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  <xsd:element name="ExtendedProductWarrantyPeriod" id="csiq_ExtendedProductWarrantyPeriod" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ForeignCurrencyRiskAbstract" id="csiq_ForeignCurrencyRiskAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ForeignCurrencyRiskPolicyTextBlock" id="csiq_ForeignCurrencyRiskPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="GCLCSISuzhouPhotovoltaicTechnologyCoLtdMember" id="csiq_GCLCSISuzhouPhotovoltaicTechnologyCoLtdMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="GuaranteedPerformanceForFirstYearMember" id="csiq_GuaranteedPerformanceForFirstYearMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="csiq_GuaranteedPerformanceForYear25Member" name="GuaranteedPerformanceForYear25Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_GuaranteedPerformanceForYear2ToYear24Member" name="GuaranteedPerformanceForYear2ToYear24Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <xsd:element name="IncomeTaxAdditionalDisclosureAbstract" id="csiq_IncomeTaxAdditionalDisclosureAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="IncomeTaxHolidayAbstract" id="csiq_IncomeTaxHolidayAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="IncomeTaxHolidayIncomeTaxBenefitsPerShareBasic" id="csiq_IncomeTaxHolidayIncomeTaxBenefitsPerShareBasic" type="num:perShareItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="IncomeTaxHolidayIncomeTaxBenefitsPerShareDiluted" id="csiq_IncomeTaxHolidayIncomeTaxBenefitsPerShareDiluted" type="num:perShareItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="IncomeTaxesForeignCorporateTaxRate" id="csiq_IncomeTaxesForeignCorporateTaxRate" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="IncomeTaxesLineItems" id="csiq_IncomeTaxesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="IncomeTaxesTable" id="csiq_IncomeTaxesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="IncreaseDecreaseInAdvanceToSuppliers" id="csiq_IncreaseDecreaseInAdvanceToSuppliers" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidLandUseRight" id="csiq_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidLandUseRight" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="IncreaseDecreaseInProjectAssets" id="csiq_IncreaseDecreaseInProjectAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="InsuranceForBadDebtLossReceivableCurrent" id="csiq_InsuranceForBadDebtLossReceivableCurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="InsurancePolicyTerm" id="csiq_InsurancePolicyTerm" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="InsurancePremiumUnamortizedAmountNoncurrent" id="csiq_InsurancePremiumUnamortizedAmountNoncurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="csiq_InterestCostsCapitalizedProjectAssets" name="InterestCostsCapitalizedProjectAssets" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_InterestCostsCapitalizedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" name="InterestCostsCapitalizedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_InventoryRelatingToNonRecognizedRevenue" name="InventoryRelatingToNonRecognizedRevenue" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <xsd:element name="JiangxiLDKSolarHiTechCoLtdMember" id="csiq_JiangxiLDKSolarHiTechCoLtdMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="LandUseRightTerm" id="csiq_LandUseRightTerm" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="LineOfCreditFacilityMaturityTerm" id="csiq_LineOfCreditFacilityMaturityTerm" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="LoanAgreementForConstructionOfSolarPowerProjectsMember" id="csiq_LoanAgreementForConstructionOfSolarPowerProjectsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="csiq_LongTermNonBankLoansAndNotesPayable" name="LongTermNonBankLoansAndNotesPayable" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <xsd:element name="LossContingencyAmountNotAccruedDueToTakeOrPayProvisionOfAgreementWhichAreVoidUnderGermanLaw" id="csiq_LossContingencyAmountNotAccruedDueToTakeOrPayProvisionOfAgreementWhichAreVoidUnderGermanLaw" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="LossContingencyBadDebtAllowanceAgainstBalanceOfAdvancePayments" id="csiq_LossContingencyBadDebtAllowanceAgainstBalanceOfAdvancePayments" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="LossContingencyCashDepositRateAntiDumpingDutyOnCSPVCellsImportedFromChinaOnOrAfterSpecificDate" id="csiq_LossContingencyCashDepositRateAntiDumpingDutyOnCSPVCellsImportedFromChinaOnOrAfterSpecificDate" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="LossContingencyCashDepositRateCountervailingDutyOnCSPVCellsImportedFromChinaOnOrAfterSpecificDate" id="csiq_LossContingencyCashDepositRateCountervailingDutyOnCSPVCellsImportedFromChinaOnOrAfterSpecificDate" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="MajorCustomersDisclosureAbstract" id="csiq_MajorCustomersDisclosureAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="MajorCustomersDisclosureTextBlock" id="csiq_MajorCustomersDisclosureTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="MinimumAppropriationOfAfterTaxProfitToGeneralReserveRequiredPercentage" id="csiq_MinimumAppropriationOfAfterTaxProfitToGeneralReserveRequiredPercentage" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="ModuleSegmentMember" id="csiq_ModuleSegmentMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="NonBindingLineOfCreditMember" id="csiq_NonBindingLineOfCreditMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestitureAmountOfConsiderationDueToMinorityShareholders" id="csiq_NoncashOrPartNoncashDivestitureAmountOfConsiderationDueToMinorityShareholders" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfBoardMembers" id="csiq_NumberOfBoardMembers" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfBoardMembersDesignatedByTheAcquiredEntity" id="csiq_NumberOfBoardMembersDesignatedByTheAcquiredEntity" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfCustomers" id="csiq_NumberOfCustomers" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfLongTermSupplyPurchaseAgreementsEntered" id="csiq_NumberOfLongTermSupplyPurchaseAgreementsEntered" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfLongTermSupplyPurchaseAgreementsTerminated" id="csiq_NumberOfLongTermSupplyPurchaseAgreementsTerminated" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfSubpoenasReceived" id="csiq_NumberOfSubpoenasReceived" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="OAndMServicesProductMember" id="csiq_OAndMServicesProductMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="csiq_OperatingLossCarryforwardsSubjectToExpiration" name="OperatingLossCarryforwardsSubjectToExpiration" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <xsd:element