--- title: "First Solar FS-6460-P-I / FS-6460A-P-I (SL) or FS-6460-P / FS-6460A-P (HL) 460W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "First Solar FS-6460-P-I / FS-6460A-P-I (SL) or FS-6460-P / FS-6460A-P (HL) 460W solar panel. Specs: 18.30% efficiency, Thin film cells." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6460-p-i-fs-6460a-p-i-sl-or-fs-6460-p-fs-6460a-p-hl" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # First Solar FS-6460-P-I / FS-6460A-P-I (SL) or FS-6460-P / FS-6460A-P (HL) Solid all-round for its segment 51 panels in the segment CdTe 360-560 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** First Solar - **Model:** FS-6460-P-I / FS-6460A-P-I (SL) or FS-6460-P / FS-6460A-P (HL) - **Series:** Series 6 Plus (455–480 W) - **Rated power:** 460 W - **Cell technology:** CdTe ## How it compares Compared against segment CdTe 360-560 W (51 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 460 W | 470 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 18.30% | 18.50% | Typical | 13,161 | | Power density | 182.5 | 184.5 | Typical | 13,146 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.320 | -0.320 | Typical | 8,312 | | Weight (kg) | 34.0 kg | 34.5 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 18.30% | 18.50% | Typical | 13,161 | | Power density | 182.5 | 184.5 | Typical | 13,146 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.320 | -0.320 | Typical | 8,312 | | Weight per kWp | 73.9 | 73.9 | Typical | 13,568 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | - **Best for:** Commercial, utility-scale and hot-climate. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 460 W - **Efficiency:** 18.30 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 188.80 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 2.44 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 222.90 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 2.59 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.320 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.280 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.040 %/degC - **NOCT:** 45 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Thin film - **Cell technology:** CdTe ### Physical - **Length:** 2024 mm - **Width:** 1245 mm - **Weight:** 34.0 kg - **Area:** 2.52 m2 - **Power density:** 182.5 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 12 years - **Performance warranty:** 30 years - **Annual degradation:** 0.30 % - **Output after 30 years:** 415 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 13161 of 14005 | | Power density | 13146 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 8312 of 14005 | | Weight | 13568 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## Pros - **Low CdTe Temperature Coefficient** - CdTe thin-film technology achieves a Pmax temperature coefficient of -0.32%/°C, while typical PERC/TOPCon crystalline silicon modules fall in the -0.35% to -0.45%/°C range. In the Polish climate, where cell temperatures regularly exceed 50–65°C during summer, this difference can translate into 2–5% higher annual energy yield compared to crystalline silicon modules. - **Zero LID and LeTID Losses** - CdTe technology is structurally immune to light-induced degradation (LID) and light- and elevated temperature-induced degradation (LeTID), which cause losses of 1–3% in mono-PERC modules during the first months of operation. The guaranteed annual degradation of the Series 6 Plus is ≤0.3%/year — better than the standard 0.45–0.55%/year typical of crystalline silicon modules. - **30-Year Linear Power Warranty** - The manufacturer guarantees a linear degradation schedule over 30 years at ≤0.3%/year. Starting from a rated power of 480 Wp, the module retains >91.4% of nominal power after 30 years — significantly higher than the standard 25-year warranties with 80–84.8% end-of-life thresholds offered by competitors such as Trina, JA Solar, and LONGi. - **Tier-1 Bankable, U.S. Manufacturer Since 1999** - First Solar has maintained a continuous Tier-1 bankable rating (Bloomberg NEF), streamlining project finance for utility-scale PV plants. Headquarters and primary manufacturing operations in the USA significantly reduce geopolitical and supply-chain risk compared to East Asian manufacturers. - **Glass-Glass Construction with No Bypass Diodes** - The glass-glass laminate with edge sealing delivers high resistance to moisture ingress (PID) and mechanical loading. The absence of bypass diodes simplifies the module architecture by eliminating a known failure-prone component — a particularly valuable characteristic for long-lifecycle applications such as carports and utility-scale PV farms. ## Cons - **Module Efficiency 18.1–19% vs. Peer Range of 22.2–24.0%** - The Series 6 Plus module efficiency (18.1–19%) is 3–5 percentage points lower than comparable crystalline silicon modules in the same power class: Sunket SKT460~480M10 and Shinson S-Blade achieve 22.24%, while the Gamko GKA96N-PRO reaches 24.02%. In practice, this requires approximately 20–30% more roof or ground area to achieve the same total system power output. - **Product Warranty Only 12 Years** - The product (materials and workmanship) warranty covers 12 years, whereas leading crystalline silicon manufacturers — such as LONGi Hi-MO 6 and Jinko Tiger Neo — routinely offer 15 years, with select premium producers extending coverage to 25 years. For installations with a 25–30-year operational lifecycle, this gap may carry meaningful operational risk management implications. ## About this series First Solar Series 6 Plus (455-480 W) stands out for using **CdTe thin-film technology**, which in practice provides better performance in challenging conditions compared to many silicon modules-especially at high temperatures, reduced irradiance, and partial shading. Instead of focusing solely on laboratory parameters, this series prioritizes **higher real-world energy production** and long-term stability, largely thanks to its resistance to typical losses such as **LID and LeTID**. Additionally, the improved construction design is noteworthy: the **glass-glass** structure and installation solutions designed for faster mounting and less troublesome cable routing can effectively reduce BOS costs. This is an excellent choice for investors seeking reliability and predictable returns-particularly in utility-scale PV farms, commercial installations, carports, and large ground-mount systems, where installation speed, durability, and long-term profitability are key. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 18.3% matches the \*\*CdTe 450-500W\*\* median - At 182.6 W/m² power density, roof space requirements are typical for \*\*CdTe 450-500W\*\* panels - Temperature coefficient of -0.32%/°C matches the \*\*CdTe 450-500W\*\* median - In the top 94% for efficiency among all CdTe panels ## Questions ### What is the warranty on First Solar Series 6 Plus 455–480 W panels? First Solar provides a 12-year product warranty on the Series 6 Plus and a 30-year linear power output warranty. The manufacturer guarantees an annual power degradation rate of no more than 0.3%, which is among the lowest degradation figures available on the market. For investors, this means predictable energy yield throughout the system's lifetime and minimal risk of unexpected production losses over the years. ### Do First Solar Series 6 Plus panels perform better in high heat than conventional silicon modules? Yes. The CdTe thin-film technology used in the Series 6 Plus features a temperature coefficient of approximately -0.28%/°C, whereas typical monocrystalline modules exhibit coefficients in the range of -0.35% to -0.40%/°C. In practice, on a hot summer day when module temperature reaches 65°C, First Solar modules lose noticeably less power than silicon-based competitors, translating into a measurably higher annual energy yield. ### How does the First Solar Series 6 Plus differ from standard monocrystalline panels? The fundamental difference lies in cell technology: the Series 6 Plus uses cadmium telluride (CdTe) rather than silicon. This provides immunity to LID and LeTID degradation, superior performance at elevated temperatures and under partial shading, and more stable output in overcast conditions. The module uses a glass-glass construction instead of a glass-backsheet design, enhancing mechanical durability. It is not a bifacial module and therefore does not benefit from reflected albedo, but this is offset by higher energy harvest under challenging irradiance conditions. ### What types of installations are First Solar Series 6 Plus 480 W panels best suited for? This series is primarily designed for large-scale commercial and industrial installations: utility-scale PV plants, ground-mounted systems, carports, and large flat-roof applications on warehouses and industrial facilities. The large module dimensions and optimized racking system accelerate installation and reduce BoS costs. For a typical residential prosumer installation on a small pitched roof, this series is generally too large and less practical. ### Is First Solar a reliable photovoltaic panel manufacturer? Yes. First Solar is a US-headquartered American manufacturer classified as Tier 1 by independent rating agencies, signifying the highest level of financial and technical credibility. The company is one of the largest module manufacturers in the world, with extensive experience in utility-scale projects. It supplies modules for installations totaling gigawatts annually, and its warranty obligations are recognized by banks financing renewable energy projects. ### Is the First Solar Series 6 Plus still commercially available? Yes, the First Solar Series 6 Plus in the 455–480 W power range is active and commercially available. First Solar continues to manufacture and distribute these modules, directing them primarily toward commercial and industrial projects. Prior to purchasing, it is advisable to confirm current availability and lead times with your distributor, as these modules are frequently ordered in large volumes by utility-scale PV developers. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/Series-6-Plus-Datasheet-US-6a68ddaab89a.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [First Solar FS-6480-P-I / FS-6480A-P-I (SL) or FS-6480-P / FS-6480A-P (HL)](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6480-p-i-fs-6480a-p-i-sl-or-fs-6480-p-fs-6480a-p-hl) | 480 W | +20 W, +0.7 pp | | [First Solar FS-6475-P-I / FS-6475A-P-I (SL) or FS-6475-P / FS-6475A-P (HL)](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6475-p-i-fs-6475a-p-i-sl-or-fs-6475-p-fs-6475a-p-hl) | 475 W | +15 W, +0.6 pp | | [First Solar FS-6455-P-I / FS-6455A-P-I (SL) or FS-6455-P / FS-6455A-P (HL)](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6455-p-i-fs-6455a-p-i-sl-or-fs-6455-p-fs-6455a-p-hl) | 455 W | Very close match | | [Jetion JT590SJk(B)](https://comparepv.com/panel/jetion-jt590sjk-b) | 590 W | +130 W, cooler, +4.8 pp | | [Resun Solar RS9V-M-DG-590](https://comparepv.com/panel/resun-solar-rs9v-m-dg-590) | 590 W | +130 W, lighter, +4.8 pp | | [Jetion JT585SJk(B)](https://comparepv.com/panel/jetion-jt585sjk-b) | 585 W | +125 W, cooler, +4.6 pp | | [Resun Solar RS9V-M-DG-585](https://comparepv.com/panel/resun-solar-rs9v-m-dg-585) | 585 W | +125 W, lighter, +4.6 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210N108-580W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210n108-580w) | 580 W | +120 W, lighter, +4.4 pp | | [Jetion JT580SJk(B)](https://comparepv.com/panel/jetion-jt580sjk-b) | 580 W | +120 W, cooler, +4.4 pp | | [Resun Solar RS9V-M-DG-580](https://comparepv.com/panel/resun-solar-rs9v-m-dg-580) | 580 W | +120 W, lighter, +4.4 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210N108-575W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210n108-575w) | 575 W | +115 W, lighter, +4.2 pp | | [Jetion JT575SJk(B)](https://comparepv.com/panel/jetion-jt575sjk-b) | 575 W | +115 W, cooler, +4.2 pp | | [Resun Solar RS9V-M-DG-575](https://comparepv.com/panel/resun-solar-rs9v-m-dg-575) | 575 W | +115 W, lighter, +4.2 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6460-p-i-fs-6460a-p-i-sl-or-fs-6460-p-fs-6460a-p-hl Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.