First Solar Brand review

FS-6475-P-I / FS-6475A-P-I (SL) or FS-6475-P / FS-6475A-P (HL)

475 Wp CdTe

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 (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.

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 · 2 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

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.

Trade-offs

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.

Notes from the database

At 18.9% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical CdTe 450-500W modules
At 188.5 W/m² power density, this panel generates 4.0 W/m² more per unit area than CdTe 450-500W median (184.5 W/m²)
Temperature coefficient of -0.32%/°C matches the CdTe 450-500W median
#12996 for efficiency, #8312 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels

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%

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

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

NOCT 45 °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

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° · - · -

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-I / FS-6475A-P-I (SL) or FS-6475-P / FS-6475A-P (HL) 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 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.

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