ANAHEIM, Calif., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. ("the Company," "Canadian Solar" or "we") (Nasdaq: CSIQ) today announced at the Solar Power International 2009 Event that two of their solar module series, CS5A and CS5P, have set the new record in PV USA (or PTC) ratings. In addition, the Company announced the successful test of cells produced with Enhanced Selective Emitter (ESE) technology, a breakthrough technology for the Company. In the development of increased conversion efficiencies for scale production, Canadian Solar is on track to boost performance of these cells to 18.5% for mono crystalline and 17% for poly crystalline.

The Canadian Solar High Performance CS modules were tested in June and July of this year, setting new PTC rating records for P-type silicon modules. PTC measurement, a mandatory test in the state of California, measures a PV system power output at atmospheric conditions closer to real-world climatic conditions. A higher PV rating indicates higher actual production on site per watt installed -- which translates directly into higher California rebates for system owners. Part of the Company's industry-leading "CS" solar module series, the High Performance modules include ratings of 190 and 250 watts. They are available for immediate delivery.

The Company also announced it is accepting orders for cells and modules with ESE technology for delivery in early 2010. The ESE technology, developed in Canadian Solar laboratories, will enhance module performance and thus is expected to lead to increased revenues and returns on investment for customers.

Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and CEO of Canadian Solar, commented, "Canadian Solar continues to advance the field of photovoltaics through our commitment to R&D. The record-setting PTC efficiencies of our High Performance CS modules are a clear validation of the progress we've made to bring high quality products and long-term reliability to real solar projects around the world. Our Enhanced Selective Emitter technology is a breakthrough in terms of the efficiency and value we bring to our customers. We will continue to invest in R&D and manufacturing processes, allowing us to further increase our module efficiency, while improving cost structures and driving down the cost of solar."

For more information about the High Performance CS modules and the ESE technology, visit Canadian Solar at the Solar Power International 2009 Event, Booth 2408. The conference and exposition is held at the Anaheim Convention Center from October 27 - 29, 2009.

About Canadian Solar Enhanced Selective Emitter (ESE) Technology:

Canadian Solar's Enhanced Selective Emitter (ESE) technology will lead the industry in efficiency and performance due to several ground-breaking improvements. The ESE technology for cell structure eliminates the "dead layer" and gets super-blue response, resulting in higher conversion efficiency.

The modules to be produced through the ESE technology will generate more field energy output due to better low irradiance performance. This improvement is due to Canadian Solar's advanced process on raising shunt resistance, unique texturing to absorb more light, and superior temperature performance.

About Canadian Solar High Power CS Series:

The Canadian Solar CS series has set new records in PV USA testing. According to CEC listing data(1), Canadian Solar's key products rank TOP 3 with the highest per Watt PTC ratings (CS5P-240M for 91.8%, CS5A-180M for 91.11% and CS5P-230M for 91.04%) among key module manufacturers with mainstream P-type silicon technology. PTC test conditions more closely simulate real-world solar and climatic conditions than STC ratings, giving a closer indication of real-world performance. The PTC rating is a better measurement of PV system's power output than that of STC rating. The test conditions for PTC are similar to the real-world solar and climatic conditions. All ratings in the list are in DC (direct current) watts.

The High Power CS Series is immediately available and now includes the following higher efficiency modules available for immediate delivery:

High Power CS5A-190M: 190Watt of 72pics 5" Mono module, suitable for all PV applications

High Power CS5P-250M: 250Watt of 96pics 5" Mono module, recommended for utility-scale or large commercial-scale use

High Power CS6P-250M: 250Watt of 60pics 6" Mono module, suitable for all PV applications

High Power CS6P-250P: 250Watt of 60pics 6" Mono module, suitable for all PV applications

Clear-sheet CS5A-180M: 180Watt of 72pics 5" Mono module with transparent back sheet. This module meets the aesthetics, design, and engineering needs for carport, facade, or skylight uses.

All-black CS5A-180M: 180Watt of 72pics 5" Mono module with black back sheet and black frame. The all black model meets the aesthetics, design and engineering needs for roof-top uses.

The High Power CS series products are guaranteed by a 6-year industry- leading warranty and the tightest power tolerances +/-5W (+/- 2% for CS5P- 250M), resulting in more real-world kilowatt-hour production.

(1) *Resource: Go Solar California, List of Eligible SB1 Guidelines Compliant Photovoltaic Modules http://www.gosolarcalifornia.ca.gov/equipment/pvmodule.html

About Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ)

Canadian Solar Inc. is a leading vertically integrated provider of ingot, wafer, solar cell, solar module and other solar applications. Canadian Solar designs, manufactures and delivers solar products and solar systems for on- grid and off-grid use to customers worldwide. Canadian Solar is one of the world's largest solar module producers by manufacturing capacity. With operations in North America, Europe and Asia, Canadian Solar provides premium quality, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solar solutions to support global sustainable development. For more information, visit http://www.canadian-solar.com .

Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release, including statements regarding expected future production capacities, market demand, product shipment volumes, revenues and profitability, are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are made under the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by such terms as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include general business and economic conditions and the state of the solar industry; governmental support for the deployment of solar power; future shortage or availability of the supply of high-purity silicon; demand for end- use products by consumers and inventory levels of such products in the supply chain; changes in demand from significant customers, including customers of our silicon materials sales; changes in demand from major markets such as Germany and the Czech Republic; changes in customer order patterns; seasonal weather patterns; changes in product mix; capacity utilization; level of competition; pricing pressure and declines in average selling prices; delays in new product introduction; continued success in technological innovations and delivery of products with the features customers demand; shortage in supply of materials or capacity requirements; availability of financing; exchange rate fluctuations; litigation and other risks as described in the Company's SEC filings, including its annual report on Form 20-F originally filed on June 8, 2009, as amended by the Company's report on Form 20-F/A, filed on October 13, 2009. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All information provided in this press release is as of today's date, unless otherwise stated, and Canadian Solar undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

SOURCE Canadian Solar Inc.