name="OtherCountriesAmericaMember" id="csiq_OtherCountriesAmericaMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="OtherCountriesAsiaMember" id="csiq_OtherCountriesAsiaMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="OtherCountriesEuropeMember" id="csiq_OtherCountriesEuropeMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="OtherEquityMethodInvesteesMember" id="csiq_OtherEquityMethodInvesteesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="OtherJurisdictionsMember" id="csiq_OtherJurisdictionsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="OtherNoncurrentAssetsAdjustment" id="csiq_OtherNoncurrentAssetsAdjustment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="OtherProductMember" id="csiq_OtherProductMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="PercentageOfDeclineInActualAnnualPowerOutputOfModule" id="csiq_PercentageOfDeclineInActualAnnualPowerOutputOfModule" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="PeriodOfStatuteOfLimitationsForTransferPricingAdjustment" id="csiq_PeriodOfStatuteOfLimitationsForTransferPricingAdjustment" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="PeriodOfStatuteOfLimitationsIfUnderpaymentIsDueToComputationalErrors" id="csiq_PeriodOfStatuteOfLimitationsIfUnderpaymentIsDueToComputationalErrors" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="PeriodOfStatuteOfLimitationsUnderSpecialCircumstances" id="csiq_PeriodOfStatuteOfLimitationsUnderSpecialCircumstances" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="csiq_PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedInventory" name="PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedInventory" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedPrepaidLandUseRight" name="PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedPrepaidLandUseRight" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" name="PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedPropertyPlantAndEquipment" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <xsd:element name="PreferentialWithholdingTaxRate" id="csiq_PreferentialWithholdingTaxRate" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="PrepaymentForLandUseRightPolicyTextBlock" id="csiq_PrepaymentForLandUseRightPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="PrepaymentForLandUseRightsAbstract" id="csiq_PrepaymentForLandUseRightsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ProductWarrantyAccrualRateForSalesOfSolarModules" id="csiq_ProductWarrantyAccrualRateForSalesOfSolarModules" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ProductWarrantyExpenseAdjustment" id="csiq_ProductWarrantyExpenseAdjustment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ProductWarrantyGuaranteedPerformancePeriodAxis" id="csiq_ProductWarrantyGuaranteedPerformancePeriodAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ProductWarrantyGuaranteedPerformancePeriodDomain" id="csiq_ProductWarrantyGuaranteedPerformancePeriodDomain" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ProductWarrantyPeriodForWhichEntityGuaranteesForMaintainingPerformanceLevels" id="csiq_ProductWarrantyPeriodForWhichEntityGuaranteesForMaintainingPerformanceLevels" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ProjectAssetsAbstract" id="csiq_ProjectAssetsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="csiq_ProjectAssetsImpairmentCharge" name="ProjectAssetsImpairmentCharge" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <xsd:element name="ProjectAssetsPlantsAndLand" id="csiq_ProjectAssetsPlantsAndLand" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="ProjectAssetsPlantsAndLandCapitalizedAcquisitionCost" id="csiq_ProjectAssetsPlantsAndLandCapitalizedAcquisitionCost" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="ProjectAssetsPlantsAndLandCapitalizedEPCAndOtherCost" id="csiq_ProjectAssetsPlantsAndLandCapitalizedEPCAndOtherCost" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <element id="csiq_ProjectAssetsPlantsAndLandCurrentPortion" name="ProjectAssetsPlantsAndLandCurrentPortion" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <xsd:element name="ProjectAssetsPlantsAndLandNonCurrentPortion" id="csiq_ProjectAssetsPlantsAndLandNonCurrentPortion" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="ProjectAssetsPolicyTextBlock" id="csiq_ProjectAssetsPolicyTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentExcludingConstructionInProgressNet" id="csiq_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentExcludingConstructionInProgressNet" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="ProvisionForWithholdingTaxOnDividendDistributedByForeignInvestmentEntities" id="csiq_ProvisionForWithholdingTaxOnDividendDistributedByForeignInvestmentEntities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="PurchaseCommitmentExcludingLongTermCommitmentAbstract" id="csiq_PurchaseCommitmentExcludingLongTermCommitmentAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="RateOfInterestRelatedPartyDebt" id="csiq_RateOfInterestRelatedPartyDebt" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="RepaymentDueIn2017Member" id="csiq_RepaymentDueIn2017Member" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="csiq_RepaymentOfInterestAmountForLoanFromRelatedParty" name="RepaymentOfInterestAmountForLoanFromRelatedParty" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <xsd:element