--- title: "First Solar FS-7532A-FT1 532W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "First Solar FS-7532A-FT1 532W solar panel. Specs: 19.00% efficiency, Thin film cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7532a-ft1" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # First Solar FS-7532A-FT1 Light for its output, short guarantee 49 panels in the segment CdTe 432-632 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** First Solar - **Model:** FS-7532A-FT1 - **Series:** Series 7 FT1 - **Rated power:** 532 W - **Cell technology:** CdTe ## How it compares Compared against segment CdTe 432-632 W (49 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 532 W | 475 W | Strong - top 17% | | | Module efficiency | 19.00% | 18.60% | Strong - top 21% | 12,945 | | Power density | 190.2 | 185.9 | Strong - top 23% | 12,929 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.320 | -0.320 | Typical | 8,312 | | Weight (kg) | 36.8 kg | 34.5 kg | Strong - top 9% | | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 9% | 9,798 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 19.00% | 18.60% | Strong - top 21% | 12,945 | | Power density | 190.2 | 185.9 | Strong - top 23% | 12,929 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.320 | -0.320 | Typical | 8,312 | | Weight per kWp | 69.2 | 73.9 | Strong - top 9% | 13,369 | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 9% | 9,798 | ### Strengths - **69.2 kg per kWp** - Top 9% of the CdTe 432-632 W segment, against a median of 73.9. Ranked 13,369th in the whole database. - **19.00% module efficiency** - Top 21% of the CdTe 432-632 W segment, against a median of 18.60%. - **190.2 watts per square metre** - Top 23% of the CdTe 432-632 W segment, against a median of 185.9. ### Watch out for - **25 year performance warranty** - Bottom 9% of the CdTe 432-632 W segment, against a median of 30 yrs. Ranked 9,798th in the whole database. - **Best for:** Commercial, utility-scale and hot-climate. - **Not ideal for:** Owners who want a long output guarantee. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 532 W - **Efficiency:** 19.00 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 187.30 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 2.84 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 226.90 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 3.05 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:** 36.8 kg - **Area:** 2.80 m2 - **Power density:** 190.2 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 10 years - **Performance warranty:** 25 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 92.5 % - **First-year degradation:** 0.30 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.30 % - **Output after 30 years:** 484 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 12945 of 14005 | | Power density | 12929 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 8312 of 14005 | | Weight | 13369 of 14005 | | Warranty | 9798 of 14005 | ## Pros - **Industry-Leading Low Temperature Coefficient** - The Pmax temperature coefficient of the FT1 is -0.32%/°C (per the First Solar FT1 datasheet), compared to -0.40% to -0.45%/°C for standard mono-Si modules. At a module operating temperature of 70°C, this translates to approximately 4–6% higher energy yield relative to silicon — a critical advantage for utility-scale plants in continental climates during summer months. - **Best-in-Class Carbon Footprint** - The life-cycle carbon intensity of CdTe Series 7 technology is approximately 15.83 gCO2eq/kWh — up to 4× lower than c-Si modules produced from Chinese polysilicon. Series 7 was the first module on the market to achieve EPEAT Climate+ certification (threshold: ≤400 kg CO2e/kWp), satisfying ESG requirements and the eligibility criteria of green project bonds. - **Closed-Loop Recycling Program (Since 2005)** - First Solar operates the only global end-of-life PV module recycling program, recovering 95% of materials — including glass, aluminum, steel, and the CdTe semiconductor. Annual recycling capacity stands at 88,000 metric tons (approximately 2.6 million modules per year). This eliminates end-of-life regulatory risk — a material consideration for infrastructure projects in the EU. - **Reduced BoS Costs for Tracker-Based Installations** - The optimized steel frame design allows mounting closer to the tracker rotation axis, enabling longer tracker rows and reducing the number of motors and dampeners required per MW. The manufacturer claims faster installation rates and lower BoS costs compared to Series 6 — a key competitive advantage on projects exceeding 50 MWp. - **Tier-1 Bankable, U.S.-Headquartered Manufacturer** - First Solar (founded 1999, HQ: USA) maintains Tier-1 BNEF status and full bankability for project finance. As of end-2024, nameplate manufacturing capacity stood at 9.4 GWdc/year, produced exclusively in the United States — reducing supply chain risk and exposure to Asian import tariffs, including AD/CVD duties. ## Cons - **Efficiency Below Peer Comparables** - The FT1's maximum module efficiency is 19.7%, while direct competitors in the 550 Wp segment achieve 21.28–21.3%: Goldi Solar GS10-B144-TF, IBC Solar 182M Half Cell, and S-Energy SL65-72BGJ. The ~1.6 percentage point gap requires approximately 8% more land area to deliver the same installed capacity — a tangible cost driver for projects with constrained or expensive sites. - **Monofacial Design — No Bifacial Gain** - The FT1 is a monofacial module (is\_bifacial: false), whereas most modern mono-Si modules in the 550 Wp class offer bifacial gain of 10–20% depending on ground albedo. For ground-mounted systems over light-colored aggregate or snow-covered terrain, this results in a measurable energy yield deficit relative to bifacial competitors. - **36.8 kg Module Weight — Demanding Logistics** - At 36.8 kg (±3.5 kg), the FT1 is significantly heavier than comparable mono-Si 550 Wp modules, which typically weigh 27–30 kg. This necessitates adapted HSE handling procedures, potentially mechanized installation aids, and heavier-duty mounting structures for certain