--- title: "Kyocera KK280P-3CD3CG 280W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Kyocera KK280P-3CD3CG 280W solar panel. Specs: 17.00% efficiency, Polycrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/kyocera-kk280p-3cd3cg" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Kyocera KK280P-3CD3CG Solid all-round for its segment 1,302 panels in the 180-380 W band, all technologies ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Kyocera - **Model:** KK280P-3CD3CG - **Series:** KK Series - **Rated power:** 280 W - **Cell technology:** Polycrystalline ## How it compares Compared against 180-380 W band, all technologies (1302 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 280 W | 330 W | Weak - bottom 22% | | | Module efficiency | 17.00% | 18.70% | Typical | 13,453 | | Power density | 170.2 | 186.1 | Typical | 13,435 | | Temperature coefficient | - | -0.360 | | | | Weight (kg) | 19.0 kg | 19.5 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 25 yrs | Typical | 9,798 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 17.00% | 18.70% | Typical | 13,453 | | Power density | 170.2 | 186.1 | Typical | 13,435 | | Temperature coefficient | - | -0.360 | | | | Weight per kWp | 67.9 | 62.3 | Typical | 13,278 | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 25 yrs | Typical | 9,798 | - **Best for:** Residential, commercial and cold-climate. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 280 W - **Efficiency:** 17.00 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 31.50 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 8.89 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 38.90 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 9.53 A - **Max system voltage:** 1000 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.355 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.059 %/degC - **NOCT:** 45 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Polycrystalline - **Cell count:** 60 ### Physical - **Length:** 1662 mm - **Width:** 990 mm - **Thickness:** 46 mm - **Weight:** 19.0 kg - **Area:** 1.65 m2 - **Power density:** 170.2 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Performance warranty:** 25 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 80.0 % - **Output after 30 years:** 213 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 13453 of 14005 | | Power density | 13435 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 13924 of 14005 | | Weight | 13278 of 14005 | | Warranty | 9798 of 14005 | ## Pros - **25-year power warranty** - Kyocera backs the KK Series with a 25-year linear power warranty, matching the upper end of market standards for polycrystalline modules of its production era and reflecting confidence in cell durability. - **Water-draining frame design** - A specially engineered frame geometry eliminates water and debris pooling at module edges, reducing the risk of edge corrosion and soiling-related efficiency losses - an issue common in cheaper polycrystalline modules lacking this feature. - **High snow and wind load resistance** - Above-average static load resistance makes the KK Series a solid choice for regions with heavy snowfall or strong winds, where standard 5400 Pa-rated modules may require additional structural reinforcement. - **Manufacturer with 60+ years of heritage** - Kyocera, founded in Japan in 1959, was one of the pioneers of photovoltaics (manufacturing since the 1970s), translating into a rigorous, multi-stage cell QC process that minimizes microcrack risk compared to less established peer manufacturers. - **Efficiency on par with Tier-1 peers** - The 17% efficiency is comparable to peer 280 Wp modules (TPL Solar 17.1%, Gintech 17%), confirming that despite older polycrystalline technology, the series matched prevailing market standards of its time. ## Cons - **Production discontinued in 2016** - Kyocera exited the PV module market in the Americas in 2016, and the KK Series is discontinued. This means limited availability of service, replacement parts, and warranty claim fulfillment over the remaining system lifetime. - **Efficiency trails best-in-class peers** - At 17% efficiency, the module slightly lags Rarlon PV Tech (17.21%) - a small gap, but at the same 280 Wp rating it implies a marginally larger module footprint needed to achieve the same energy yield. - **Polycrystalline technology - lower performance ceiling** - Polycrystalline cells inherently have a lower efficiency ceiling and weaker high-temperature performance than newer mono PERC/TOPCon technologies, limiting the series' appeal for new installations compared to currently available Tier-1 modules. ## About this series The Kyocera KK Series redefines the approach to durability in photovoltaics, focusing on maximizing installation lifespan through advanced materials engineering. The use of high-quality polycrystalline cells combined with proprietary silicon manufacturing technology ensures these modules are characterized by exceptional performance stability over decades. A key element distinguishing this line is the **specially designed frame construction**, which effectively eliminates the problem of water and sediment accumulation on module edges. This solves the common issue of edge degradation and performance drops caused by dirt, which is particularly important in variable weather conditions. Kyocera KK Series panels offer **above-average resistance to static loads**, making them an ideal choice for regions with heavy snowfall or strong winds. This solution is dedicated to demanding private and business investors who prioritize **long-term energy security** over short-term market trends. They are distinguished from the competition by a rigorous quality control process covering every stage of cell production, which translates into **minimal risk of micro-cracks**. By choosing this series, the user gains certainty that the system will maintain high efficiency without the need for frequent maintenance, optimizing the total cost of ownership of the photovoltaic installation. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 17.0% is 4.8pp below the \*\*database\*\* median (21.8%) - Power density of 170.2 W/m² is 47.9 W/m² below \*\*database\*\* median (218.1 W/m²) - needs more roof space - At 19.0 kg, this panel is 7.5 kg lighter than \*\*database\*\* median (26.5 kg) - easier handling during installation - Ranked #13453 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database ## Questions ### Are Kyocera KK Series solar panels still available for purchase? The Kyocera KK Series has been discontinued and is no longer available through standard manufacturer distribution channels. Limited stock may occasionally appear through secondary-market suppliers or dealer warehouses, but availability must be confirmed directly with the seller. For new installations, currently produced alternatives with comparable specifications are recommended. ### What is the power output warranty on Kyocera KK Series panels? Kyocera KK Series modules carry a 25-year linear power output warranty, guaranteeing a specified minimum performance level for a full quarter century of operation. This is a key metric when calculating long-term ROI, especially for commercial installations focused on sustained energy security rather than short-term market trends. ### Can Kyocera KK Series panels handle heavy snow loads and strong winds? Yes. KK Series modules have been tested to IEC 61215 standards and withstand static mechanical loads up to 2,400 Pa. The specially engineered frame design channels water away and prevents snow and debris from accumulating at panel edges. This makes the series particularly well-suited for mountain regions and areas with variable, demanding weather conditions. ### Are Kyocera KK Series panels monocrystalline or multicrystalline? Kyocera KK Series modules use multicrystalline silicon cells produced with Kyocera's proprietary silicon manufacturing process, which minimizes the risk of micro-cracks at every stage of production. In practice, this results in exceptional electrical output stability over decades, offering a competitive durability-to-cost ratio compared to monocrystalline alternatives. ### What is the wattage of the Kyocera KK280P-3CD3CG and how many panels does a home need? The KK280P-3CD3CG delivers a peak output of 280 Wp. A typical single-family home consuming 4,000–5,000 kWh per year generally requires 12 to 16 panels, resulting in a system size of approximately 3.4–4.5 kWp. The exact number depends on roof orientation and tilt angle, geographic location, and the desired level of self-consumption. ### What is the purpose of the special frame design on Kyocera KK Series panels and why does it matter? The KK Series frame is engineered to efficiently drain water and prevent debris from pooling at panel edges. Standing water accelerates corrosion and causes edge degradation, gradually reducing cell efficiency over time. This frame design decreases maintenance frequency and minimizes the risk of long-term output losses, ultimately lowering the overall LCOE of the PV installation. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/5b1649cc5f11d-459f46516140.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-330P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-330p) | 330 W | +50 W, +2.9 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-325P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-325p) | 325 W | +45 W, +2.6 pp | | [SunLink LNSK-330M](https://comparepv.com/panel/sunlink-lnsk-330m) | 330 W | +50 W, heavier, +2.5 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-320P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-320p) | 320 W | +40 W, +2.3 pp | | [SunLink LNSK-325M](https://comparepv.com/panel/sunlink-lnsk-325m) | 325 W | +45 W, heavier, +2.2 pp | | [Canadian Solar CS3K-315P](https://comparepv.com/panel/canadian-solar-cs3k-315p) | 315 W | +35 W, +2.0 pp | | [Kyocera KU270-6MCA](https://comparepv.com/panel/kyocera-ku270-6mca) | 270 W | -10 W, -0.6 pp | | [Kyocera KK275P-3CD3CG](https://comparepv.com/panel/kyocera-kk275p-3cd3cg) | 275 W | -0.3 pp | | [Maxeon SPR-MAX3-400-COM](https://comparepv.com/panel/maxeon-spr-max3-400-com) | 400 W | +120 W, +5.6 pp, +15 yr warranty | | [Lina Energy LEPV 400](https://comparepv.com/panel/lina-energy-lepv-400) | 400 W | +120 W, +5.3 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Phono Solar NS-360MH-60](https://comparepv.com/panel/phono-solar-ns-360mh-60) | 360 W | +80 W, lighter, +5.1 pp | | [PolyCrown Solar Tech NS-360MH-60](https://comparepv.com/panel/polycrown-solar-tech-ns-360mh-60) | 360 W | +80 W, lighter, +5.1 pp | | [Maxeon SPR-MAX3-390-COM](https://comparepv.com/panel/maxeon-spr-max3-390-com) | 390 W | +110 W, +5.1 pp, +15 yr warranty | | [Jshine Solar Technology JS 380~400W 120M6 HJT DG (400W class)](https://comparepv.com/panel/jshine-solar-technology-js-380-400w-120m6-hjt-dg-400w-class) | 400 W | +120 W, +5.0 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [JA Solar JS400 120M6 HJT DG](https://comparepv.com/panel/ja-solar-js400-120m6-hjt-dg) | 400 W | +120 W, +5.0 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Meyer Burger MB\_TG120ByB\_390](https://comparepv.com/panel/meyer-burger-mb-tg120byb-390) | 390 W | +110 W, heavier, +4.8 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/kyocera-kk280p-3cd3cg Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.