name="RevenueArrangementsTable" id="csiq_RevenueArrangementsTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="RevenueFromNonrelatedParties" id="csiq_RevenueFromNonrelatedParties" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="csiq_RevenueRecognizedUnderAccrualMethod" name="RevenueRecognizedUnderAccrualMethod" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_RevenueRecognizedUnderPercentageOfCompletionMethod" name="RevenueRecognizedUnderPercentageOfCompletionMethod" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfCarryingValueOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock" id="csiq_ScheduleOfCarryingValueOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTable" id="csiq_ScheduleOfDebtInstrumentsTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfInterestExpenseTableTextBlock" id="csiq_ScheduleOfInterestExpenseTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfPrepaymentsByMajorSuppliersTableTextBlock" id="csiq_ScheduleOfPrepaymentsByMajorSuppliersTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfProductWarrantyCostTable" id="csiq_ScheduleOfProductWarrantyCostTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfProjectAssetsTableTextBlock" id="csiq_ScheduleOfProjectAssetsTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentComponentsTableTextBlock" id="csiq_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentComponentsTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeTableTextBlock" id="csiq_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeTableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="SecuredShortTermDebt" id="csiq_SecuredShortTermDebt" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAggregateIntrinsicValueAbstract" id="csiq_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAggregateIntrinsicValueAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsAfterExpirationOfSpecifiedDate" id="csiq_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsAfterExpirationOfSpecifiedDate" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPlanExpirationTerm" id="csiq_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPlanExpirationTerm" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTermAbstract" id="csiq_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTermAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ShippingAndHandlingCostsAbstract" id="csiq_ShippingAndHandlingCostsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ShortTermNotesPayableTextBlock" id="csiq_ShortTermNotesPayableTextBlock" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="SolarModulesMinimumPercentageOfDeclineInPowerGenerationCapacityToGetTenYearWarranty" id="csiq_SolarModulesMinimumPercentageOfDeclineInPowerGenerationCapacityToGetTenYearWarranty" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="SolarModulesMinimumPercentageOfDeclineInPowerGenerationCapacityToGetTwentyFiveYearWarranty" id="csiq_SolarModulesMinimumPercentageOfDeclineInPowerGenerationCapacityToGetTwentyFiveYearWarranty" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="SolarModulesWarrantyPeriodAgainstDeclineOfMoreThanTenPercentOfPowerGenerationCapacity" id="csiq_SolarModulesWarrantyPeriodAgainstDeclineOfMoreThanTenPercentOfPowerGenerationCapacity" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="SolarModulesWarrantyPeriodAgainstDeclineOfMoreThanTwentyPercentOfPowerGenerationCapacity" id="csiq_SolarModulesWarrantyPeriodAgainstDeclineOfMoreThanTwentyPercentOfPowerGenerationCapacity" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="SolarPowerProductsMember" id="csiq_SolarPowerProductsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="SolarPowerProjectsConstructionAndSaleMember" id="csiq_SolarPowerProjectsConstructionAndSaleMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="SolarSystemKitsProductMember" id="csiq_SolarSystemKitsProductMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="StandardProductWarrantyPeriod" id="csiq_StandardProductWarrantyPeriod" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="StatuteOfLimitationsSpecialCircumstanceThresholdForUnderpaymentOfIncomeTaxLiability" id="csiq_StatuteOfLimitationsSpecialCircumstanceThresholdForUnderpaymentOfIncomeTaxLiability" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="StockOptionsAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember" id="csiq_StockOptionsAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="SupplierAMember" id="csiq_SupplierAMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="SupplierBMember" id="csiq_SupplierBMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="SupplyAgreementPeriod" id="csiq_SupplyAgreementPeriod" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="SuzhouGaochuangteNewEnergyCoLtdMember" id="csiq_SuzhouGaochuangteNewEnergyCoLtdMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="SuzhouSanysolarMaterialsTechnologyCoLtdMember" id="csiq_SuzhouSanysolarMaterialsTechnologyCoLtdMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ThresholdPercentageOfRestrictedNetAssetsForConsolidatedAndUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries" id="csiq_ThresholdPercentageOfRestrictedNetAssetsForConsolidatedAndUnconsolidatedSubsidiaries" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="TollManufacturingArrangementsMember" id="csiq_TollManufacturingArrangementsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="TwoSoltasSolarPowerProjectsMember" id="csiq_TwoSoltasSolarPowerProjectsMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="USCountervailingAndAntiDumpingDutiesMember" id="csiq_USCountervailingAndAntiDumpingDutiesMember" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="csiq_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpenseAndRecoveriesNet" name="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpenseAndRecoveriesNet" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <xsd:element name="ValuationAllowancesAndReservesForeignExchangeEffect" id="csiq_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesForeignExchangeEffect" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="WarrantyObligationTerm" id="csiq_WarrantyObligationTerm" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="WithholdingTaxRate" id="csiq_WithholdingTaxRate" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="WithholdingTaxRateOnDividendDistributedByForeignInvestmentEntities" id="csiq_WithholdingTaxRateOnDividendDistributedByForeignInvestmentEntities" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="false" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <element id="csiq_SolarPowerSystemsMember" name="SolarPowerSystemsMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_AllowanceForOtherReceivablesMember" name="AllowanceForOtherReceivablesMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ProjectAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" name="ProjectAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" nillable="true" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_FotoLightLPMember" name="FotoLightLPMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DiscoveryLightLPMember" name="DiscoveryLightLPMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CSIGCLYanchengSolarManufacturingCoLtdMember" name="CSIGCLYanchengSolarManufacturingCoLtdMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ChinaDevelopmentBankSuzhouBranchMember" name="ChinaDevelopmentBankSuzhouBranchMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_RepaymentDueIn2018Member" name="RepaymentDueIn2018Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesDeferredProfitOfProjects" name="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesDeferredProfitOfProjects" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ConvertibleNotesDisclosureAbstract" name="ConvertibleNotesDisclosureAbstract" nillable="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ConvertibleNotesDisclosureTextBlock" name="ConvertibleNotesDisclosureTextBlock" nillable="true" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebtInitialIssuance" name="ProceedsFromConvertibleDebtInitialIssuance" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DebtInstrumentConvertibleOptionPeriodForAdditionalIssuance" name="DebtInstrumentConvertibleOptionPeriodForAdditionalIssuance" nillable="true" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ProceedsFromConvertibleDebtAdditionalIssuance" name="ProceedsFromConvertibleDebtAdditionalIssuance" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DebtInstrumentConvertibleRedemptionPricePercentageOfOutstandingPrincipalAmountPlusAccruedInterestFollowingOccurrenceOfCertainTaxRelatedEvents" name="DebtInstrumentConvertibleRedemptionPricePercentageOfOutstandingPrincipalAmountPlusAccruedInterestFollowingOccurrenceOfCertainTaxRelatedEvents" nillable="true" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_LongTermNonBankLoansAndNotesPayableCurrent" name="LongTermNonBankLoansAndNotesPayableCurrent" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_NonBankBorrowingsCurrent" name="NonBankBorrowingsCurrent" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PrepaymentsRelatedParties" name="PrepaymentsRelatedParties" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_EnergySegmentMember" name="EnergySegmentMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ElectricityIncomeMember" name="ElectricityIncomeMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_RecurrentEnergyLLCMember" name="RecurrentEnergyLLCMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentageSold" name="EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentageSold" nillable="true" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_LongTermNonBankLoansAndNotesPayableNoncurrent" name="LongTermNonBankLoansAndNotesPayableNoncurrent" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DeferredTaxAssetsRelatedToSaleOfProjectAssets" name="DeferredTaxAssetsRelatedToSaleOfProjectAssets" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PaymentsForCashDepositsForModuleImportedFromChina" name="PaymentsForCashDepositsForModuleImportedFromChina" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CostOfSalesChargeRecordedForCashDepositModuleImportedFromChina" name="CostOfSalesChargeRecordedForCashDepositModuleImportedFromChina" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_InventoriesRecordedForCashDepositModuleImportedFromChina" name="InventoriesRecordedForCashDepositModuleImportedFromChina" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DeferredTaxOnIssuanceCostsOfOrdinaryShares" name="DeferredTaxOnIssuanceCostsOfOrdinaryShares" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_AccumulatedAssetImpairmentCharges" name="AccumulatedAssetImpairmentCharges" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CanadianSolarConstructionUsaLLCMember" name="CanadianSolarConstructionUsaLLCMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_RepaymentOfLoanFromThirdParty" name="RepaymentOfLoanFromThirdParty" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ReclassificationOfPartialInterestFromProjectAssetsToInvestment" name="ReclassificationOfPartialInterestFromProjectAssetsToInvestment" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CityLightLpMember" name="CityLightLpMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ReTranquillityHoldingsLlcMember" name="ReTranquillityHoldingsLlcMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ReGarlandHoldingsLlcMember" name="ReGarlandHoldingsLlcMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ReRoserockHoldingsLlcMember" name="ReRoserockHoldingsLlcMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SuzhouFinancialLeasingCoLtdMember" name="SuzhouFinancialLeasingCoLtdMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_Ssm1SolarUlcSsm2SolarUlcAndSsm3SolarUlcMember" name="Ssm1SolarUlcSsm2SolarUlcAndSsm3SolarUlcMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedRestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedProjectAssets" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedProjectAssets" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PaymentsToMinorityShareholdersProjectCompanies" name="PaymentsToMinorityShareholdersProjectCompanies" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SolarPowerConstructionInProcessMember" name="SolarPowerConstructionInProcessMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_WarrantyProductNameAxis" name="WarrantyProductNameAxis" nillable="