Jinko Solar (JKS) is a vertically integrated China based company making Modules, Cells & Wafers. Jinko Solar is one of the lowest cost solar panel producer and was the best performing solar stock in 2012 according to me. The company has a wide customer base in more than 10 countries, including Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, France, the Czech Republic, Israel, the United States, Japan, Australia and China. Jinko Solar uses nanotechnology-based silicon ink and processing platform in the solar panel production.

Canadian Solar (CSIQ) is also a vertically integrated company, providing ingots, wafers, solar cells, solar modules, solar power systems and specialized solar products. Headquartered in Canada, the company has factories in China and Ontario with wide customer base covering over 50 countries. Canadian Solar also offers customized PV products and OEM service around the world. The company sells panels at quite cheap prices.

Distinguishing Features between Jinko Solar and Canadian Solar solar modules

Types of Solar Modules and Available Models

The Canadian Solar Modules can be broadly classified into: i) Standard Modules – CS5, CS6, all black CS5A, ii)NewEdge Modules – CS6P-PX and All Black CS5A-MX, iii)e-Modules iv) Quartech Modules – CS6P-P, CS6X-P and iv)BIPV Modules. These modules can be used for both residential and commercial roof-top systems.

Jinko Solar makes i) JKM200M-72, ii) JKM255M-60 and iii) JKM 270M-96 monocrystalline panels and i) JKM250P-60 and ii) JKM295P-72 polycrystalline panels. JKS modules can also be conveniently used for residential, commercial and utility purposes.

Cell Type

The JKS solar panels come with both 125×125 mm and 156×156 mm for monocrystalline modules and 156×156 mm for multicrystalline modules. Canadian Solar panels also come with the standard 125 x 125 mm and 156 x 156 mm cell arrangement.

Wattage

For Canadian Solar modules, the available wattage is between 140 W – 300 W and Jinko Solar panels come in 180W – 295W wattage range.

Frame

Anodized aluminium alloy frame is common for both the companies’ solar panels. The BIPV modules of Canadian Solar have no frame.

Weight

Jinko Solar panels have weights of 14.5 kg, 19 kg and 20 kg for monocrystalline modules and 19 kg and 27 kg for multicrystalline modules. Canadian Solar panels have weight in the range of 15.5 kg – 27 kg.

Load Resistance

The solar panels of both the brands come with load resistance of ~5400 pa to withstand wind and snow loads.

Power Tolerance

Jinko Solar modules have a positive power tolerance of  ~0-+3%.Canadian Solar provides power tolerance 0W~5W.

Certification

Jinko Solar panels are UL, CSA, CEC, TÜV, VDE, MCS and CE certified. Canadian Solar panels come with the top ranked PVUSA (PTC) rating in California for higher energy production.

Warranty

Jinko Solar modules come with a 10 year warranty. Canadian Solar Panels come with 10 years product warranty (materials and workmanship) and 25  years linear module power output warranty.

For other technical details, you can look into the respective websites of Canadian Solar and  Jinko Solar.

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