---
title: "First Solar FS-6465-P-B / FS-6465A-P-B 465W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV"
description: "First Solar FS-6465-P-B / FS-6465A-P-B 465W solar panel. Specs: 18.50% efficiency, Thin film cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient."
source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6465-p-b-fs-6465a-p-b"
updated: 2026-09-11
---

# First Solar FS-6465-P-B / FS-6465A-P-B

Solid all-round for its segment

51 panels in the segment CdTe 365-565 W


## Identity

- **Manufacturer:** First Solar
- **Model:** FS-6465-P-B / FS-6465A-P-B
- **Series:** Series 6 Plus Bifacial (455–480 W)
- **Rated power:** 465 W
- **Cell technology:** CdTe
- **Bifacial:** yes


## How it compares

Compared against segment CdTe 365-565 W (51 panels).


| Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Power (Wp) | 465 W | 470 W | Typical |  |
| Module efficiency | 18.50% | 18.50% | Typical | 13,109 |
| Power density | 184.5 | 184.5 | Typical | 13,091 |
| 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 | 18.50% | 18.50% | Typical | 13,109 |
| Power density | 184.5 | 184.5 | Typical | 13,091 |
| Temperature coefficient | -0.320 | -0.320 | Typical | 8,312 |
| Weight per kWp | 73.1 | 73.9 | Typical | 13,545 |
| Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 |

- **Best for:** Commercial, utility-scale and hot-climate.


## Specification


### Electrical

- **Rated power (Pmax):** 465 W
- **Efficiency:** 18.50 %
- **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 189.80 V
- **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 2.45 A
- **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 223.80 V
- **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 2.60 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:** 43 degC


### Cell and construction

- **Cell type:** Thin film
- **Cell technology:** CdTe
- **Bifacial:** yes


### Physical

- **Length:** 2024 mm
- **Width:** 1245 mm
- **Weight:** 34.0 kg
- **Area:** 2.52 m2
- **Power density:** 184.5 Wp/m2


### Warranty and degradation

- **Product warranty:** 12 years
- **Performance warranty:** 30 years
- **Annual degradation:** 0.30 %
- **Output after 30 years:** 420 W


## Rank in the whole catalogue


| Measure | Position |
| --- | --- |
| Efficiency | 13109 of 14005 |
| Power density | 13091 of 14005 |
| Temperature coefficient | 8312 of 14005 |
| Weight | 13545 of 14005 |
| Warranty | 21 of 14005 |


## Pros

- **Industry-Leading Low Degradation Rate** - First Solar guarantees degradation of ≤0.3%/year and a minimum of 90% of nameplate power after 30 years — outperforming standard Si-bifacial TOPCon modules (0.40–0.45%/year, with 84–87% power warranty after 25 years). Long-term energy yield is therefore more predictable in PV project financial models.
- **Zero LID and LeTID Losses** - CdTe technology completely eliminates Light Induced Degradation (LID) and Light and elevated Temperature Induced Degradation (LeTID), which are characteristic of Si-PERC modules and partially affect Si-TOPCon. This results in full nameplate power output from day one of operation, with no unpredictable losses during the initial months of plant commissioning.
- **Low Temperature Coefficient for Pmax** - The temperature coefficient of -0.32%/°C is more favorable than typical Si-TOPCon modules (-0.35% to -0.40%/°C). At a cell temperature of 70°C — typical during summer in Poland and Central Europe — this translates to 1.0–2.4% higher energy yield compared to equivalent silicon competitors.
- **Pioneering Bifacial CdTe Module** - This series is the first and only bifacial thin-film CdTe module on the market (launched 2023, announced via BusinessWire June 2023). The transparent rear contact enables additional energy yield of ~15% from reflected irradiance (bifaciality factor 15±5%) while simultaneously reducing module operating temperature.
- **Certified End-of-Life Recycling Program** - First Solar is the only manufacturer in the world with a closed-loop CdTe recycling program: >90% recovery of semiconductor materials and ~90% of glass at its own facilities in the USA, Malaysia, and Germany. This simplifies compliance with the WEEE Directive and meets the ESG requirements of institutional investors.


## Cons

- **Efficiency Significantly Below the Si Market Benchmark** - The efficiency range of 18.1–19.0% falls considerably short of peer comparables: Sunket/Shinson modules reach 22.24%, and the Gamko GKA96N-PRO achieves 24.02%. The 3–6 percentage point gap means that in practice, 15–33% more roof or ground area is required for the same installed capacity — a significant constraint in space-constrained projects.
- **Low Bifaciality Factor** - The manufacturer-stated bifaciality factor of 15±5% is several times lower than the 65–80% standard for Si-bifacial modules. The additional energy yield from rear-side irradiance is therefore marginal compared to conventional silicon bifacial modules, which partially offsets this technology's advertised advantage.
- **Limited Availability — Restricted Production Run** - First Solar officially announced the bifacial series as a 'limited production run' (BusinessWire, June 2023), which may make it difficult to secure sufficient volume for larger utility-scale projects and could extend procurement lead times.


## About this series

First Solar Series 6 Plus Bifacial (455-480 W) combines **bifacial energy generation** with CdTe thin-film technology, offering a genuine alternative to traditional silicon-based bifacial modules. A key innovation is the **transparent rear contact**, which not only captures reflected light but also transmits infrared radiation, reducing module heating and improving performance in challenging conditions. In practice, this translates to **better performance at high temperatures** and more predictable yields in large-scale installations.

