Middle of its segment, modest efficiency
First Solar Series 6 Plus panels are a breakthrough solution based on advanced thin-film CdTe technology, which redefines performance in demanding environmental conditions. Unlike traditional silicon modules, this series utilizes a unique cell structure, which ensures higher energy yield in real-world operating conditions, especially in high humidity and elevated temperatures. Thanks to the integrated under-mount frame profile, the system offers simplified and fast installation, which significantly reduces labor costs on large-scale photovoltaic farms. The problem of potential-induced degradation and the negative impact of shading are effectively minimized here through an innovative design that allows for stable power production even with partial shading of the module. This solution is dedicated primarily to investors building the most ecological PV installations, as the series is characterized by the lowest carbon and water footprint throughout the entire product life cycle. It is distinguished from the competition by the total absence of micro-crack risk and full recyclability of materials, which aligns with rigorous sustainability standards. By choosing Series 6 Plus, you gain the assurance of stable income from energy production thanks to technology resistant to extreme weather events.
Ranking
Signals from the data
Utility-scale, hot-climate and cold-climate.
Tight roof space, roofs where every square metre has to count and weight-limited structures.
Bottom 2% of the 360-560 W band, against a median of 21.48%. Ranked 13,161st in the whole database.
Bottom 2% of the 360-560 W band, against a median of 214.8. Ranked 13,146th in the whole database.
Bottom 2% of the 360-560 W band, against a median of 52.6. Ranked 13,568th in the whole database.
First Solar guarantees annual degradation of ≤0.3%, compared to ≤0.45–0.55%/year typically warranted by crystalline silicon modules (PERC, TOPCon). Combined with a 30-year linear power warranty, this translates into measurably higher cumulative energy yield over the full system lifetime.
CdTe technology exhibits a temperature coefficient of approximately -0.28%/°C, which is more favorable than typical multicrystalline silicon (~-0.40%/°C) and many PERC modules. This results in higher energy yield during summer and in warm climates relative to the rated STC power output.
Series 6 Plus is among the first PV module series worldwide to achieve EPEAT Climate+ designation, confirming a carbon footprint of ≤400 kg CO₂e/kWp. Independent LCA studies indicate that First Solar CdTe modules carry up to four times lower carbon footprint than crystalline silicon modules based on Chinese polysilicon — a significant advantage for ESG-driven projects and public tenders with environmental scoring criteria.
The thin-film CdTe structure is inherently resistant to potential-induced degradation (PID) and eliminates the risk of cell cracking — issues commonly observed in crystalline silicon modules following transportation and mechanical loading. First Solar provides a formal warranty covering both properties.
Integrated SpeedSlots mounting slots reduce the number of required racking hardware components and shorten installation time compared to standard crystalline silicon modules with conventional frames. For utility-scale PV projects (>1 MWp), this directly lowers balance-of-system (BoS) labor costs.
All three identified comparables achieve efficiencies of 22.24% (Sunket SKT460~480M10-120D3, Shinson S-Blade) or as high as 24.02% (Gamko GKA96N-PRO). At the same rated power of 480 Wp, a Series 6 Plus module occupies approximately 2.53 m², whereas crystalline silicon modules at 22.2% efficiency occupy approximately 2.16 m² — a difference of ~17%. In projects with constrained rooftop or ground-mount area, this can be a decisive factor for project viability.
The product warranty stands at 12 years, while leading Tier-1 manufacturers (e.g., LONGi, REC Group) offer 15–25 years of product warranty in the premium segment. Over a 30-year system lifetime, this gap is material from the perspective of service risk and project finance underwriting.
Cadmium telluride requires tellurium, an element with highly constrained global reserves that is produced primarily as a byproduct of copper refining. The concentration of mining and processing activities creates a supply-chain risk that does not apply to crystalline silicon module manufacturers, whose core feedstock is significantly more abundant.
- Module efficiency of 18.3% is 3.5pp below average for database panels (median: 21.8%)
- 182.6 W/m² power density is 35.5 W/m² below database median (218.1 W/m²) - requires larger installation area
- At -0.32%/°C, loses 0.02pp more power per degree than database median (-0.30%/°C)
- Weight of 34.0 kg is 7.5 kg above database median (26.5 kg) - verify structural support
- Ranked #13161 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database
Specifications
Simulations
Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.
Alternatives
FS-6480-P-I / FS-6480A-P-I (SL) or FS-6480-P / FS-6480A-P (HL)
480 W
19.00%
-0.320
34.0 kg
+20 W, +0.7 pp
FS-6475-P-I / FS-6475A-P-I (SL) or FS-6475-P / FS-6475A-P (HL)
475 W
18.90%
-0.320
34.0 kg
+15 W, +0.6 pp
FS-6455-P-I / FS-6455A-P-I (SL) or FS-6455-P / FS-6455A-P (HL)
455 W
18.10%
-0.320
34.0 kg
Very close match
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