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Canadian Solar CS6L-450MS
Canadian Solar Brand review

CS6L-450MS

450 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Strong in heat, no clear weak spot

Rank 11,005 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
450
Weak · bottom 12%
Efficiency (%)
20.90
Typical · median 20.82%
Density (Wp/m²)
208.5
Typical · median 208.5
Temp (%/°C)
-0.340
Strong · top 19%
Weight (kg)
24.2
Typical · median 24.5 kg
Warranty (yrs)
25
Typical · median 25 yrs

The Canadian Solar HiKu6 Mono PERC series was designed to extract more energy from the same roof surface - thanks to the dual cell (divided cells) architecture and Mono PERC technology, which improves module performance in real-world conditions, not just in the laboratory. In practice, this translates to higher energy production, even when the installation operates under intense sunlight or partial shading.

The HiKu6 features enhanced resistance to LID and LeTID degradation, ensuring more stable performance over the years of operation. Additionally, the module construction supports better shading tolerance and minimizes the impact of microcracks, which is crucial during transportation, installation, and operation on roofs exposed to wind and snow loads.

This is an excellent choice for residential installations, small businesses, and commercial properties where high energy yield from limited space, aesthetics (available frame options), and long-term performance guaranteed by extensive manufacturer warranties matter.

Ranking

449 panels in the segment PERC 450-500 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 20.90% 20.82% Typical 10,072
Power density 208.5 208.5 Typical 10,339
Temperature coefficient -0.340 -0.350 Strong · top 19% 8,778
Weight per kWp 53.8 53.1 Typical 7,840
Performance warranty 25 yrs 25 yrs Typical 9,798
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

6 positive · 2 caution
Best for

Residential, commercial, utility-scale and shaded-installations.

Strengths
-0.340 %/°C temperature coefficient

Top 19% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of -0.350.

What owners get
Tier-1 Manufacturer with Continuously Confirmed Bankability

Canadian Solar has appeared on the BNEF Tier-1 list without interruption for years, with a manufacturing capacity of 61,000 MW (Q2 2025 data), ensuring bankability for debt-financed and leased projects while minimizing the risk of manufacturer insolvency within the 25-year power warranty horizon.

Up to 21.7% Efficiency – In Line with Peer Comparables

Peak efficiency of 21.7% matches Premier Energies (21.67%) and Sunova TS-BW72 (21.68%), with no price premium for bifacial technology, making the series cost-competitive in the high-power 182 mm PERC module segment.

Half-Cut 182 mm Cells + PERC: +2.7% Lifetime Energy Yield

The half-cut 182 mm cell architecture combined with Mono PERC delivers, according to Canadian Solar's official datasheets, 2.7% higher energy yield over the module's lifetime compared to conventional full-cell designs, translating into real-world production gains under partial shading and high-temperature conditions.

Linear 25-Year Power Warranty, Max. 0.55%/Year Degradation

The manufacturer guarantees max. 2% degradation in year 1, followed by max. 0.55%/year, with a minimum output of 84.8% after 25 years — identical to leading Tier-1 competitors (Jinko, JA Solar) — backed by a 12-year product warranty covering materials and workmanship.

Reduced LID and LeTID Degradation

Applied cell passivation processes mitigate Light-Induced Degradation (LID) and Light and Elevated Temperature Induced Degradation (LeTID), stabilizing performance during the first 2–3 years of operation — particularly important for rooftop installations where module temperatures routinely exceed 50°C in summer.

Trade-offs
P-Type PERC Technology in Decline Since 2025

The PV industry is migrating en masse to N-type TOPCon — including Canadian Solar's own TOPHiKu6. The HiKu6 temperature coefficient of -0.34%/°C compares unfavorably to -0.29%/°C for TOPCon modules — roughly 15% higher power losses at typical summer cell temperatures of 65–70°C. Over a 25-year warranty period, choosing PERC results in a somewhat lower cumulative energy yield relative to N-type modules available at comparable price points.

Monofacial Design Despite Comparable Efficiency

The competing Premier Energies 144 HC PERC (21.67%) is available in a bifacial dual-glass configuration, which in ground-mount and flat-roof installations with a light-colored membrane can contribute 5–20% additional yield from albedo. As a monofacial module, the HiKu6 does not offer this option — a tangible limitation when designing utility-scale and commercial ground-mount systems.

Notes from the database
  • At 20.9% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical PERC 450-500W modules
  • Power density of 208.5 W/m² matches the PERC 450-500W median
  • At -0.34%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for PERC 450-500W panels
  • In the top 72% for efficiency among all PERC panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 450 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 20.90 % Typical Segment median 20.82%
Vmpp · Impp 34.40 V · 13.10 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 41.00 V · 13.90 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1903×1134×30 mm · 2.16 m² of roof
Weight 24.2 kg Typical Typical · median 24.5 kg
Cells 120 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.340 %/°C Strong top 19% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.260 · 0.050 %/°C
NOCT 41 °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
End-of-warranty output 84.8 % Equals 369 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.00 → 0.55 % First year, then annual

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
-0.340 %/°C against a segment median of -0.350
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Canadian Solar CS6L-450MS 450 W 20.90% -0.340 24.2 kg You are here
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, +3.9 pp, +5 yr warranty
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, +3.6 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +3.6 pp
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg +50 W, cooler, +3.6 pp
GK-3-54HGb-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg +50 W, cooler, +3.6 pp
GCL-NR10R/54BGDF 500 W 24.50% -0.260 24.6 kg +50 W, cooler, +3.6 pp
CS6L-440MS 440 W 20.40% -0.340 24.2 kg -10 W, -0.5 pp
CS6L-445MS 445 W 20.60% -0.340 24.2 kg -0.3 pp
CS6L-455MS 455 W 21.10% -0.340 24.2 kg +0.2 pp
CS6L-460MS 460 W 21.30% -0.340 24.2 kg +10 W, +0.4 pp
CS6L-465MS 465 W 21.50% -0.340 24.2 kg +15 W, +0.6 pp
LR7-60HVH-560M 560 W 24.80% -0.260 25.0 kg +110 W, cooler, +3.9 pp
LR7-60HVH-555M 555 W 24.60% -0.260 25.0 kg +105 W, cooler, +3.7 pp
LR7-60HVHL-550M 550 W 24.40% -0.260 16.3 kg +100 W, cooler, +3.5 pp
JAT60S40-540/LR 540 W 24.40% -0.260 23.5 kg +90 W, cooler, +3.5 pp
GK-5-60HG-540M 540 W 24.40% -0.260 23.3 kg +90 W, cooler, +3.5 pp

Found 725 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 751 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 870 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 1499 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
What warranty is offered on Canadian Solar HiKu6 Mono PERC panels?
The manufacturer provides a 12-year product warranty covering materials and workmanship, along with a 25-year linear power output warranty. Degradation limits are precisely defined: maximum power loss in the first year is 2%, with no more than 0.55% per year in subsequent years. This ensures the module retains at least 84.8% of its nominal power after 25 years of operation. As a Tier 1 manufacturer, Canadian Solar provides genuine assurance that these warranty terms can be enforced.
What are LID and LeTID, and why does the HiKu6 series' resistance to them matter?
LID (Light Induced Degradation) and LeTID (Light and elevated Temperature Induced Degradation) are phenomena that cause permanent power loss in PV panels during the first months and years of operation. The HiKu6 Mono PERC series employs active mitigation of both effects, which according to Canadian Solar reduces their impact by up to 50%. In practice, this translates to more stable energy production over the full 25-year operational lifetime and a closer correlation between rated power and real-world output.
What is the maximum power output of modules in the Canadian Solar HiKu6 Mono PERC series?
The HiKu6 Mono PERC series reaches a peak power output of up to 560 Wp, making it an attractive choice wherever high energy yield from a limited roof area is a priority. The half-cut cell technology combined with Mono PERC architecture delivers high module efficiency while simultaneously reducing losses caused by partial shading.
Are Canadian Solar HiKu6 Mono PERC panels bifacial?
No, the HiKu6 Mono PERC series consists of monofacial modules — they collect energy exclusively from the front side of the cell. This means full compatibility with standard rooftop mounting structures and no requirement for specialized reflective underlays. For rooftop installations, this is typically a sufficient and more cost-effective solution than the more expensive bifacial panels.
Are HiKu6 Mono PERC panels suitable for a typical pitched roof on a single-family home?
Yes, the HiKu6 Mono PERC series is designed with prosumer rooftop installations in mind, including pitched roofs. The modules are compatible with standard mounting systems and are available in variants with either a black or silver frame. Their construction minimizes the impact of microcracks that may occur during transport and installation, and their high tolerance for snow and wind loads makes them well suited to the Polish climate.
Does the Canadian Solar HiKu6 Mono PERC perform well under partial shading or on hot days?
Yes, the half-cut cell architecture significantly reduces losses under partial shading conditions — for example, from chimneys or trees. Mono PERC technology, in turn, improves energy yield at elevated temperatures compared to standard mono cells, although all panels experience some power reduction in high heat. As a result, the HiKu6 produces more energy under real-world conditions than a straightforward comparison of nominal power ratings would suggest.
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