CSUN Solar Panels Review
CSUN, or China Sunenergy, is one of the largest solar panels manufacturers in the world. This company produces Tier 1 solar panels that have high efficiency and a low-temperature coefficient. One of the bigger concerns is how long the panels last. Chinese-designed solar panels have been known to be an inferior product to Korean or German panels.
That being said if you are after a panel that reads well on paper and is at a good price point, then these panels might be for you.
CSUN solar panels boast a high module efficiency of 20.4%, which is close to top brands like LG, SunPower, and Winaico solar panels. These panels also have a low-temperature coefficient of 0.423%, making them excellent for installation in all parts of Australia.
The products come with a 10-year product warranty and a 25-year linear performance warranty that ensures your safety. More so, the panels can last for 25 to 30 years, which means you will get a good ROI.
CSUN has been in business for over 15 years. This company produces Tier 1 solar panels, and it has a close affiliation with the China Electrical Equipment Group (CEEG), a renowned Chinese company. Although CSUN was delisted from the NASDAQ stock market due to financial problems, it is working hard to become re-listed. The company also aims at being listed on the high PE market.
| CSUN670 | CSUN460 | CSUN380 | CSUN600 | CSUN610 | |
| Cells Number | 132 cells | 120 cells | 120 cells | 156 cells | 120 cells |
| Cell Type | Monocrystalline Semi-cells | Monocrystalline Semi-cells | Monocrystalline Semi-cells | Monocrystalline Semi-cells | Monocrystalline Semi-cells |
| Power Output | 670W | 460W | 390W | 600W | 610W |
| Solar Panel Efficiency | 21.60% | 21.26% | 20.60% | 21.40% | 22.60% |
| Annual Power Degradation | 0.55% | 0.55% | 0.70% | 0.55% | 0.55% |
| Dimensions | 2384 × 1303 × 35 mm | 1909 × 1134 × 35 mm | 1735 × 1038 × 35 mm | 2465 × 1134 × 35 mm | 2172 × 1303 × 35 mm |
| Weight | 34.5 kg | 24.2 kg | 19.5 kg | 31.5 kg | 31.5 kg |
| Product Warranty | 12 years | 12 years | 10 years | 12 years | 12 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 25 years | 25 years | 25 years | 25 years |
| Operational Temperature Range | -40~+85º C | -40~+85º C | -40~+85º C | -40~+85º C | -40~+85º C |
Cell technology
CSUN solar panels utilize PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) cell technology, which enhances traditional cells. Conventional solar cells have two silicon layers called p-type and n-type. Although these cells are highly effective, they may lose efficiency due to low electron movement and overheating.
PERC cells contain an extra dielectric passivation layer on the rear side of the cell. This allows for more sunlight rays to be captured, leading to higher electricity output. Besides,
PERC cells mitigate rear recombination that blocks electrons from flowing freely to increase energy production.
PERC cell technology also prevents longer wavelengths from being turned into heat that decreases the efficiency of the solar panels.
CSUN solar modules are available in full-cell and half-cell modules. The half-cell modules are more efficient as they have improved performance. Typically, a traditional solar cell may have 60 or 72 solar cells. In half-cell modules, the cells are halved to create double the number (120 and 144). The cells are then wired together in series.
Half cells have reduced resistive losses when electrical current is being transported. These cells are also resistant to shading and will continue producing optimal power when a part of them is shaded.
Range of CSUN panels
| Image | Model | Features | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Series | -polycrystalline solar cells -uses PERC cell technology -5400pa/2400pa maximum snow and wind load -17.78% module efficiency --0.408 power temperature coefficient -positive power tolerance -optimal performance during weak light conditions -0.7% annual degradation rate -10-year performance warranty with 80.7% power output -25-year linear performance warranty | ||
| Mono | -monocrystalline solar cells -uses PERC cell technology -5400pa/2400pa maximum snow and wind load --0.423% power temperature coefficient -positive power tolerance -20.28% module efficiency -high performance in weak light conditions -corrosion resistant -0.7% annual degradation rate -12-year product warranty with 80.18% power output -25-year linear power output warranty | ||
| Mars Series | -monocrystalline solar semi-cells - uses half-cell + PERC cell technology -5400pa/2400pa snow and wind load -o.36% power temperature coefficient -20.40% module efficiency -positive power tolerance -excellent performance in weak light conditions -corrosion resistant -10-year product warranty with 80.18% power output -25-year linear performance warranty | ||
| Half-cell | -monocrystalline solar semi cells -uses half-cell + PERC cell technology -5400pa/2400pa snow and wind load -0.36% power temperature coefficient -19.70% module efficiency -positive power tolerance -corrosion resistant -high performance in weak light conditions -10-year product warranty with 80.7% power output -25-year linear performance warranty-fire resistant |
Galaxy Series
The polycrystalline galaxy series is one of the best CSUN solar panels that have an industry-leading conversion efficiency. These panels have a low annual degradation rate that ensures they produce high power for a longer time.