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_WarrantyProductNameDomain" name="WarrantyProductNameDomain" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_StandardSolarModuleMember" name="StandardSolarModuleMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PolycrystallineModuleMember" name="PolycrystallineModuleMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_MonocrystallineModuleMember" name="MonocrystallineModuleMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_GuaranteedPerformanceForYear2ToYear29Member" name="GuaranteedPerformanceForYear2ToYear29Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_GuaranteedPerformanceForYear30Member" name="GuaranteedPerformanceForYear30Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedRestrictedCash" name="PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedRestrictedCash" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PledgedEquityNotSeparatelyReported" name="PledgedEquityNotSeparatelyReported" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DebtSecuredByEquityMember" name="DebtSecuredByEquityMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_RepaymentDueIn2019Member" name="RepaymentDueIn2019Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ChinaMinshengBankingCorp.Ltd.Member" name="ChinaMinshengBankingCorp.Ltd.Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_LoanAgreementForAcquisitionsMember" name="LoanAgreementForAcquisitionsMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureTextBlock" name="WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureTextBlock" nillable="true" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ScheduleOfFairValueAssumptionWarrantsOrRightsTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfFairValueAssumptionWarrantsOrRightsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ScheduleOfWarrantsOrRightsAtFairValueTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfWarrantsOrRightsAtFairValueTableTextBlock" nillable="true" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_IdleAssetsMember" name="IdleAssetsMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_TranquilityAndRoserockMember" name="TranquilityAndRoserockMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_OneYearLoanFacilitiesMember" name="OneYearLoanFacilitiesMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_TwoYearLoanFacilitiesMember" name="TwoYearLoanFacilitiesMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostsShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" name="EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostsShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CsiNewEnergyHoldingCo.LtdMember" name="CsiNewEnergyHoldingCo.LtdMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CanadianSolarManufacturingChangshuInc.Member" name="CanadianSolarManufacturingChangshuInc.Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CsiCellsCo.Ltd.Member" name="CsiCellsCo.Ltd.Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CsiSolarPowerChinaInc.Member" name="CsiSolarPowerChinaInc.Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CsiGclSolarManufacturingYanchengCo.Ltd.Member" name="CsiGclSolarManufacturingYanchengCo.Ltd.Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CanadianSolarUkLtdMember" name="CanadianSolarUkLtdMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CanadianSolarUkProjectsLtdMember" name="CanadianSolarUkProjectsLtdMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ChangshuTlianCo.Ltd.Member" name="ChangshuTlianCo.Ltd.Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CanadianSolarTradingChangshuInc.Member" name="CanadianSolarTradingChangshuInc.Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CanadianSolarEnergyAcquisitionCo.Member" name="CanadianSolarEnergyAcquisitionCo.Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_RecurrentEnergyLlcMember" name="RecurrentEnergyLlcMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PtCanadianSolarIndonesiaMember" name="PtCanadianSolarIndonesiaMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CanadianSolarManufacturingVietnamCo.LtdMember" name="CanadianSolarManufacturingVietnamCo.LtdMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CanadianSolarEnergyPrivateLimitedMember" name="CanadianSolarEnergyPrivateLimitedMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CanadianSolarManufacturingThailandCo.Ltd.Member" name="CanadianSolarManufacturingThailandCo.Ltd.Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CanadianSolarAustralia1PtyLtdMember" name="CanadianSolarAustralia1PtyLtdMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_RoserockAndGarlandMember" name="RoserockAndGarlandMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_TranquilityGarlandAndRoserockMember" name="TranquilityGarlandAndRoserockMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ThreeYearLoanFacilitiesMember" name="ThreeYearLoanFacilitiesMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PaymentsOfConvertibleNotes" name="PaymentsOfConvertibleNotes" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DerivativesAssetsCurrentMember" name="DerivativesAssetsCurrentMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DerivativesAssetsNoncurrentMember" name="DerivativesAssetsNoncurrentMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DerivativesLiabilitiesCurrentMember" name="DerivativesLiabilitiesCurrentMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DerivativesLiabilitiesNoncurrentMember" name="DerivativesLiabilitiesNoncurrentMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_OperatingLeaseRemainingTerm" name="OperatingLeaseRemainingTerm" nillable="true" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SolarPowerSystems" name="SolarPowerSystems" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PaymentsToAcquireSolarPowerSystems" name="PaymentsToAcquireSolarPowerSystems" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DistributionToNoncontrollingInterestFromDivestitureOfInterestInSubsidiariesAndAffiliates" name="DistributionToNoncontrollingInterestFromDivestitureOfInterestInSubsidiariesAndAffiliates" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SolarPowerSystemsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" name="SolarPowerSystemsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PartnershipDistributions" name="PartnershipDistributions" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DisposalOfSolarPowerProjectsOptionToRepurchaseMember" name="DisposalOfSolarPowerProjectsOptionToRepurchaseMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PledgedAssetsProjectAssetsAndSolarPowerSystems" name="PledgedAssetsProjectAssetsAndSolarPowerSystems" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DebtSecuredByProjectAssetsAndSolarPowerSystemsMember" name="DebtSecuredByProjectAssetsAndSolarPowerSystemsMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SolarPowerSystemsAbstract" name="SolarPowerSystemsAbstract" nillable="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SolarPowerSystemsTextBlock" name="SolarPowerSystemsTextBlock" nillable="true" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DeferredTaxAssetsFutureDeductibleExpenses" name="DeferredTaxAssetsFutureDeductibleExpenses" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ScheduleOfSolarPowerSystemsComponentsTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfSolarPowerSystemsComponentsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SolarPowerSystemsTable" name="SolarPowerSystemsTable" nillable="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SolarPowerSystemsLineItems" name="SolarPowerSystemsLineItems" nillable="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SolarPowerSystemsInOperationMember" name="SolarPowerSystemsInOperationMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SolarPowerSystemsGross" name="SolarPowerSystemsGross" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationSolarPowerSystems" name="AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationSolarPowerSystems" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_TranquillityGarlandAndRoserockMember" name="TranquillityGarlandAndRoserockMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CapitalUnitClassAndBMember" name="CapitalUnitClassAndBMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_TaxEquityTransactionsLineItems" name="TaxEquityTransactionsLineItems" nillable="true" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CashFlowDistributionPercentage" name="CashFlowDistributionPercentage" nillable="true" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DecreaseOfNetAssets" name="DecreaseOfNetAssets" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PropertyAndEquipmentPurchaseCommitmentMember" name="PropertyAndEquipmentPurchaseCommitmentMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedSolarPowerSystems" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedSolarPowerSystems" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebtAndNotesPayable" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebtAndNotesPayable" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SaleOfAssetCostOfSalesGoodwill" name="SaleOfAssetCostOfSalesGoodwill" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesShortTermDebt" name="BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentLiabilitiesShortTermDebt" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CostMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" name="CostMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" nillable="true" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PerformanceBasedEnergyIncentivesRecognized" name="PerformanceBasedEnergyIncentivesRecognized" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SolarPowerSystemsExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" name="SolarPowerSystemsExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DymondModulesMember" name="DymondModulesMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CanadianSolarBrazilCommerceImportAndExportOfSolarPanelsLimitedMember" name="CanadianSolarBrazilCommerceImportAndExportOfSolarPanelsLimitedMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_InterestCostsCapitalizedSolarPowerSystem" name="InterestCostsCapitalizedSolarPowerSystem" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDisposalOfProjectCompanies" name="NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDisposalOfProjectCompanies" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DebtInstrumentInterestRateFloatingPercentage" name="DebtInstrumentInterestRateFloatingPercentage" nillable="true" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_LitigationSettlementAmountForArbitrationExpenses" name="LitigationSettlementAmountForArbitrationExpenses" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SsmAndRecurrentMember" name="SsmAndRecurrentMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DebtSecuredByPropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember" name="DebtSecuredByPropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CanadianSolarProjectKKMember" name="CanadianSolarProjectKKMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ServiceRevenueFromRelatedParty" name="ServiceRevenueFromRelatedParty" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SyndicatedLoanAgreementArrangedByCreditSuisseMember" name="SyndicatedLoanAgreementArrangedByCreditSuisseMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ChangsuTeguNewMaterialTechnologyCoLtdMember" name="ChangsuTeguNewMaterialTechnologyCoLtdMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ReSilverlakeHoldingsLlcMember" name="ReSilverlakeHoldingsLlcMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_UnrealizedGainLossFromSalesToInvestees" name="UnrealizedGainLossFromSalesToInvestees" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SolarPowerSystemsReclassifiedToProjectAssets" name="SolarPowerSystemsReclassifiedToProjectAssets" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_EquityIncomeLossFromSubsidiaries" name="EquityIncomeLossFromSubsidiaries" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PaymentsToAcquireLoan" name="PaymentsToAcquireLoan" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_IncreaseDecreaseInValueAddedTaxReceivable" name="IncreaseDecreaseInValueAddedTaxReceivable" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_IncreaseDecreaseInLiabilityForUncertaintyInIncomeTaxes" name="IncreaseDecreaseInLiabilityForUncertaintyInIncomeTaxes" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_IncreaseDecreaseInProductWarrantyAccrual" name="IncreaseDecreaseInProductWarrantyAccrual" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CashAndCashEquivalentMember" name="CashAndCashEquivalentMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_RestrictedCashMember" name="RestrictedCashMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ProjectAssetsCurrentMember" name="ProjectAssetsCurrentMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PrepaidLandUseRightsMember" name="PrepaidLandUseRightsMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ShortTermBorrowingsMember" name="ShortTermBorrowingsMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_AccountsPayablesMember" name="AccountsPayablesMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_OtherCurrentPayablesMember" name="OtherCurrentPayablesMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRestrictedCashCurrent" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRestrictedCashCurrent" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationShortTermBorrowings" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationShortTermBorrowings" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherPayable" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOtherPayable" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationDerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationDerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationLongTermBorrowings" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationLongTermBorrowings" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationDerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationDerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountCurrentAssets" name="VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountCurrentAssets" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountNoncurrentAssets" name="VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountNoncurrentAssets" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountCurrentLiabilities" name="VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountCurrentLiabilities" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CommercialPaperMaturingSeptember2017Member" name="CommercialPaperMaturingSeptember2017Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
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  <element id="csiq_AssetsAndAssociatedLiabilitiesInCanadaAndUnitedKingdomMember" name="AssetsAndAssociatedLiabilitiesInCanadaAndUnitedKingdomMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
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  <element id="csiq_CanadianSolarNewEnergyTumushukeCo.Ltd.Member" name="CanadianSolarNewEnergyTumushukeCo.Ltd.Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_LoanAgreementForPaymentOfProjectCostsMember" name="LoanAgreementForPaymentOfProjectCostsMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_RepaymentDueIn2020Member" name="RepaymentDueIn2020Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PingBankMember" name="PingBankMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_TidaHoldings3GkMember" name="TidaHoldings3GkMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PrivatePlacementAgreementWithPrudentialCapitalGroupMember" name="PrivatePlacementAgreementWithPrudentialCapitalGroupMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
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  <element id="csiq_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFiveAndThereafter" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFiveAndThereafter" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_RepaymentDueAfter2017Member" name="RepaymentDueAfter2017Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CanadianSolarSunenergySuzhouCo.Ltd.Member" name="CanadianSolarSunenergySuzhouCo.Ltd.Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CanadianSolarEnergyHoldingSingapore1Pte.Ltd.Member" name="CanadianSolarEnergyHoldingSingapore1Pte.Ltd.Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CanadianSolarSunenergyBaotouCo.Ltd.Member" name="CanadianSolarSunenergyBaotouCo.Ltd.Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
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  <element id="csiq_LocalChineseStateOwnedCompaniesMember" name="LocalChineseStateOwnedCompaniesMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CanadianSolarSpecificSubsidiesRate" name="CanadianSolarSpecificSubsidiesRate" nillable="true" type="us-types:perUnitItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ProceedsFromThirdPartyFinancingLiabilities" name="ProceedsFromThirdPartyFinancingLiabilities" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ThreeUtilityScaleSolarFarms59.8MegawattMwacMember" name="ThreeUtilityScaleSolarFarms59.8MegawattMwacMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_NumberOfUtilityScaleSolarFarmsSold" name="NumberOfUtilityScaleSolarFarmsSold" nillable="true" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_FengateSsmHoldcoLpMember" name="FengateSsmHoldcoLpMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_GainLossOnDispositionOfSolarPowerSystems" name="GainLossOnDispositionOfSolarPowerSystems" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_AmortizationOfDeferredSubsidiaries" name="AmortizationOfDeferredSubsidiaries" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
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  <element id="csiq_GainLossOnDisposalOfSolarPowerSystemsAndOtherInvestments" name="GainLossOnDisposalOfSolarPowerSystemsAndOtherInvestments" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ProceedsFromSaleOrDisposalOfSolarPowerSystems" name="ProceedsFromSaleOrDisposalOfSolarPowerSystems" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DecreaseInAmountsDueFromRelatedPartiesNetOfInvestmentsInAffiliates" name="DecreaseInAmountsDueFromRelatedPartiesNetOfInvestmentsInAffiliates" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_TwoSolarPowerPlants69.5MegaWattMwpMember" name="TwoSolarPowerPlants69.5MegaWattMwpMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ShenzhenEnergyNanjingHoldingCo.Ltd.Member" name="ShenzhenEnergyNanjingHoldingCo.Ltd.Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SolarPowerSystemsReclassifiedToCurrentProjectAssets" name="SolarPowerSystemsReclassifiedToCurrentProjectAssets" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SolarPowerSystemsReclassifiedToNonCurrentProjectAssets" name="SolarPowerSystemsReclassifiedToNonCurrentProjectAssets" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DymondPolycrystallineModulesMember" name="DymondPolycrystallineModulesMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DymondMonocrystallineModulesMember" name="DymondMonocrystallineModulesMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_GuaranteedPerformanceForSecondYearToSixthYearMember" name="GuaranteedPerformanceForSecondYearToSixthYearMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_GuaranteedPerformanceForSeventhYearTo29thYearMember" name="GuaranteedPerformanceForSeventhYearTo29thYearMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInsuranceRecoverable" name="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInsuranceRecoverable" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ReducedForeignIncomeTaxRateOnAccountOfTaxExemptions" name="ReducedForeignIncomeTaxRateOnAccountOfTaxExemptions" nillable="true" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationSolarPowerSystemsNetCurrent" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationSolarPowerSystemsNetCurrent" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SolarPowerSystemsSoldFromAssetsHeldForSale" name="SolarPowerSystemsSoldFromAssetsHeldForSale" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DebtInstrumentRedemptionWeightedAveragePrice" name="DebtInstrumentRedemptionWeightedAveragePrice" nillable="true" type="num:perShareItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_DebtInstrumentRedemptionParValue" name="DebtInstrumentRedemptionParValue" nillable="true" type="num:perShareItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_WarrantsMember" name="WarrantsMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_TidaPower24GKMember" name="TidaPower24GKMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_TidaPower22GKMember" name="TidaPower22GKMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
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  <element id="csiq_EdfEnDoBrasisMember" name="EdfEnDoBrasisMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_NonBankPayableCurrent" name="NonBankPayableCurrent" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsAdvancesOnInventoryPurchases" name="AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsAdvancesOnInventoryPurchases" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_LoanAgreementForProjectDevelopmentAndOperationMember" name="LoanAgreementForProjectDevelopmentAndOperationMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_SecuredLoanPercentage" name="SecuredLoanPercentage" nillable="true" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CanadianSolarSolutionsIncAndCanadianSolarManufacturingVietnamCoLtdMember" name="CanadianSolarSolutionsIncAndCanadianSolarManufacturingVietnamCoLtdMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_CsiCellsCoLtdMember" name="CsiCellsCoLtdMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_InternationalFinanceCorporationIfcMember" name="InternationalFinanceCorporationIfcMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_LoanAgreementForConstructionOfCompanySSolarCellAndModuleProductionFacilitiesMember" name="LoanAgreementForConstructionOfCompanySSolarCellAndModuleProductionFacilitiesMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_LoanAgreementForLongTermWorkingCapitalFinancingMember" name="LoanAgreementForLongTermWorkingCapitalFinancingMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_Asu201511Member" name="Asu201511Member" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedAccountsReceivable" name="PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedAccountsReceivable" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
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  <element id="csiq_FinancialLiabilitiesMember" name="FinancialLiabilitiesMember" nillable="true" type="nonnum:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_RemainingTermOfContractForCapitalLease" name="RemainingTermOfContractForCapitalLease" nillable="true" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_LossContingencyCashDepositRateAntiDumpingDutyOnCSPVImportedFromTaiwanOnOrAfterSpecificDate" name="LossContingencyCashDepositRateAntiDumpingDutyOnCSPVImportedFromTaiwanOnOrAfterSpecificDate" nillable="true" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_LossContingenciesAntiDumpingAndCountervailingMeasuresPeriodOnCSPV" name="LossContingenciesAntiDumpingAndCountervailingMeasuresPeriodOnCSPV" nillable="true" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
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  <element id="csiq_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationPermanentDifferencePercent" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationPermanentDifferencePercent" nillable="true" type="num:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_PaymentsForProceedsFromLoansToSubsidiaries" name="PaymentsForProceedsFromLoansToSubsidiaries" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_ShortTermCommercialPaperTextBlock" name="ShortTermCommercialPaperTextBlock" nillable="true" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_AssetsSoldUnderProfitSharingArrangementInvestmentOrLiability" name="AssetsSoldUnderProfitSharingArrangementInvestmentOrLiability" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
  <element id="csiq_AssetsSoldUnderRepurchaseOptionLiability" name="AssetsSoldUnderRepurchaseOptionLiability" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" />
</xsd:schema>
