--- title: "First Solar FS-7525A-TR1 525W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "First Solar FS-7525A-TR1 525W solar panel. Specs: 18.80% efficiency, Thin film cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7525a-tr1" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # First Solar FS-7525A-TR1 Solid all-round for its segment 51 panels in the segment CdTe 425-625 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** First Solar - **Model:** FS-7525A-TR1 - **Series:** Series 7 TR1 - **Rated power:** 525 W - **Cell technology:** CdTe ## How it compares Compared against segment CdTe 425-625 W (51 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 525 W | 470 W | Strong - top 22% | | | Module efficiency | 18.80% | 18.50% | Typical | 13,033 | | Power density | 187.7 | 184.5 | Typical | 13,020 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.320 | -0.320 | Typical | 8,312 | | Weight (kg) | 39.7 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 | 18.80% | 18.50% | Typical | 13,033 | | Power density | 187.7 | 184.5 | Typical | 13,020 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.320 | -0.320 | Typical | 8,312 | | Weight per kWp | 75.6 | 73.9 | Typical | 13,627 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | - **Best for:** Utility-scale and hot-climate. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 525 W - **Efficiency:** 18.80 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 186.00 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 2.82 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 226.10 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 3.04 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 - **Cell technology:** CdTe ### Physical - **Length:** 2300 mm - **Width:** 1216 mm - **Thickness:** 49 mm - **Weight:** 39.7 kg - **Area:** 2.80 m2 - **Power density:** 187.7 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 12 years - **Performance warranty:** 30 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 89.0 % - **First-year degradation:** 2.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.30 % - **Output after 30 years:** 469 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 13033 of 14005 | | Power density | 13020 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 8312 of 14005 | | Weight | 13627 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## Pros - **Industry-Leading Guaranteed Degradation Rate** - First Solar guarantees a degradation rate of 0.3%/year, translating to 92% retained power output after 30 years. Leading c-Si modules (including peer comparables) exhibit degradation of 0.45–0.55%/year, retaining 80–85% of rated power over the same period — a First Solar advantage of a real-world 2–3% additional energy yield over the full system lifetime. - **Superior Temperature Coefficient** - The Pmax temperature coefficient is -0.32%/°C, while typical c-Si modules in the 550 Wp class achieve -0.35% to -0.45%/°C. In practice, at a cell temperature of 70°C (a typical summer day in Poland), the Series 7 TR1 loses approximately 14.4% of output vs. 15.75–20.25% for c-Si — a tangible yield improvement during warm-weather months. - **Zero UFLPA / IRA Domestic Content Exposure** - CdTe manufacturing in Ohio fully eliminates supply chain scrutiny risk under the UFLPA (which restricts imports of polysilicon sourced from Xinjiang). For U.S. projects, the modules qualify for the IRA domestic content adder (+10% investment tax credit value) — a benefit unavailable to virtually all Chinese c-Si manufacturers. - **TR1 Mounting System Compatible with Trackers** - The innovative rear-rail system (TrackerReady) has been integrated by tracker providers including Terrasmart across their ground-mount portfolio (confirmed January 2025). It accelerates installation on fixed-tilt structures and single-axis trackers, reducing BoS costs and compressing project schedules for utility-scale PV plants. - **Comprehensive Environmental Durability** - The datasheet confirms certifications to IEC 61701 (salt mist corrosion), IEC 62716 (ammonia resistance), IEC 60068-2-68 (sand and dust), and PID resistance. This testing scope exceeds the minimum requirements of IEC 61215:2021 and is particularly relevant for PV farms in coastal, agricultural, and desert environments. ## Cons - **Module Efficiency Below Peer Comparables** - The maximum efficiency of the Series 7 TR1 is 19.7%, while comparable 550 Wp c-Si modules achieve 21.3% (Goldi Solar GS10-B144-TF, IBC Solar 182M, S-Energy SL65-72BGJ). The 1.6 percentage-point gap means approximately 8% more modules (or array area) are required for the same installed capacity — a meaningful constraint where land is limited or land costs are high. - **No Bifacial Capability** - The Series 7 TR1 is a monofacial module (is\_bifacial: false), whereas all three peer comparables are bifacial designs that capture additional yield from ground-reflected irradiance (typically 5–15% for ground-mount systems with a light-colored albedo surface). The absence of an active rear side is a technical disadvantage relative to the prevailing utility-market standard. ## About this series The First Solar Series 7 TR1 is designed for large-scale ground installations, where installation speed, environmental resilience, and predictable energy yield over decades are key. These are thin-film modules in CdTe technology, distinguished by stable operation at high temperatures and a good response to diffuse light - translating to higher energy production in challenging conditions, unlike crystalline silicon modules which often lose efficiency. A major advantage is the innovative rear-mount wiring system, simplifying integration with fixed structures and trackers, improving construction logistics and reducing the risk of installation errors. In practice, the Series 7 TR1 helps lower BOS costs and shorten project timelines. This solution is for investors and EPCs building PV farms, who expect high durability and long-term parameter consistency. Against competitors, the series also stands out for its approach to a responsible supply chain and easier compliance with design requirements regarding component origins. