Canadian Solar Inc (NASDAQ:CSIQ) said on Monday that it has initiated mass production of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules with an individual capacity of up to 665 W and expects to deliver the first batch later this month.

The company is now manufacturing the new generation of monofacial HiKu7 and bifacial BiHiKu7 modules, based on 210-mm cells. It plans to reach 10 GW of combined nameplate production capacity for both versions by the end of the year.

The new modules achieve module efficiencies of up to 21.4% and, Canadian Solar estimates, reduce balance of system (BOS) costs by up to 5.7% and levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) by up to 8.9% relative to mainstream 445-W panels.

"With up to 665 W capacity, these modules will further reduce the LCOE of solar energy generated and increase the energy yield of solar plants. These modules also have high reliability with several special technologies, such as damage-free cell cutting, strict hot spot control, and low LeTID [light-and elevated temperature-induced degradation] technology, etc,” said Shawn Qu, chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar.