--- title: "First Solar FS-6475-P-B 475W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "First Solar FS-6475-P-B 475W solar panel. Specs: 18.90% efficiency, Thin film cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6475-p-b" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # First Solar FS-6475-P-B Middle of its segment, modest efficiency 7,948 panels in the 375-575 W band, all technologies ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** First Solar - **Model:** FS-6475-P-B - **Series:** Series 6 Plus Bifacial - **Rated power:** 475 W - **Cell technology:** Thin film - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against 375-575 W band, all technologies (7948 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 475 W | 455 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 18.90% | 21.52% | Weak - bottom 2% | 12,996 | | Power density | 188.5 | 215.2 | Weak - bottom 2% | 12,993 | | 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 | 18.90% | 21.52% | Weak - bottom 2% | 12,996 | | Power density | 188.5 | 215.2 | Weak - bottom 2% | 12,993 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.320 | -0.300 | Typical | 8,312 | | Weight per kWp | 71.6 | 52.5 | Weak - bottom 2% | 13,476 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Watch out for - **18.90% module efficiency** - Bottom 2% of the 375-575 W band, against a median of 21.52%. Ranked 12,996th in the whole database. - **188.5 watts per square metre** - Bottom 2% of the 375-575 W band, against a median of 215.2. Ranked 12,993rd in the whole database. - **71.6 kg per kWp** - Bottom 2% of the 375-575 W band, against a median of 52.5. Ranked 13,476th in the whole database. - **Best for:** Commercial, utility-scale and hot-climate. - **Not ideal for:** Tight roof space, roofs where every square metre has to count and weight-limited structures. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 475 W - **Efficiency:** 18.90 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 191.50 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 2.48 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 224.80 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 2.61 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 - **Bifacial:** yes ### Physical - **Length:** 2024 mm - **Width:** 1245 mm - **Weight:** 34.0 kg - **Area:** 2.52 m2 - **Power density:** 188.5 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:** 424 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 12996 of 14005 | | Power density | 12993 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 8312 of 14005 | | Weight | 13476 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## Pros - **Industry-Leading Temperature Coefficient** - The Pmax temperature coefficient is -0.32%/°C (range 25–75°C), while standard crystalline modules typically achieve -0.35% to -0.40%/°C. For ground-mounted installations in a temperate climate, this translates into measurably higher annual energy yield during summer months at no additional cost. - **Zero LID and LeTID Degradation** - CdTe technology is inherently immune to light-induced degradation (LID) and light- and elevated temperature-induced degradation (LeTID) — phenomena that cause a 0.5–2% power loss in PERC/TOPCon silicon cells during the first years of operation. First Solar guarantees ≥90% of nominal power after 30 years, with a warranted annual degradation rate of just 0.3%/year. - **30-Year Power Warranty — ≥90%** - The manufacturer offers a 30-year linear power warranty with a floor of ≥90% at end of term. Segment peer comparables (Sunket, Gamko) typically provide a 25-year linear warranty with output declining to ~84.8%. This difference materially improves long-term project financial models (NPV, IRR). - **Carbon Footprint 2.5× Lower Than c-Si** - Life cycle assessment (LCA) data shows that the Series 6 Plus Bifacial module generates a 2.5× smaller carbon footprint and a 3× smaller water footprint than comparable monocrystalline modules — a compelling argument in project ESG due diligence and green financing procedures. - **Pioneering CdTe Bifaciality — a Unique Product** - The Series 6 Plus Bifacial is the world's first bifacial thin-film CdTe module, announced in June 2023. Its transparent rear contact transmits IR radiation rather than absorbing it as heat, lowering operating temperature and further boosting yield. Rear-side gain reaches up to 15% at high ground albedo, typical of utility-scale installations on light-colored soil or gravel. ## Cons - **STC Efficiency Notably Below Peer Comparables** - Module efficiency is 18.1–19.0% STC, whereas comparable 480 Wp products — the Sunket SKT460~480M10-120D3 and Shinson S-Blade BIPV — achieve 22.24%, and the Gamko GKA96N-PRO reaches 24.02%. To deliver equivalent plant capacity, a Series 6 Plus Bifacial installation requires approximately 20–26% more land area, resulting in higher land lease costs and BoS expenses on area-constrained projects. ## About this series First Solar Series 6 Plus Bifacial is a breakthrough in thin-film technology that redefines performance in demanding environmental conditions. Unlike standard silicon cells, these modules utilize advanced **CdTe (cadmium telluride) technology**, which translates into significantly better spectral response and higher energy production in low light or heavy cloud cover. The use of a bifacial design allows for additional energy gain from the rear side of the panel, making this series an optimal choice for ground-mount installations with high albedo. A key differentiator is total **resistance to light-induced degradation (LID) and potential-induced degradation (PID)**, ensuring trouble-free operation and stable power for decades. The panels feature an innovative frame design that prevents debris buildup on the edges, and the industry's **lowest temperature coefficient** guarantees high efficiency even in extreme heat. The Series 6 Plus Bifacial is dedicated to photovoltaic farms and commercial projects aiming to maximize return on investment. By choosing these modules, investors opt for the **lowest carbon footprint** and the highest reliability, distinguishing themselves from competitors using traditional crystalline silicon. ## Notable figures - At 18.9% efficiency, this panel is 2.9pp below the \*\*database\*\* median of 21.8% - At 188.5 W/m², this panel generates 29.6 W/m² less per unit area than \*\*database\*\* median (218.1 W/m²) - -0.32%/°C temperature coefficient - 0.02pp worse than \*\*database\*\* median (-0.30%/°C), expect higher hot weather losses - At 34.0 kg, this panel is 7.5 kg heavier than the \*\*database\*\* median (26.5 kg) - more demanding for installation crews - Bifaciality factor of 15% can add 1-2% extra yield with reflective mounting surface ## Questions ### What warranty does the First Solar Series 6 Plus Bifacial carry? First Solar offers a 30-year linear power warranty on this series, guaranteeing 98% of nominal output at the end of the full warranty period with an annual degradation rate of only 0.3%. This is complemented by a 12-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects. The combined package is one of the most competitive warranty offerings in the photovoltaic industry, significantly exceeding the 10–12-year product warranties typically provided by silicon-based module manufacturers. ### How does the CdTe technology in the First Solar Series 6 Plus Bifacial differ from standard silicon-based modules? The Series 6 Plus Bifacial uses cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film technology instead of crystalline silicon. Key differences include: superior spectral response under overcast and low-irradiance conditions (resulting in higher energy yield on cloudy days), complete absence of LID and PID degradation, the lowest temperature coefficient in the industry (minimizing power losses during high-temperature operation), and the lowest carbon footprint per watt produced. This technology is designed for utility-scale PV farms rather than residential prosumer installations. ### What is the temperature coefficient of the First Solar Series 6 Plus Bifacial, and what does it mean in practice? The First Solar Series 6 Plus Bifacial features one of the lowest temperature coefficients among commercially available photovoltaic modules. In practical terms, on hot days when module surface temperatures reach 40–50 °C, it loses significantly less power than typical polycrystalline or monocrystalline PERC modules. For a utility-scale farm operating during extended summer periods at elevated temperatures, this translates directly into additional kilowatt-hours of generation and an improved return on investment. ### Is the First Solar Series 6 Plus Bifacial suitable for rooftop installations or only for ground-mounted systems? This series is designed exclusively for ground-mounted utility-scale farms and large commercial installations, not for residential rooftop use. The module weighs approximately 33 kg and has the large form factor typical of utility-scale modules. The bifacial construction delivers its greatest benefits in ground-mounted configurations, where white gravel ballast or light-colored soil increases albedo and improves rear-side energy yield by an additional few to over ten percent. ### What additional energy yield does the bifacial construction provide in this series? The Series 6 Plus Bifacial is the world's first bifacial CdTe thin-film module. The rear side of the panel absorbs irradiance reflected from the ground surface (albedo), which — with a light-colored ground cover such as gravel, concrete, or pale soil — delivers additional energy yield of several to over ten percent above the nominal 480 W rating. The effective bifacial gain depends on ground albedo, mounting tilt angle, and module height above ground. ### How reliable is First Solar as a manufacturer, and what does Tier 1 status mean? First Solar is a U.S.-based manufacturer headquartered in Arizona that has been consistently classified as a Tier 1 module supplier by independent rating agencies, including Bloomberg NEF. Tier 1 status means the manufacturer meets rigorous financial and technical criteria, enabling banks and lenders to finance projects using its modules without applying additional technology risk premiums. First Solar is one of the few Western manufacturers capable of competing with Chinese factories at scale — a factor of considerable importance for long-term warranty servicing and supply chain reliability. ## 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 | Very close match | | [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 | -20 W, -0.8 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 | -15 W, -0.6 pp | | [Jetion JT590SJk(B)](https://comparepv.com/panel/jetion-jt590sjk-b) | 590 W | +115 W, cooler, +4.2 pp | | [Resun Solar RS9V-M-DG-590](https://comparepv.com/panel/resun-solar-rs9v-m-dg-590) | 590 W | +115 W, lighter, +4.2 pp | | [Jetion JT585SJk(B)](https://comparepv.com/panel/jetion-jt585sjk-b) | 585 W | +110 W, cooler, +4.0 pp | | [Resun Solar RS9V-M-DG-585](https://comparepv.com/panel/resun-solar-rs9v-m-dg-585) | 585 W | +110 W, lighter, +4.0 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210N108-580W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210n108-580w) | 580 W | +105 W, lighter, +3.8 pp | | [Jetion JT580SJk(B)](https://comparepv.com/panel/jetion-jt580sjk-b) | 580 W | +105 W, cooler, +3.8 pp | | [Resun Solar RS9V-M-DG-580](https://comparepv.com/panel/resun-solar-rs9v-m-dg-580) | 580 W | +105 W, lighter, +3.8 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210N108-575W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210n108-575w) | 575 W | +100 W, lighter, +3.6 pp | | [Jetion JT575SJk(B)](https://comparepv.com/panel/jetion-jt575sjk-b) | 575 W | +100 W, cooler, +3.6 pp | | [Resun Solar RS9V-M-DG-575](https://comparepv.com/panel/resun-solar-rs9v-m-dg-575) | 575 W | +100 W, lighter, +3.6 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6475-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.