Size: 1956mm x 992mm x 40mm
Cell type: polycrystalline solar cells
Cell number: 6 x 12 cells
Output: 330W – 345W
Weight: 22kg
Cell technology
The galaxy series utilizes PERC cell technology that is typically an improvement of traditional solar cells. Polycrystalline solar cells are designed using many silicon fragments melted and joined together. This gives the electrons less freedom to roam around, reducing the efficiency of the panels. PERC cell technology adds an extra layer at the backside of the solar cell to improve conductivity and increase power output.
Efficiency
Galaxy polycrystalline solar panels come with a high initial efficiency of 97.5%, which is quite intriguing. The efficiency drops to 90% after ten years and down to 80.7% after 25 years, which is when the warranty of the panels ends. With a low annual degradation rate of 0.7%, customers get a good ROI from the panels.
Warranty/ Guarantee
These panels come with a 10-year product warranty for materials and workmanship and a 25-year power output performance warranty.
Peak Performance
The highest power output of these panels is 345W, with a module efficiency of 17.78% and a power temperature coefficient of 0.408%.
Panels needed for 6.6kW solar system
A 6.6kW Galaxy Series solar system will need 24 panels. These panels are highly efficient and are perfect for rooftop installations.
Datasheet: Galaxy Series
Mono Series
The mono series is one of CSUN’s best modules, with high efficiency of over 20%. These panels also perform excellently in weak light conditions, making them excellent for all climates.
Size: 1640mm x 992mm x 35mm
Cell type: Monocrystalline solar cell
Cell number: 6 x 10 cells
Output: 315W – 330W
Weight: 18.1kg
Cell technology
The monocrystalline series uses the PERC cell technology, just like the Galaxy poly series. The silicon used to make mono cells is purer as it is derived from a single source. This gives electrons more freedom to move around collecting electricity.
With an additional passivated layer on their rear side, mono cells become more efficient as electron recombination is reduced. Also, the cells do not overheat because PERC prevents longer wavelengths from becoming heat.
Efficiency
Mono series comes with a power output of 96.5% during the initial year and drops to 90% after 10 years. These modules have a low annual degradation of 0.7%, which makes the panels’ efficiency to be high throughout their lifetime. The cells exhibit an efficiency of 80.18% by the end of the 25th year.
Warranty/ Guarantee
CSUN solar panels come with 12-year product workmanship for materials and workmanship and a 25-year linear performance warranty. This makes it one of the best offers in the market.
Peak Performance
These panels produce maximum energy of 330W under the right conditions, with a high module efficiency of 20.28%. These panels also have a power temperature coefficient of -0.423%.
Datasheet: Mono Series
Mars Series
The Mars half-cell series is the most powerful of the CSUN brand. It has a high module efficiency and power output that places it together with the top brands in the market.
Size: 2015mm x 996mm x 40mm
Cell type: Monocrystalline
Cell number: 6 x 24 semi-cells
Output: 390W – 410W
Weight: 22.7kg
Cell technology
This series uses the PERC cell technology, and its solar cells are halved to optimize electron flow. PERC cell technology increases the efficiency of the cells as it adds an extra passivation layer at the rear side of the cells. This additional layer reduces electron recombination and increases the light-capturing capabilities of the cells.
To further increase the efficiency of the cells, the Mars series cells are halved and then wired together in series. This reduces resistive losses and increases power output when a part of the panel is shaded.
Efficiency
The Mars half-cell series have a high initial efficiency of 96.5%, which reduces to 90% after the first ten years. These panels have a low yearly degradation of 0.7%, which gives the panels an efficiency of 80.18% in the 25th year.
Warranty/ Guarantee
These solar panels have a product warranty of 10 years that covers materials and workmanship and a linear power output warranty of 25 years. CSUN stands behind its products which gives its customers peace of mind.
Peak Performance
The Mars Series can produce up to 410W under the right conditions. This is an incredibly high power output which gives them a module efficiency of 20.40%. These modules also have a power temperature coefficient of -0.36% that increases their power output.
Datasheet: Mars Series
Half-cell Series
The Half-cell Mono series is another excellent performer that combines high efficiency and power output. These panels are highly reliable and durable, making them an excellent choice for homeowners.