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 18.8% matches the \*\*CdTe 500-550W\*\* median - Power density of 187.7 W/m² matches the \*\*CdTe 500-550W\*\* median - Temperature coefficient of -0.32%/°C matches the \*\*CdTe 500-550W\*\* median - Ranked #13033 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database ## Questions ### What warranty is offered on the First Solar Series 7 TR1 panels? The First Solar Series 7 TR1 is covered by a 12-year product warranty and a 30-year linear power output warranty. The power warranty guarantees the industry's lowest degradation rate of 0.3% per year, meaning the module retains more than 89% of its nominal power output after 30 years of operation. This is one of the most competitive warranty offerings available among utility-scale modules on the market. ### How fast do First Solar Series 7 TR1 modules degrade, and how much power will they retain after 30 years? The Series 7 TR1 degrades at a rate of just 0.3% per year, a figure officially guaranteed under the 30-year linear power warranty. This means that a module with a nominal power output of 550 Wp will retain more than 89% of its original output after 30 years — that is, above 490 Wp. By comparison, typical crystalline silicon modules guarantee degradation rates in the range of 0.4–0.55% per year, making CdTe technology more favorable for long-term financial modeling of utility-scale PV plants. ### Does the First Solar Series 7 TR1 perform well on hot days and in high-temperature conditions? Yes, the CdTe thin-film technology used in the Series 7 TR1 offers a more favorable temperature coefficient than typical monocrystalline silicon modules. This means lower power loss as cell temperature rises above 25°C. For ground-mounted installations in high-irradiance locations, the difference in annual energy yield can amount to several percentage points in favor of CdTe technology, which directly translates into a better return on investment. ### Are First Solar Series 7 TR1 panels compatible with solar trackers? Yes, the Series 7 TR1 is designed for integration with both fixed-tilt structures and single-axis trackers. The innovative steel back-rail mounting system simplifies module attachment to standard tracker profiles and reduces installation time on site. The manufacturer highlights a significant reduction in BoS costs and fewer installation errors thanks to the unified mounting system. ### Is the First Solar Series 7 TR1 suitable for rooftop installation? No, the Series 7 TR1 is intended exclusively for utility-scale ground-mounted installations such as solar farms. The module measures 1216 x 2300 mm and is engineered for rapid ground-mount assembly and tracker integration. Its dimensions, weight, and back-rail mounting system are not compatible with the standard rooftop mounting structures used in residential or prosumer installations. ### Why is the First Solar Series 7 TR1 manufactured in the USA, and does this matter when selecting modules for a PV plant? The First Solar Series 7 TR1 is designed and manufactured in the state of Ohio, United States. For projects developed in the USA, this is critically important in the context of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) requirements and eligibility for domestic content tax incentives. For European investors, US-based manufacturing provides assurance of rigorous quality control standards and supply chain transparency. First Solar is a Tier 1 manufacturer with a well-established position in the global market. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/Series-7-TR1-Datasheetashx-7b93086812f9.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [First Solar FS-7550A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7550a-tr1) | 550 W | +25 W, +0.9 pp | | [First Solar FS-7545A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7545a-tr1) | 545 W | +20 W, +0.7 pp | | [First Solar FS-7540A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7540a-tr1) | 540 W | +15 W, +0.5 pp | | [First Solar FS-7535A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7535a-tr1) | 535 W | +10 W, +0.3 pp | | [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 | -45 W, lighter | | [First Solar FS-7505A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7505a-tr1) | 505 W | -20 W, -0.7 pp | | [First Solar FS-7510A-FT1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7510a-ft1) | 510 W | Lighter, -0.5 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [First Solar FS-7515A-FT1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7515a-ft1) | 515 W | Lighter, -0.4 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [First Solar FS-7520A-FT1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7520a-ft1) | 520 W | Lighter, -5 yr warranty | | [First Solar FS-7530A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7530a-tr1) | 530 W | Very close match | | [AIKO AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a650-mae72mw) | 650 W | +125 W, lighter, +6.4 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A680-MDE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a680-mde72mw) | 680 W | +155 W, lighter, +6.4 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A675-MDE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a675-mde72mw) | 675 W | +150 W, lighter, +6.2 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a645-mae72mw) | 645 W | +120 W, lighter, +6.2 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-G670-MCH72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-g670-mch72mw) | 670 W | +145 W, lighter, +6.0 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-72HVHF-670M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-72hvhf-670m) | 670 W | +145 W, lighter, +6.0 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7525a-tr1 Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.