An additional advantage is the **absence of LID and LeTID losses**, common in many silicon constructions, facilitating long-term reliability without unexpected downtime for solar farms. This series is particularly suitable for ground-mounted PV farms and commercial projects, especially where long-term durability, resilience, and project viability throughout the entire lifetime are crucial.


## Notable figures

- Efficiency of 18.5% matches the \*\*CdTe 450-500W\*\* median
- Power density of 184.5 W/m² matches the \*\*CdTe 450-500W\*\* median
- At -0.32%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*CdTe 450-500W\*\* panels
- Bifacial design (15% factor) captures reflected light - adds 1-2% yield on ground-mount or white roof
- #13109 for efficiency, #8312 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels


## Questions


### What is the warranty on First Solar Series 6 Plus Bifacial panels?

The First Solar Series 6 Plus Bifacial is backed by a 12-year product warranty and a 30-year power output warranty. Throughout the entire 30-year period, the manufacturer guarantees retention of at least 90% of nominal power output — an exceptionally favorable condition by industry standards. The declared annual degradation rate is just 0.3%, one of the lowest in the industry.


### How does the First Solar Series 6 Plus Bifacial differ from conventional silicon-based bifacial panels?

The key distinction lies in cell technology: this series uses thin-film CdTe rather than silicon. This translates into a superior temperature coefficient (−0.32%/°C versus the typical −0.35 to −0.40%/°C for silicon) and the complete absence of LID and LeTID losses that affect many silicon modules after commissioning. In addition, the transparent rear contact reduces module operating temperature, improving energy yield on hot days.


### Do First Solar Series 6 Plus Bifacial panels perform efficiently at high temperatures?

Yes, this is one of the series' primary advantages. The Pmax temperature coefficient of −0.32%/°C means a smaller power loss under heat compared to most silicon modules. The transparent rear contact plays an additional role by transmitting a portion of infrared radiation, thereby reducing module operating temperature. In practice, this results in higher annual energy yields in warm climates and installations with high irradiance levels.


### How much additional energy does the bifacial design of the Series 6 Plus Bifacial deliver?

The bifaciality of the Series 6 Plus can contribute up to approximately 15% additional energy generation from the rear side of the module, depending on ground albedo and mounting angle. The greatest gains are achieved in ground-mounted utility-scale installations with high-albedo surfaces (gravel, concrete, snow) or in configurations with a high tilt angle, where the rear side of the panel captures more reflected irradiance.


### Is the First Solar Series 6 Plus Bifacial suitable for large-scale photovoltaic farms?

Yes, this series is designed primarily for utility-scale PV farms and commercial installations. With output up to 480 Wp, a long-term power warranty (30 years), freedom from LID/LeTID degradation, and predictable multi-year energy yields, the series offers strong financial attractiveness in large utility-scale projects. First Solar is a Tier 1 manufacturer headquartered in the USA, which facilitates project financing and investment due diligence.


### Is the CdTe technology used in the First Solar Series 6 Plus Bifacial safe and certified?

Yes. The Series 6 Plus Bifacial modules carry certifications to IEC 61215:2021, IEC 61730, CE, as well as resistance certifications for salt mist (IEC 61701) and dust (IEC 60068-2-68). Cadmium telluride (CdTe) is permanently hermetically encapsulated within the module and poses no hazard under normal operating conditions. First Solar operates its own module recycling program, minimizing environmental impact at the end of the installation's service life.


## Datasheet

[Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/series-6-plus-bifacial-datasheet-us-1-224a418dd9cb.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 | +15 W, +0.5 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 | +10 W, +0.4 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 | -10 W, -0.4 pp |
| [First Solar FS-6460-P-I / FS-6460A-P-I (SL) or FS-6460-P / FS-6460A-P (HL)](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6460-p-i-fs-6460a-p-i-sl-or-fs-6460-p-fs-6460a-p-hl) | 460 W | Very close match |
| [Jetion JT590SJk(B)](https://comparepv.com/panel/jetion-jt590sjk-b) | 590 W | +125 W, cooler, +4.6 pp |
| [Resun Solar RS9V-M-DG-590](https://comparepv.com/panel/resun-solar-rs9v-m-dg-590) | 590 W | +125 W, lighter, +4.6 pp |
| [Jetion JT585SJk(B)](https://comparepv.com/panel/jetion-jt585sjk-b) | 585 W | +120 W, cooler, +4.4 pp |
| [Resun Solar RS9V-M-DG-585](https://comparepv.com/panel/resun-solar-rs9v-m-dg-585) | 585 W | +120 W, lighter, +4.4 pp |
| [Gamko New Energy GKA210N108-580W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210n108-580w) | 580 W | +115 W, lighter, +4.2 pp |
| [Jetion JT580SJk(B)](https://comparepv.com/panel/jetion-jt580sjk-b) | 580 W | +115 W, cooler, +4.2 pp |
| [Resun Solar RS9V-M-DG-580](https://comparepv.com/panel/resun-solar-rs9v-m-dg-580) | 580 W | +115 W, lighter, +4.2 pp |
| [Gamko New Energy GKA210N108-575W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210n108-575w) | 575 W | +110 W, lighter, +4.0 pp |
| [Jetion JT575SJk(B)](https://comparepv.com/panel/jetion-jt575sjk-b) | 575 W | +110 W, cooler, +4.0 pp |
| [Resun Solar RS9V-M-DG-575](https://comparepv.com/panel/resun-solar-rs9v-m-dg-575) | 575 W | +110 W, lighter, +4.0 pp |


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Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6465-p-b-fs-6465a-p-b

Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator, a bifacial gain calculator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.