Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ), one of the world’s largest solar technology companies, has taken a major step forward in sustainable solar manufacturing. The company recently announced the launch of its next-generation Low Carbon (LC) modules, which combine cutting-edge wafer innovations with advanced heterojunction (HJT) cell technology.
Designed for utility-scale and commercial & industrial (C&I) markets, the new modules are engineered to deliver one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry—just 285 kg CO₂eq per kW, setting a new standard for eco-friendly solar power solutions.
Canadian Solar Leads the Way in Low-Carbon Solar Technology
The company revealed that the LC modules are expected to begin deliveries in August 2025 and offer up to 660 Wp output with 24.4% efficiency, helping businesses and utilities deploy high-performance solar systems with a much smaller environmental impact. Canadian Solar’s proprietary improvements across multiple stages of production have enabled these breakthroughs in both efficiency and sustainability.
Key advancements include:
- Higher ingot utilization: By increasing ingot use by around 20%, emissions are cut by approximately 9.7% or 30 kg CO₂ per kWp.
- Thinner wafers: Reducing wafer thickness to 110 μm (from 130–135 μm) lowers silicon usage and carbon emissions by 4.5%–5.5% or 14–19 kg CO₂ per kWp.
- Optimized HJT cell production: Streamlining the process to four steps (compared to 10–13 in conventional methods) and lowering operating temperatures from 960°C–1050°C to below 230°C saves 4.2%–5.7% or 14–21 kg CO₂ per kWp.
- Lower total energy consumption: The total energy used in manufacturing is 105.62 MWh/MW, reducing energy use by 8.8%–10.7% versus traditional production.
Collectively, these innovations reduce the carbon payback time by 11% compared to standard N-type silicon-based modules.
Features of Low-Carbon Modules
Power Packed, Planet Friendly
The new LC modules allow customers to achieve two important goals at once: higher energy output and lower environmental impact. This is particularly vital for investors and businesses looking to meet ambitious ESG targets without sacrificing performance or reliability.
Canadian Solar’s modules are fully compatible with their inverter portfolio. Their 350-kW utility inverters with 40 A MPPT DC input current optimize energy capture, even in high-temperature environments up to 45°C, helping customers maximize returns in challenging climates.
Thomas Koerner, Corporate Senior Vice President of Canadian Solar, noted,
“We are proud to introduce our new environmentally friendly, low-carbon modules, marking a key milestone in sustainable solar manufacturing. By combining advanced wafer innovations with heterojunction (HJT) cell technology, we are significantly reducing the carbon footprint of solar energy while maintaining the proven reliability and high efficiency Canadian Solar is known for.”
The LC modules will be showcased at RE+ 2025 in Las Vegas from September 9–11, highlighting the company’s leadership in sustainable solar technology.
Strong Financial Performance Supports Green Goals
Solid financial results back Canadian Solar’s commitment to sustainability. In Q2 2025, the company reported:
- 7.9 GW of solar module shipments, a 14% quarter-over-quarter increase, meeting their guidance of 7.5–8.0 GW.
- 29.8% gross margin, exceeding expectations of 23%–25%.
- $1.7 billion in net revenues, up 42% from the previous quarter and 4% year-over-year, driven by strong battery storage and solar sales.
- $505 million in gross profit, compared to $140 million in Q1 2025 and $282 million in Q2 2024.
The improvements in profitability reflect increased demand for clean energy products and favorable market conditions, including adjustments to U.S. anti-dumping and countervailing duty regulations.
Canadian Solar operates through two main segments:
- CSI Solar: Manufacturing solar modules and battery energy storage solutions.
- Recurrent Energy: Developing and managing utility-scale solar and storage projects.
With nearly 165 GW of solar modules delivered, 13 GWh of battery storage shipped, and a $3 billion contracted backlog, the company’s growth is tightly aligned with global decarbonization efforts.
From Power to Purpose: Canadian Solar’s Path to Net-Zero
Canadian Solar’s mission is to power the world with clean solar energy while applying ESG principles throughout its operations.
The company aims to run on 100% renewable energy by 2030. By 2028, it plans to reach 82% and achieve a carbon payback period of 10 months or less for its solar systems. It also supports circular economy practices to reduce waste and use resources more efficiently.
Its efforts to expand renewable energy sourcing include:
- Signing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
- Leveraging Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).
- Expanding rooftop solar projects across manufacturing facilities.
Additionally, it has secured Green Electricity Certificates (GECs) for its factories in Inner Mongolia and Qinghai, covering 541,169 MWh of clean power, and bought 42,873 MWh from spot markets. All of its revenue comes from renewable energy, highlighting its leadership in climate action.
Emission Reductions
- By running 147 energy-saving programs, it cut 141,836 tCO₂e in greenhouse gases. This helped lower its emissions intensity to 71 tCO₂e per MWp, a 4% drop from 2023.
Although the company slightly missed its 2024 target of 69 tCO₂e per MWp due to lower factory use, it remains committed to improving processes and technologies to further reduce emissions and support long-term sustainability.
Partnerships and Global Initiatives
In May 2024, it joined the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI), a European collaboration that promotes responsible sourcing and sustainable solar production. The company is actively participating in governance, environmental, and labor rights assessments, with audits expected to be published in mid-2025.
Transforming Solar Solutions into Investment Opportunities
For investors, Canadian Solar presents a compelling case. The company’s innovations in low-carbon manufacturing not only enhance its market competitiveness but also align with global ESG priorities. Its steady growth, robust backlog, and proven expertise in delivering high-efficiency solar and storage solutions make it a sound choice for long-term investment.
With the global energy transition accelerating, Canadian Solar’s leadership in sustainable technology, transparent governance, and measurable carbon reductions positions it as a key player in shaping the future of renewable energy.
