year linear power warranty

The 30-year linear power warranty exceeds the standard 25-year warranties common among competitors' PERC products from this era, improving LCOE predictability for long-term commercial projects.

Trade-offs
Series production discontinued

The BiHiKu series (launched in 2018) has been phased out of the manufacturer's current lineup in favor of newer generations (e.g., BiHiKu6/BiHiKu7), meaning limited future availability of replacement units, warranty servicing, and technical support.

Efficiency trails current market standards

BiHiKu module efficiency (17.5-19.9%) is notably lower than comparably rated bifacial N-type TOPCon models, such as Jinko Tiger Neo (22.27%), Q-Cells Q.TRON BLACK (22.3%), and Astronergy ASTRO N7s (22.3%), requiring a larger installation area for equivalent power.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 18.1% is 2.5pp below the PERC 400-450W median (20.6%)
  • At 181.3 W/m², this panel generates 24.9 W/m² less per unit area than PERC 400-450W median (206.2 W/m²)
  • At -0.36%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for PERC 400-450W panels
  • At 28.4 kg (6.4 kg above PERC 400-450W median of 22.0 kg), requires checking roof load capacity
  • 70% bifaciality enables rear-side power generation, boosting yield by 4-10% on reflective surfaces

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 405 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 18.10 % Weak Segment median 20.60%
Vmpp · Impp 38.90 V · 10.42 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 47.40 V · 10.98 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2132×1048×30 mm · 2.23 m² of roof
Weight 28.4 kg Weak Weak · 6.4 kg above median
Cells 144 · PERC Polycrystalline
Bifaciality 70 % Rear output as a share of front
Coefficient Pmax -0.360 %/°C Weak bottom 15% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.280 · 0.050 %/°C
NOCT 41 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 12 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 30 years Strong top 17% · 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
-
With bifacial gain
-

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
-
Bifacial gain
Rear gain over light concrete: -
-

Model: bifaciality × albedo × 0.6 view factor. A first-order estimate, not a yield simulation.

Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Canadian Solar CS3W-405PB-AG 405 W 18.10% -0.360 28.4 kg You are here
GS10-B120-GF-455 455 W 21.03% -0.320 24.0 kg +50 W, +2.9 pp, -5 yr warranty
GS10-B120-GF-450 450 W 20.79% -0.320 24.0 kg +45 W, +2.7 pp, -5 yr warranty
GS10-B120-GF-445 445 W 20.56% -0.320 24.0 kg Lighter, +2.5 pp, -5 yr warranty
GS10-B120-GF-440 440 W 20.33% -0.320 24.0 kg Lighter, +2.2 pp, -5 yr warranty
LNSU-410M 410 W 20.31% -0.360 24.5 kg Lighter, +2.2 pp, -5 yr warranty
GS10-B120-GF-435 435 W 20.10% -0.320 24.0 kg Lighter, +2.0 pp, -5 yr warranty
LNSU-405M 405 W 20.06% -0.360 24.5 kg Lighter, +2.0 pp, -5 yr warranty
CS3U-395P 395 W 19.90% -0.360 22.5 kg Lighter, +1.8 pp, -5 yr warranty
LNSU-400M 400 W 19.81% -0.360 24.5 kg Lighter, +1.7 pp, -5 yr warranty
CS3W-390PB-AG 390 W 17.50% -0.360 28.4 kg -15 W, -0.6 pp
CS3W-395PB-AG 395 W 17.70% -0.360 28.4 kg -10 W, -0.4 pp
CS3W-400PB-AG 400 W 17.90% -0.360 28.4 kg -0.2 pp
CS3W-410PB-AG 410 W 18.30% -0.360 28.4 kg Very close match
CS3W-415PB-AG 415 W 18.57% -0.370 28.2 kg +10 W, hotter, +0.5 pp
CS3W-420MB-AG 420 W 18.80% -0.350 28.4 kg +15 W, cooler, +0.7 pp
CS3W-425PB-AG 425 W 19.02% -0.370 28.2 kg +20 W, hotter, +0.9 pp
GKA120N-PRO-590W 590 W 23.82% -0.300 26.7 kg +185 W, cooler, +5.7 pp

Found 20 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 111 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 353 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 919 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
Is the Canadian Solar BiHiKu series still available for purchase?
The BiHiKu series has been discontinued from current production by Canadian Solar and replaced by newer models featuring TOPCon technology and later bifacial generations (e.g., BiHiKu7). Panels from this series may still be available through distributors' remaining stock or the secondary market, but buyers should check the production date and warranty validity before purchasing.
How much extra energy does the bifacial design of BiHiKu modules provide?
Thanks to bifacial technology, BiHiKu modules capture reflected radiation on the rear side, typically delivering an additional yield of a few percent up to 20-25%, depending on ground albedo, mounting height, and tilt angle. Best results are achieved on bright surfaces like gravel, white industrial roofs, or snow, which is why this series is mainly suited to PV farms and elevated ground-mount structures.
What warranty comes with Canadian Solar BiHiKu panels?
The manufacturer provides a 12-year product warranty and a 30-year linear power output warranty. This means the panel should still retain a significant portion of its rated output after that period, making it a solid long-term investment for commercial and industrial installations.
How do half-cut cells in BiHiKu differ from standard full-size cells?
Half-cut cells are PERC cells cut in half, which reduces resistive losses and the current flowing through each path, lowering power loss. They also improve tolerance to partial shading - if part of the panel is shaded, the rest of the module can still operate efficiently, resulting in higher and more stable energy production under real-world conditions.
Are 445 Wp BiHiKu panels suitable for large ground-mount installations?
Yes, up to 445 Wp output combined with a low temperature coefficient means BiHiKu modules perform well under the high temperatures typical of summer at solar farms. The bifacial design further boosts energy yield on elevated ground-mount structures where the rear side has good access to reflected light, helping lower the project's LCOE.
Is Canadian Solar a Tier 1 manufacturer, and what does that mean for buyers?
Yes, Canadian Solar is classified as a Tier 1 manufacturer, indicating financial stability, large-scale production, and a proven track record of warranty reliability worldwide. For buyers, this reduces the risk of issues with future warranty claims and makes it easier to secure bank financing for projects using these modules.
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