--- title: "First Solar FS-6465-P-I 465W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "First Solar FS-6465-P-I 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-i" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # First Solar FS-6465-P-I Middle of its segment, modest efficiency 7,812 panels in the 365-565 W band, all technologies ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** First Solar - **Model:** FS-6465-P-I - **Series:** Series 6 Plus - **Rated power:** 465 W - **Cell technology:** Thin film ## How it compares Compared against 365-565 W band, all technologies (7812 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 465 W | 450 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 18.50% | 21.50% | Weak - bottom 2% | 13,109 | | Power density | 184.5 | 214.8 | Weak - bottom 2% | 13,091 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.320 | -0.300 | Typical | 8,312 | | Weight (kg) | 34.0 kg | 24.0 kg | Weak - bottom 2% | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 18.50% | 21.50% | Weak - bottom 2% | 13,109 | | Power density | 184.5 | 214.8 | Weak - bottom 2% | 13,091 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.320 | -0.300 | Typical | 8,312 | | Weight per kWp | 73.1 | 52.5 | Weak - bottom 2% | 13,545 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Watch out for - **18.50% module efficiency** - Bottom 2% of the 365-565 W band, against a median of 21.50%. Ranked 13,109th in the whole database. - **184.5 watts per square metre** - Bottom 2% of the 365-565 W band, against a median of 214.8. Ranked 13,091st in the whole database. - **73.1 kg per kWp** - Bottom 2% of the 365-565 W band, against a median of 52.5. Ranked 13,545th in the whole database. - **Best for:** Utility-scale, hot-climate and cold-climate. - **Not ideal for:** Tight roof space, roofs where every square metre has to count and weight-limited structures. ## 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:** 45 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Thin film ### Physical - **Length:** 2024 mm - **Width:** 1245 mm - **Weight:** 34.0 kg - **Area:** 2.52 m2 - **Power density:** 184.5 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Performance warranty:** 30 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 89.3 % - **First-year degradation:** 2.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.30 % - **Output after 30 years:** 415 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 Guaranteed Degradation Rate** - 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. - **Favorable Temperature Coefficient** - 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. - **EPEAT Climate+ Certification and Lowest Carbon Footprint** - 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. - **Inherent Immunity to PID and Cell Cracking** - 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. - **SpeedSlots System — Accelerated Installation** - 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. ## Cons - **Module Efficiency of 18.1–19% Significantly Below Peer Comparables** - 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. - **12-Year Product Warranty Below Premium-Tier Standard** - 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. - **Tellurium Availability — Supply Chain Risk** - 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. ## About this series 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. ## Notable figures - At 18.5% efficiency, this panel is 3.3pp below the \*\*database\*\* median of 21.8% - At 184.5 W/m², this panel generates 33.6 W/m² less per unit area than \*\*database\*\* median (218.1 W/m²) - Temperature coefficient of -0.32%/°C is 0.02pp worse than \*\*database\*\* median (-0.30%/°C) - higher losses in summer heat - Weight of 34.0 kg is 7.5 kg above \*\*database\*\* median (26.5 kg) - verify structural support - Ranked #13109 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database ## Questions ### What is the warranty on the First Solar Series 6 Plus panels? First Solar provides a 12-year product warranty on the Series 6 Plus, covering material and workmanship defects. In addition, the manufacturer guarantees power output for 30 years with an annual degradation rate no higher than 0.3% — one of the best degradation figures in the entire industry. By comparison, typical crystalline silicon modules degrade at 0.5–0.7% per year, meaning the Series 6 Plus retains a significantly higher percentage of its nominal power after 30 years. ### How does the CdTe technology in the First Solar Series 6 Plus differ from conventional silicon panels? CdTe (cadmium telluride) cells are a thin-film technology that is not subject to light-induced degradation (LID/LeTID) — a common issue affecting crystalline silicon modules. The Series 6 Plus achieves up to 8% higher energy yield per watt under real-world conditions due to its superior spectral response and a lower temperature coefficient of -0.32%/°C. The module also performs more efficiently in high-humidity environments and under overcast skies. ### Are First Solar Series 6 Plus panels suitable for large-scale utility solar farms? Yes, the Series 6 Plus is designed primarily for utility-scale installations. The integrated SpeedSlots under-mount racking system enables significantly faster installation compared to conventional crystalline silicon modules — requiring fewer fasteners and eliminating cable management complexity thanks to the dual junction box design. This translates into real reductions in labor costs on large-scale PV plants. ### What is the maximum power output of the First Solar Series 6 Plus and what is its efficiency? The Series 6 Plus is available in variants ranging from 455 to 480 Wp; the top-tier module delivers 480 W peak power. Module efficiency reaches up to 18.7%, which for a CdTe thin-film format is competitive with many monocrystalline silicon modules. It is worth noting that due to better performance at elevated temperatures, real-world annual energy production can exceed what STC-rated power alone would suggest. ### Is the First Solar Series 6 Plus an environmentally responsible choice? What does its carbon footprint look like? The Series 6 Plus has an exceptionally low environmental impact — its carbon footprint is up to 6 times lower, and its water footprint up to 24 times lower, than that of comparable crystalline silicon modules when assessed over the full product life cycle. Furthermore, First Solar operates its own recycling program and guarantees end-of-life recyclability for all modules, making it easier for large investors to meet stringent ESG requirements. ### Does the First Solar Series 6 Plus perform well on hot days and at high temperatures? Yes. The Series 6 Plus has a temperature coefficient of -0.32%/°C, meaning it experiences a smaller power loss at high temperatures than most monocrystalline PERC modules (-0.35% to -0.40%/°C). The module is certified for operation across a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. In practice, this results in higher energy yield during summer months, when conventional crystalline silicon panels lose efficiency due to overheating. ## 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 | +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 | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6465-p-i Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.