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Canadian Solar CS7N-655MB-AG
Canadian Solar Brand review

CS7N-655MB-AG

655 Wp PERC Bifacial 70%
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, needs the roof space

Rank 3,525 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
655
Weak · bottom 25%
Efficiency (%)
21.10
Typical · median 21.25%
Density (Wp/m²)
210.9
Weak · bottom 24%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.340
Typical · median -0.340
Weight (kg)
37.9
Typical · median 34.5 kg
Warranty (yrs)
30
Typical · median 30 yrs

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.

Ranking

320 panels in the segment PERC 650-700 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 21.10% 21.25% Typical 9,297
Power density 210.9 212.5 Weak · bottom 24% 9,459
Temperature coefficient -0.340 -0.340 Typical 8,778
Weight per kWp 57.9 52.3 Typical 11,461
Performance warranty 30 yrs 30 yrs Typical 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

5 positive · 2 caution
Best for

Utility-scale, commercial and shaded-installations.

Not ideal for

Roofs where every square metre has to count.

Watch-outs
210.9 watts per square metre

Bottom 24% of the PERC 650-700 W segment, against a median of 212.5.

What owners get
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).

Trade-offs
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.

Notes from the database
  • At 21.1% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical PERC 650-700W modules
  • At 210.9 W/m² power density, roof space requirements are typical for PERC 650-700W panels
  • At -0.34%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for PERC 650-700W panels
  • At 37.9 kg, this panel is 3.4 kg heavier than the PERC 650-700W median (34.5 kg) - more demanding for installation crews
  • Bifacial design (70% factor) captures reflected light - adds 4-10% yield on ground-mount or white roof

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 655 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 21.10 % Typical Segment median 21.25%
Vmpp · Impp 38.10 V · 17.20 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 45.20 V · 18.43 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2384×1303×35 mm · 3.11 m² of roof
Weight 37.9 kg Typical Typical · median 34.5 kg
Cells 132 · PERC Monocrystalline
Bifaciality 70 % Rear output as a share of front
Coefficient Pmax -0.340 %/°C Typical median -0.340 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 30 years Typical median 30 yrs · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 85.0 % Equals 556 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.00 → 0.45 % 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
-
With bifacial gain
-

Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.

Heat losses
-0.340 %/°C against a segment median of -0.340
-
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 CS7N-655MB-AG 655 W 21.10% -0.340 37.9 kg You are here
AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw 650 W 25.20% -0.260 27.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.1 pp
AIKO-A680-MDE72Mw 680 W 25.20% -0.260 29.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.1 pp
AIKO-A675-MDE72Mw 675 W 25.00% -0.260 29.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.9 pp
AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw 645 W 25.00% -0.260 27.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.9 pp
AIKO-A700-MAE78Dw 700 W 25.00% -0.260 34.5 kg +45 W, cooler, +3.9 pp
AIKO-A695-MAE78Dw 695 W 24.90% -0.260 34.5 kg +40 W, cooler, +3.8 pp
AIKO-G670-MCH72Mw 670 W 24.80% -0.260 28.2 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.7 pp
CS7N-640MB-AG 640 W 20.60% -0.340 37.9 kg -15 W, -0.5 pp
CS7N-645MS 645 W 20.80% -0.340 33.9 kg Lighter, -0.3 pp, -5 yr warranty
CS7N-650MS 650 W 20.90% -0.340 33.9 kg Lighter, -0.2 pp, -5 yr warranty
CS7N-660MS 660 W 21.20% -0.340 33.9 kg Lighter, -5 yr warranty
CS7N-665MS 665 W 21.40% -0.340 33.9 kg Lighter, +0.3 pp, -5 yr warranty
AIKO-A805-GRH78Dw 805 W 25.10% -0.260 39.8 kg +150 W, cooler, +4.0 pp
AIKO-A800-GRH78Dw 800 W 24.90% -0.260 39.8 kg +145 W, cooler, +3.8 pp
AIKO-A795-GRH78Dw 795 W 24.80% -0.260 39.8 kg +140 W, cooler, +3.7 pp
AIKO-A790-GRH78Dw 790 W 24.60% -0.260 39.8 kg +135 W, cooler, +3.5 pp

Found 1390 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 1400 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 1400 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 1432 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
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.
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