--- title: "Canadian Solar CS3W-450MS Solar Panel: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "Canadian Solar CS3W-450MS solar panel. Specs: 20.40% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3w-450ms" image: "https://comparepv.com/og/panel/canadian-solar-cs3w-450ms.png" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Canadian Solar CS3W-450MS Middle of its segment, needs the roof space 452 panels in the segment PERC 450-500 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Canadian Solar - **Model:** CS3W-450MS - **Series:** HiKu CS3W-MS - **Rated power:** 450 W - **Cell technology:** PERC ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 450-500 W (452 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 450 W | 460 W | Weak - bottom 12% | | | Module efficiency | 20.40% | 20.82% | Weak - bottom 12% | 11,680 | | Power density | 203.7 | 208.5 | Weak - bottom 10% | 11,747 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,489 | | Weight (kg) | 24.9 kg | 24.5 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 25 yrs | Typical | 9,912 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 20.40% | 20.82% | Weak - bottom 12% | 11,680 | | Power density | 203.7 | 208.5 | Weak - bottom 10% | 11,747 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,489 | | Weight per kWp | 55.3 | 53.1 | Typical | 9,872 | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 25 yrs | Typical | 9,912 | ### Watch out for - **203.7 watts per square metre** - Bottom 10% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 208.5. - **20.40% module efficiency** - Bottom 12% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 20.82%. - **Best for:** Residential, commercial, shaded-installations, hot-climate and cold-climate. - **Not ideal for:** Roofs where every square metre has to count and tight roof space. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 450 W - **Efficiency:** 20.40 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 41.10 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 10.96 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 49.10 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 11.60 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:** 144 ### Physical - **Length:** 2108 mm - **Width:** 1048 mm - **Thickness:** 40 mm - **Weight:** 24.9 kg - **Area:** 2.21 m2 - **Power density:** 203.7 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 12 years - **Performance warranty:** 25 years ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 11680 of 14129 | | Power density | 11747 of 14129 | | Temperature coefficient | 10489 of 14129 | | Weight | 9872 of 14129 | | Warranty | 9912 of 14129 | ## Pros - **Tier-1 manufacturer with 25-year track record** - Canadian Solar has operated since 2001 and appears on both the BNEF Tier-1 list and S&P Global Energy's bankable supplier ranking for PV modules, which eases project financing and lowers investment risk for banks and lenders. - **Half-cut cells with multi-busbar technology** - The 144 half-cut cell architecture combined with multi-busbar technology reduces internal resistance and dissipates heat more effectively, lowering the risk of hot spots under partial shading and improving reliability in less-than-ideal irradiance conditions. - **Low power temperature coefficient** - The PERC-based module maintains a temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C, limiting performance losses on hot days - a meaningful advantage in Poland's climate with hot summers. - **25-year linear power warranty** - The manufacturer offers a 25-year linear power warranty, ensuring predictable performance degradation over the system's lifetime and lowering the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of the installation. - **Reinforced frame, high mechanical resistance** - The frame construction is engineered for high snow and wind loads, making the series suitable for both pitched-roof and ground-mounted commercial installations exposed to harsh weather conditions. ## Cons - **Discontinued production since 2021** - The HiKu CS3W-MS series was phased out (produced 2018-2021), meaning limited availability of matching replacement units for warranty claims and no new supply from the manufacturer - an important consideration when planning system expansion. - **Efficiency below current market standards** - The 19.5-20.6% efficiency based on older PERC technology is notably lower than current competitors in the same 455 Wp power class, e.g. LEDVANCE (22.77%), Sunlike Solar (22.8%), or Solitek (22.56%) - a roughly 2-percentage-point gap that translates into lower yield per unit of roof area. - **Shorter product warranty period** - The 12-year product warranty is shorter than the 15-25 years now standard among many Tier-1 manufacturers, which may affect the perceived residual value of the installation despite the matching 25-year linear power warranty. ## About this series The HiKu CS3W-MS series pairs proven monocrystalline module design with engineering choices that meaningfully cut energy losses under less-than-ideal irradiance conditions. The use of **half-cut cells** in a 144-cell architecture together with **multi-busbar** technology reduces internal resistance and improves heat dissipation, allowing the panel to better tolerate partial shading and localized overheating (hot-spot effects). This translates directly into higher reliability and a longer system lifespan, particularly on roofs that aren't fully exposed to sunlight throughout the day. Built on proven **PERC technology**, the module delivers a low power temperature