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Beyond Efficiency: Canadian Solar Launches a 660W HJT Module with a Landmark Low Carbon Footprint

The solar industry's relentless pursuit of higher efficiency is now being matched by an equally critical quest: reducing the embodied carbon in every panel. Canadian Solar has made a significant stride in this direction with the launch of its new 'Low Carbon' (LC) series of heterojunction (HJT) modules.

Author

Alan Zhu
September 29, 2025

This product isn't just about raw power; it represents a holistic approach to manufacturing that prioritizes sustainability from the factory floor to the final installation.

With a top-tier output of 660W and an industry-leading carbon footprint of just 285 kg CO₂eq/kW, this module challenges the notion that environmental performance must come at the expense of energy yield.

Canadian Solar LC Series: A Technical Deep Dive

This new HJT series is designed for utility-scale and commercial & industrial (C&I) applications where both high energy density and sustainability credentials are paramount.

  • Top-Tier Performance: 660W maximum power output and 24.4% module efficiency, placing it at the very forefront of commercially available panel technology.

  • The Core Innovation: Ultra-Low Carbon Footprint. The headline figure is 285 kg CO₂eq/kW. This is achieved through several manufacturing advancements:

    • Thinner Wafers: Reduced to 110 μm, down from the 130-135 μm typical in TOPCon cells, significantly reducing silicon consumption.

    • Higher Ingot Utilization: More efficient use of raw polysilicon.

    • Reduced Production Steps: HJT's simpler cell structure compared to TOPCon (which requires more doping and passivation steps) inherently lowers energy consumption.

    • Lower Factory Power Use: An 8.8%–10.7% reduction in manufacturing power consumption.

  • Superior Technical Specifications:

    • Bifaciality: 95%, meaning the rear side of the panel can generate nearly as much power as the front under reflective conditions, boosting total energy yield.

    • Temperature Coefficient: -0.24%/°C. This excellent rating means the panels lose less power on hot days compared to most competitors, a key advantage in sun-drenched environments.

    • Durability: 2mm dual glass construction, IP68 rating, and a 30-year linear power warranty with only 0.3% annual degradation.

Comparative Analysis: The "Green Premium" Module

The true value of this module is revealed when compared to other high-end technologies. It's not just competing on watts; it's competing on grams of CO₂.

Feature

Canadian Solar LC (HJT)

Standard TOPCon Module

Standard PERC Module

Key Differentiator

Max Power (W)

660 W

~630-650W

~550W

Slight edge in power

Efficiency

24.4%

~23.5-24.0%

~21.5%

Leading efficiency

Carbon Footprint

~285 kg CO₂eq/kW

~400-500 kg CO₂eq/kW

~600-800 kg CO₂eq/kW

Industry-leading sustainability

Bifaciality

95%

~80-85%

~70%

Superior bifacial energy gain

Temp Coefficient

-0.24%/°C

~ -0.30%/°C

~ -0.34%/°C

Better performance in heat

Warranty

30-year linear

30-year linear

25-30 year

Standard for premium class

Value Proposition

Maximum energy yield + minimum carbon

High energy yield, cost-effective

Low cost

The sustainable choice for ESG-driven projects

Analysis:

  • Vs. TOPCon: While TOPCon is the dominant high-efficiency technology, Canadian Solar's HJT offering claims a slight edge in efficiency, a significant advantage in bifaciality, and a vastly superior carbon footprint due to its simpler, less energy-intensive production process.

  • The Carbon Advantage: A footprint of 285 kg CO₂eq/kW is roughly 30-40% lower than standard premium modules. This shortens the carbon payback time (the time it takes for the panel to offset the emissions from its production) by approximately 11%, according to Canadian Solar.

The Energy Expert's Verdict

Canadian Solar is leveraging its vertical integration—controlling the manufacturing process from ingot to module—to drive sustainability innovations that are difficult for less-integrated competitors to replicate.

Why This Module Matters:

  1. ESG and Corporate Sustainability: For corporations and developers with net-zero commitments and strict ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria, this module provides a tangible way to reduce the embodied carbon of their solar projects, making their renewable energy even greener.

  2. Lifecycle Analysis (LCA): This product is designed for projects where a full Lifecycle Analysis is required, such as those seeking green building certifications or adhering to potential future carbon regulations.

  3. Performance + Principle: It proves that manufacturers don't have to choose between high efficiency and low environmental impact. They can achieve both, setting a new benchmark for the industry.

Target Market: This module is ideal for:

  • Large-scale corporate procurement aligned with sustainability goals.

  • Utility-scale projects in regions with carbon incentives or regulations.

  • Commercial & Industrial projects where space is limited and maximum output per square meter is critical.

Final Thought: Canadian Solar's LC series is more than a new product; it's a signal of the industry's maturation. The conversation is evolving from "How much power does it make?" to "How is it made?" By focusing on the carbon footprint, Canadian Solar is future-proofing its offerings and appealing to a growing market of environmentally conscious buyers who are willing to invest in the cleanest form of clean energy available. This is the direction the entire industry must, and will, follow.

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