--- title: "Canadian Solar CS7N-640MB-AG 640W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Canadian Solar CS7N-640MB-AG 640W solar panel. Specs: 20.60% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/csi-solar-co-ltd-canadian-solar-cs7n-640mb-ag" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Canadian Solar CS7N-640MB-AG Middle of its segment, modest efficiency 217 panels in the segment PERC 600-650 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Canadian Solar - **Model:** CS7N-640MB-AG - **Series:** BiHiKu7 - **Rated power:** 640 W - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 600-650 W (217 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 640 W | 605 W | Strong - top 16% | | | Module efficiency | 20.60% | 21.38% | Weak - bottom 3% | 11,093 | | Power density | 206.0 | 213.8 | Weak - bottom 3% | 11,100 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.340 | -0.340 | Typical | 8,778 | | Weight (kg) | 37.9 kg | 34.0 kg | Weak - bottom 14% | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 20.60% | 21.38% | Weak - bottom 3% | 11,093 | | Power density | 206.0 | 213.8 | Weak - bottom 3% | 11,100 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.340 | -0.340 | Typical | 8,778 | | Weight per kWp | 59.2 | 55.7 | Weak - bottom 14% | 12,053 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Watch out for - **20.60% module efficiency** - Bottom 3% of the PERC 600-650 W segment, against a median of 21.38%. Ranked 11,093rd in the whole database. - **206.0 watts per square metre** - Bottom 3% of the PERC 600-650 W segment, against a median of 213.8. Ranked 11,100th in the whole database. - **59.2 kg per kWp** - Bottom 14% of the PERC 600-650 W segment, against a median of 55.7. - **Best for:** Utility-scale, commercial and shaded-installations. - **Not ideal for:** Tight roof space, roofs where every square metre has to count and weight-limited structures. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 640 W - **Efficiency:** 20.60 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 37.50 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 17.07 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 44.60 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 18.31 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.340 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.260 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.050 %/degC - **NOCT:** 41 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Cell count:** 132 - **Bifacial:** yes - **Bifacial gain:** 20.00 ### Physical - **Length:** 2384 mm - **Width:** 1303 mm - **Thickness:** 35 mm - **Weight:** 37.9 kg - **Area:** 3.11 m2 - **Power density:** 206.0 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 12 years - **Performance warranty:** 30 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 85.0 % - **First-year degradation:** 2.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.45 % - **Output after 30 years:** 544 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 11093 of 14005 | | Power density | 11100 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 8778 of 14005 | | Weight | 12053 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## Pros - **CSAR Technology – Degradation ≤0.45%/year** - Modules incorporate Canadian Solar Advanced Regeneration (CSAR), which reduces LID/LeTID degradation by 50% compared to standard PERC cells. The guaranteed annual power loss after the first year is no more than 0.45%, translating into higher energy yield over the full 30-year operational lifetime. - **Bifacial Energy Gain up to +30%** - The dual-cell architecture with 210 mm cells delivers a bifacial factor of ~70% and a real-world rear-side energy gain of up to 30% — particularly valuable in ground-mounted installations, farms with light-colored gravel, and carports. According to Canadian Solar, the series generates 25.7% more energy over its lifetime than conventional monofacial modules. - **30-Year Linear Power Warranty** - The manufacturer guarantees a linear degradation schedule for 30 years (≤2% in year one, ≤0.45% for each subsequent year), while many competitors in this segment offer only a 25-year warranty with a stepped rather than linear degradation profile. This is complemented by a 12-year product warranty covering materials and workmanship. - **BNEF Tier-1 Manufacturer, 61 GW Production Capacity** - Canadian Solar (founded 2001) has maintained continuous BNEF Tier-1 status for years, with a manufacturing capacity of approximately 61 GW (Q2 2025). Bankable status ensures access to project financing, service availability, and supply chain continuity — critical for large-scale PV farms with a 20–30-year investment horizon. - **21.6% Efficiency – Top of Segment** - The highest-performing BiHiKu7 variant achieves 21.6% module efficiency, matching direct competitors such as Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/132H (21.6%) and Techwise Solar Summit Series and ZNShine ZXM8-TP132 (21.57%). The series holds its own against leading peer comparables within the same power class (up to 670 Wp). ## Cons - **PERC, Not N-Type TOPCon** - P-type PERC cells offer a bifacial factor of ~70% versus ~85% for N-type TOPCon modules (e.g., Canadian Solar's own TOPBiHiKu7 series, which spans 620–725 Wp). TOPCon also exhibits lower LeTID susceptibility and cell efficiency >26% vs. ~24.5% for PERC. In long-term installations (farms >5 MW), the difference in energy yield and degradation rate may justify selecting the newer technology despite the higher CAPEX. ## About this series Canadian Solar's BiHiKu7 series are bifacial modules based on the **dual cell** architecture, designed for maximum energy yield not only from the front but also from the reflected light off the ground. In practice, this means a real gain where competitive panels "stop at just the front surface" - especially on flat roofs, ground-mounted structures, carports, and PV farms with light-colored ground or gravel. The BiHiKu7 features **bifacial PERC technology** combined with the format of large wafers, facilitating the construction of high-power installations using fewer modules and simpler installation logistics. The series is also optimized for compatibility with trackers and inverters, helping to reduce equipment and labor costs, thereby lowering the energy cost throughout the entire lifecycle. For investors, increased reliability, good shading tolerance, and hot-spot resistance are also crucial, translating into more stable performance under demanding operating conditions. ## Notable figures - At 20.6% efficiency, this panel is 0.8pp below the \*\*PERC 600-650W\*\* median of 21.4% - At 206.0 W/m², this panel generates 7.8 W/m² less per unit area than \*\*PERC 600-650W\*\* median (213.8 W/m²) - At -0.34%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*PERC 600-650W\*\* panels - At 37.9 kg, this panel is 3.9 kg heavier than the \*\*PERC 600-650W\*\* median (34.0 kg) - more demanding for installation crews - Bifacial design (70% factor) captures reflected light - adds 4-10% yield on ground-mount or white roof ## Questions ### What warranty coverage applies to the Canadian Solar BiHiKu7 panels? The BiHiKu7 series comes with a 12-year product warranty covering materials and workmanship, along with a 30-year linear power output warranty. This means that over three decades, the manufacturer guarantees a specified minimum energy production level. As a Tier 1 company with a global service network, Canadian Solar provides a realistic means of enforcing these warranty terms should the need arise. ### What are the benefits of bifacial technology in the BiHiKu7 panels, and is the premium worth it? The BiHiKu7 bifacial panel generates electricity from both the front and rear sides by capturing light reflected off the ground surface. With a bifaciality factor of approximately 70%, this translates in practice to additional energy yield gains of several to over ten percent on an annual basis. The greatest benefit is achieved in utility-scale PV plants with light-colored gravel or ground-mounted racking systems, as well as in carport installations and flat-roof applications. ### Are the Canadian Solar BiHiKu7 panels suitable for ground-mounted installations with solar trackers? Yes, the BiHiKu7 series was designed with large commercial installations and utility-scale PV plants in mind, including configurations with single-axis and dual-axis trackers. The large-format 210 mm cells combined with the dual-cell architecture allow high-power rows to be built using fewer modules, which simplifies logistics and reduces structural and wiring BoS costs. ### What is the maximum power output of the BiHiKu7 panel, and how many modules are needed for a 50 kWp installation? The highest available power rating in the BiHiKu7 series is 670 Wp. To build a 50 kWp installation using this configuration, only 75 modules are required. A lower module count means simpler installation, fewer cable connections, and reduced labor costs — factors that carry particular significance in larger commercial projects. ### Will the BiHiKu7 perform well under partial shading conditions, such as from chimneys or trees? The BiHiKu7 series employs a dual-cell architecture that divides cells into smaller segments, improving resilience to the effects of partial shading. The modules also incorporate hot-spot protection to minimize the risk of permanent cell damage. For installations subject to regular and severe shading, however, it is worth additionally considering power optimizers or inverters with per-string MPPT functionality. ### Is Canadian Solar a reliable manufacturer, and is the BiHiKu7 a Tier 1 panel? Canadian Solar has appeared on the Bloomberg NEF Tier 1 list for many years and ranks among the largest solar panel manufacturers in the world, headquartered in Canada with production facilities across multiple continents. The Tier 1 classification indicates that the company meets rigorous financial and manufacturing criteria, which directly underpins the credibility of the warranties provided on the BiHiKu7 series. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/CS-Datasheet-BiHiKu7-CS7N-MB-AG-v21-EN-d9b4f91b79bf.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [AIKO AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a650-mae72mw) | 650 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.6 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A680-MDE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a680-mde72mw) | 680 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.6 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A675-MDE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a675-mde72mw) | 675 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.4 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a645-mae72mw) | 645 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.4 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-G670-MCH72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-g670-mch72mw) | 670 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.2 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-72HVHF-670M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-72hvhf-670m) | 670 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.2 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a640-mae72mw) | 640 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.2 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS7N-645MS](https://comparepv.com/panel/csi-solar-co-ltd-canadian-solar-cs7n-645ms) | 645 W | Lighter, -5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS7N-650MS](https://comparepv.com/panel/csi-solar-co-ltd-canadian-solar-cs7n-650ms) | 650 W | Lighter, +0.3 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS7N-655MB-AG](https://comparepv.com/panel/csi-solar-co-ltd-canadian-solar-cs7n-655mb-ag) | 655 W | +15 W, +0.5 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS7N-660MS](https://comparepv.com/panel/csi-solar-co-ltd-canadian-solar-cs7n-660ms) | 660 W | Lighter, +0.6 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [Canadian Solar CS7N-665MS](https://comparepv.com/panel/csi-solar-co-ltd-canadian-solar-cs7n-665ms) | 665 W | Lighter, +0.8 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A805-GRH78Dw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a805-grh78dw) | 805 W | +165 W, cooler, +4.5 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A800-GRH78Dw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a800-grh78dw) | 800 W | +160 W, cooler, +4.3 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A795-GRH78Dw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a795-grh78dw) | 795 W | +155 W, cooler, +4.2 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A790-GRH78Dw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a790-grh78dw) | 790 W | +150 W, cooler, +4.0 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/csi-solar-co-ltd-canadian-solar-cs7n-640mb-ag Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator, a bifacial gain calculator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.