Size: 2005mm x 992mm x 35mm
Cell type: Monocrystalline
Cell number: 6 x 24 semi-cells
Output: 370W – 390W
Weight: 22kg
Cell technology
The Half-cell series also uses PERC cell technology that enhances the traditional mono cells. Since mono cells are designed from a single silicon source, they are more efficient than poly cells. PERC technology adds passivation later on the backside of the cells to improve their ability to capture sunlight.
Half-cells become more efficient and reliable because they perform excellently in shading and have a lower resistive loss. Once the cells are halved and joined together, electrons can move around shaded parts and continue transporting electricity.
Efficiency
The Half-cell Mono Series has a minimum power output of 97.5% during its initial year. After ten years, the efficiency drops to 90%. In the 25th year, the panels’ efficiency stands at 80.7%. This series has a low annual degradation rate of 0.7% that ensures customers get a good ROI by the time the panels expire.
Warranty/ Guarantee
These modules have a 10-year product warranty of materials and workmanship and a 25-year linear power output warranty. CSUN offers its customers peace of mind by standing behind its products.
Peak Performance
The Half-cell Mono Series has a peak performance of 390W under optimal conditions, with a high module efficiency of 19.70% and a power temperature coefficient of -0.36%.
Datasheet: Half-cell Series
Australian office?
CSUN claims to have an office in Martin Place, Sydney, NSW. Besides the panel’s efficiency, having an Australian office is one of the things that makes these panels highly popular.
Why an Australian office is important
Most solar panel installers are hard to reach once they install solar panels for you. Some installers, including the large ones, go out of business before honoring their warranties. This leaves many homeowners stranded while some try to reach the Chinese offices in vain.
CSUN makes things easier for its customers as it has an Australian office so clients do not have to call offices in China to follow up on their warranties. This also makes it easy for CSUN manufacturers to repair the panels in case they develop issues.
CSUN solar panel specification/ datasheet
| Galaxy | Mono | Mars | Half-cell | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cell Number | 6 x 12 cells | 6 x 10 cells | 6 x 24 semi-cells | 6 x 24 semi-cells |
| Cell Type | Polycrystalline | Monocrystalline | Monocrystalline | Monocrystalline |
| Power Output | 330W – 345W | 315W – 330W | 390W – 410W | 370W – 390W |
| Nominal Power Voltage | 42.9V | 39.16V | 46.06V | 45.04V |
| Power Density | 1.5 J/m3 | 1.5 J/m3 | 1.5 J/m3 | 1.5 J/m3 |
| Panel Efficiency | 17.78% | 20.28% | 20.40% | 19.70% |
| Annual Power Degradation | 0.7% | 0.7% | 0.7% | 0.7% |
| Dimensions | 1956mm x 992mm x 40mm | 1640mm x 992mm x 35mm | 2015mm x 996mm x 40mm | 2005mm x 992mm x 35mm |
| Weight | 22kg | 18.1kg | 22.7kg | 22kg |
| Product Warranty | 10 years | 12 years | 10 years | 10 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 25 years | 25 years | 25 years |
| Operational Temperature Range | 43°C (+-2) | 43°C (+-2) | 43°C (+-2) | 43°C (+-2) |
| Made in | China | China | China | China |
FAQ's
Are CSUN solar panels Tier 1?
Yes, CSUN solar panels are Tier 1. Although the company is currently facing financial problems, it is striving hard to be stable again. The company offers a 10-year product warranty and a 25-year linear performance warranty. More so, the panels are corrosion-resistant, which makes them a reliable installation across Australia.
Who makes CSUN solar panels?
China Sunenergy (CSUN) produces CSUN solar panels, which are one of the best in the market. CSUN is a mid-sized company that claimed to have a 1.3 gigawatts production capacity in 2016 and sold over 3 gigawatts of panels in total.
Where are CSUN solar panels manufactured?
CSUN solar panels are manufactured in Shanghai and Nanjing in China. This company also has manufacturing plants in South Korea and Vietnam and a panel assembly facility In Istanbul.
How long do CSUN solar panels last?
CSUN solar panels last for 25-30 years, but this does not mean they stop producing energy at this point. These panels have excellent performance under weak light conditions. They also have an excellent temperature coefficient that gives them a high power output during hot climates. CSUN panels are, therefore, an excellent investment due to their durability and reliability.
Author: Ben McInerney is a renewable energy enthusiast with the goal of helping more Australians understand solar systems to make the best choice before they purchase. Having an accredited solar installer in the family helps give Ben access to the correct information, which allows him to break it down and make it easily understandable to the average homeowner.