coefficient, meaning smaller output losses on hot days - a real advantage in Poland's climate with increasingly warm summers. A reinforced frame design provides **high snow and wind load resistance**, making it a solid choice for both pitched residential roofs and ground-mounted commercial installations exposed to demanding weather conditions. The HiKu CS3W-MS series suits investors looking for a balance between high unit power output and a predictable, **long-term 25-year linear power warranty**, helping lower the effective levelized cost of energy (LCOE) over the system's entire operating life. ## Notable figures - At 20.4% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* modules - At 203.7 W/m², this panel generates 4.8 W/m² less per unit area than \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* median (208.5 W/m²) - At -0.35%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* panels - In the top 83% for efficiency among all PERC panels ## Questions ### Is the Canadian Solar HiKu CS3W-MS series still available for purchase? The HiKu CS3W-MS series has been discontinued by Canadian Solar and replaced with newer models. These panels can still be found through distributors clearing remaining stock, but availability is limited. Check current inventory with a local supplier before planning an installation based on this series. ### What warranty comes with Canadian Solar HiKu CS3W-MS panels? The manufacturer provides a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year linear power output warranty. This means that after 25 years of operation, the panel should still deliver a substantial portion of its original rated power, resulting in a predictable and lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE) throughout the system's lifetime. ### How do the half-cut cells in the HiKu CS3W-MS differ from standard panels? The panel uses 144 half-cut monocrystalline PERC cells with a multi-busbar layout. Splitting cells in half reduces internal resistance and heat losses, allowing the module to better handle partial shading and lower the risk of hot spots, which improves durability compared to conventional full-cell panels. ### What is the maximum power output of the HiKu CS3W-MS, and is it enough for a residential system? The highest-power variant in the series reaches 455 Wp, making it a solid choice for both rooftop and larger commercial installations. A typical 5-10 kWp residential system would require between 11 and 22 modules, depending on the household's energy needs. ### Do Canadian Solar HiKu CS3W-MS panels perform well in hot summer conditions? Yes, thanks to PERC technology the module has a low power temperature coefficient, limiting efficiency loss during hot days. This is a significant advantage in climates with hot summers, where high rooftop surface temperatures can noticeably reduce output in standard panels. ### Can HiKu CS3W-MS panels withstand heavy snow and wind loads? Yes, the module features a reinforced frame designed for high mechanical loads, including snow and strong wind. It performs well on both sloped rooftops and ground-mounted commercial installations exposed to harsh weather conditions, typical of harsh winters. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/Canadian_Solar-Datasheet-HiKu_CS3W-MS_EN-c78de482f20a.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | Cooler, +4.4 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | Cooler, +4.1 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | +50 W, cooler, +4.1 pp | | [Talesun CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W](https://comparepv.com/panel/talesun-cipro-tn9c54m-500w) | 500 W | +50 W, cooler, +4.1 pp | | [Gokin GK-3-54HGb-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/gokin-gk-3-54hgb-500m) | 500 W | +50 W, cooler, +4.1 pp | | [GCL GCL-NR10R/54BGDF](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-nr10r-54bgdf) | 500 W | +50 W, cooler, +4.1 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3W-395P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3w-395p) | 395 W | -55 W, hotter, -2.5 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3W-400P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3w-400p) | 400 W | -50 W, hotter, -2.3 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3W-405P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3w-405p) | 405 W | -45 W, hotter, -2.1 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3W-410P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3w-410p) | 410 W | -40 W, hotter, -1.8 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3W-415P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3w-415p) | 415 W | -35 W, hotter, -1.6 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3W-420P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3w-420p) | 420 W | -30 W, hotter, -1.4 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3W-425P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3w-425p) | 425 W | -25 W, hotter, -1.2 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3W-430P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3w-430p) | 430 W | -20 W, hotter, -0.9 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3W-435P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3w-435p) | 435 W | -15 W, hotter, -0.7 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA120N-PRO-590W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka120n-pro-590w) | 590 W | +140 W, +3.4 pp, +5 yr warranty | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3w-450ms Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.