Canadian Solar’s ‘Ku’ PV modules lower hotspot risks boosting energy yield and reliability

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The (LIC) module technology is intended to reduce NMOT (NMOT: 43 ± 2 °C) and lower hotspot risks, resulting in better energy yield and reliability. Image: Canadian Solar

Canadian Solar has launched an innovative ‘cool’ PV module design, dubbed ‘Ku’ modules. The new PV module series is based on Low Internal Current (LIC) module technology to provide better module energy yield and reliability. 

Problem

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Continued development of high-efficiency and thus higher-output PV modules can lead to increased issues with cell hotspots caused by shading, which produces excess heat at any shadowed cell that leads to permanent damage with persistent high temperatures. Hotspots can be caused at various cell manufacturing process steps such as incomplete edge isolation as well as poor cell current matching at the module assembly stage. 

Solution

The Ku Module portfolio uses Canadian Solar's proprietary black silicon cell technology. The black silicon cell efficiency exceeds that of the current standard polysilicon cells in the market, according to the company. The (LIC) module technology is intended to reduce NMOT (NMOT: 43 ± 2 °C) and lower hotspot risks, resulting in better energy yield and reliability.

Applications

Residential, commercial and utility-scale markets.

Platform

The new Ku Modules portfolio is available in both poly- and monocrystalline. Ku modules family consists of following types: KuMax (144 cells), KuPower (120 cells), KuBlack (120 cells) and the corresponding double-glass KuDymond. The KuMax modules have a power class up to 360 Watts.

Availability

June 2017, onwards.

Read Next

October 15, 2025
Independent power producer (IPP) Geronimo has begun construction on it’s150MW solar project in Illinois and commissioned the 125MW PV project in Michigan.
October 15, 2025
Indian module manufacturer Saatvik Green Energy, through its subsidiary Saatvik Solar Industries, has secured solar PV module orders worth INR6.89 billion (US$78 million).
Premium
October 14, 2025
OCI Holdings’ decision this week to buy a Vietnamese solar wafer facility to supply the US solar cell manufacturing industry makes clear the biggest vulnerability facing the sector today.
October 13, 2025
Korean chemical production firm OCI Holdings has acquired a 65% stake in a Vietnamese solar wafer production plant, intending to export solar wafers to the US.
October 13, 2025
US solar manufacturer T1 Energy has acquired a minority stake in fellow US-based solar cell producer Talon PV.
Premium
October 10, 2025
Gaëtan Masson of IEA PVPS warns of overcapacity, collapsing prices and slipping module quality in the new Trends in PV Applications report.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK