First Solar Brand review

FS-6475-P-B / FS-6475A-P-B

475 Wp CdTe Bifacial 15%

58 of 100

ComparePV verdict

Light for its output, no clear weak spot

Rank 11,369 of 14,005

Compare panels Datasheet PDF

Power (Wp)

475

Typical for its class

Efficiency (%)

18.90

Typical · median 18.50%

Density (Wp/m²)

188.5

Typical · median 184.5

Temp (%/°C)

-0.320

Typical · median -0.320

Weight (kg)

34.0

Strong · top 25%

Warranty (yrs)

Typical · median 30 yrs

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.

Ranking

51 panels in the segment CdTe 375-575 W

Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank

Module efficiency 18.90% 18.50% Typical 12,996

Power density 188.5 184.5 Typical 12,993

Temperature coefficient -0.320 -0.320 Typical 8,312

Weight per kWp 71.6 73.9 Strong · top 25% 13,476

Performance warranty 30 yrs 30 yrs Typical 21

Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

6 positive · 3 caution

Best for

Commercial, utility-scale and hot-climate.

Strengths

71.6 kg per kWp

Top 25% of the CdTe 375-575 W segment, against a median of 73.9.

What owners get

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.

Trade-offs

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.

Notes from the database

At 18.9% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical CdTe 450-500W modules
188.5 W/m² power density - 4.0 W/m² more than CdTe 450-500W median (184.5 W/m²), more power per roof area
Temperature coefficient of -0.32%/°C matches the CdTe 450-500W median
15% bifaciality enables rear-side power generation, boosting yield by 1-2% on reflective surfaces
Ranked #12996 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF

Nominal power (Pmax) 475 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C

Module efficiency 18.90 % Typical Segment median 18.50%

Vmpp · Impp 191.50 V · 2.48 A Operating point at max power

Voc · Isc 224.80 V · 2.61 A Sizes the string length

Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules

Dimensions 2024×1245 mm · 2.52 m² of roof

Weight 34.0 kg Strong Strong · top 25%

Bifaciality 15 % Rear output as a share of front

Coefficient Pmax -0.320 %/°C Typical median -0.320 of its segment

Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.280 · 0.040 %/°C

NOCT 43 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient

Product warranty 12 years Hardware defects only

Performance warranty 30 years Typical median 30 yrs · median 30 yrs

Degradation 0.30 % Per year after the first

Simulations

Live - change any input

Lifetime output & value

30 years at 1200 kWh/kWp/year and €0.50 per kWh

Power in year 30

Lifetime energy

Energy value

With bifacial gain

Irradiance Energy price Price inflation 0%/yr

Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.

Heat losses

-0.320 %/°C against a segment median of -0.320

Try your own cell temperature (°C) 60° · - · -

Bifacial gain

Rear gain over light concrete: -

Model: bifaciality × albedo × 0.6 view factor. A first-order estimate, not a yield simulation.

Alternatives

All First Solar panels

Filter these Similar power Same cell type Same manufacturer

Size Any ±10 mm ±25 mm ±50 mm ±100 mm

Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference

First Solar FS-6475-P-B / FS-6475A-P-B 475 W 18.90% -0.320 34.0 kg You are here

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 Very close match

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 -20 W, -0.8 pp

FS-6460-P-I / FS-6460A-P-I (SL) or FS-6460-P / FS-6460A-P (HL) 460 W 18.30% -0.320 34.0 kg -15 W, -0.6 pp

JT590SJk(B) 590 W 23.10% -0.240 30.7 kg +115 W, cooler, +4.2 pp

RS9V-M-DG-590 590 W 23.08% -0.300 31.2 kg +115 W, lighter, +4.2 pp

JT585SJk(B) 585 W 22.90% -0.240 30.7 kg +110 W, cooler, +4.0 pp

RS9V-M-DG-585 585 W 22.88% -0.300 31.2 kg +110 W, lighter, +4.0 pp

GKA210N108-580W 580 W 22.71% -0.340 25.5 kg +105 W, lighter, +3.8 pp

JT580SJk(B) 580 W 22.70% -0.240 30.7 kg +105 W, cooler, +3.8 pp

RS9V-M-DG-580 580 W 22.69% -0.300 31.2 kg +105 W, lighter, +3.8 pp

GKA210N108-575W 575 W 22.51% -0.340 25.5 kg +100 W, lighter, +3.6 pp

JT575SJk(B) 575 W 22.50% -0.240 30.7 kg +100 W, cooler, +3.6 pp

RS9V-M-DG-575 575 W 22.49% -0.300 31.2 kg +100 W, lighter, +3.6 pp

Found 30 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 44 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 44 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 91 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered

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.

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