ground-mount racking systems. ## About this series The First Solar Series 7 FT1 series redefines performance standards in photovoltaic farms, utilizing unique **CdTe thin-film technology**. Unlike traditional silicon modules, this solution offers significantly higher efficiency in real-world operating conditions, especially with limited sunlight and in high humidity. A key innovation is the **optimized frame design**, which eliminates the risk of mechanical stress and facilitates fast installation on large surfaces. These panels effectively solve the problem of power loss on hot days, as they are characterized by the **lowest temperature coefficient** on the market. By using a larger cell format, the FT1 series reduces structural BOS installation costs, making it an ideal choice for investors building commercial and industrial systems. The product also stands out from the competition through its **exceptionally low carbon footprint** and full recycling of end-of-life modules, aligning with rigorous sustainability requirements. This is an advanced tool for professionals seeking maximum energy yield from every square meter of land while maintaining the highest mechanical durability and parameter stability for decades. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 19.0% matches the \*\*CdTe 500-550W\*\* median - At 190.2 W/m² power density, roof space requirements are typical for \*\*CdTe 500-550W\*\* panels - At -0.32%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*CdTe 500-550W\*\* panels - 36.8 kg weight - 2.9 kg lighter than \*\*CdTe 500-550W\*\* median (39.7 kg), reducing installation effort - Ranked #12945 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database ## Questions ### What warranty does First Solar offer on the Series 7 FT1 panels? First Solar provides a 10-year product warranty (covering physical defects and material failures) and a 25-year linear power output warranty for the FT1 series. After 25 years, the panel must retain at least 90.8% of its nominal power output. The annual degradation rate is just 0.3%, which ranks among the lowest in the industry and translates to exceptionally stable energy production over the full lifetime of the installation. ### How does the CdTe technology in the First Solar Series 7 FT1 perform on hot days compared to silicon-based panels? The FT1 series CdTe modules have a power temperature coefficient of -0.32%/°C, while typical silicon modules range from -0.35% to -0.40%/°C. In practice, at a module temperature of 70°C, the FT1 panel loses approximately 14.4% of its power output, whereas a competing polycrystalline silicon module may lose up to 18%. On large-scale solar farms during sunny summer days, this difference directly translates into higher annual energy yield. ### Is the First Solar Series 7 FT1 suitable for a small residential rooftop installation? The FT1 series, with output up to 550 Wp, is designed for utility-scale solar farms and commercial installations, not residential rooftops. The large module format, high open-circuit voltage (exceeding 226 V), and overall utility-scale installation requirements make it poorly suited for prosumer applications. Smaller silicon modules specifically designed for rooftop installations are a better fit for residential use cases. ### What are the differences between the First Solar Series 7 FT1 and the previous-generation Series 6? The Series 7 FT1 introduces a larger cell format compared to the Series 6, which directly reduces Balance of System (BoS) costs — fewer mounting structures, less cabling, and fewer connectors are required per megawatt of installed capacity. Module power has increased to 550 Wp, and cell efficiency reaches up to 20.3%. The improved frame design eliminates mechanical stress and accelerates field installation on large ground-mounted solar farms. ### Are the First Solar Series 7 FT1 panels resistant to salt corrosion and sand — can they perform reliably in harsh climatic conditions? Yes, the FT1 modules are certified to IEC 61701 (salt mist corrosion resistance) and IEC 60068-2-68 (dust and sand resistance). The glass-glass construction eliminates the risk of cell cracking and the associated power loss. The operating temperature range spans from -40°C to +85°C, making the modules suitable for continental, coastal, and desert climates alike. ### Is First Solar, the manufacturer of the Series 7 FT1, a reliable and established brand? First Solar is a US-headquartered American company consistently classified as Tier 1 by all major PV industry rating agencies. It is the only Western manufacturer of thin-film CdTe modules at industrial scale and operates a comprehensive end-of-life panel recycling program. The FT1 series modules are certified to UL 61730 (1500 V) and IEC 61215:2021, meeting the requirements of most European and global energy markets. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/Series-7-FT1-Datasheet-fce36831a914.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [First Solar FS-7550A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7550a-tr1) | 550 W | Heavier, +0.7 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [First Solar FS-7545A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7545a-tr1) | 545 W | Heavier, +0.5 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [First Solar FS-7540A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7540a-tr1) | 540 W | Heavier, +0.3 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [First Solar FS-7535A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7535a-tr1) | 535 W | Heavier, +5 yr warranty | | [First Solar FS-7530A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7530a-tr1) | 530 W | Heavier, +5 yr warranty | | [First Solar FS-7505A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7505a-tr1) | 505 W | Heavier, -0.9 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [First Solar FS-7510A-FT1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7510a-ft1) | 510 W | -22 W, -0.7 pp | | [First Solar FS-7515A-FT1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7515a-ft1) | 515 W | -17 W, -0.6 pp | | [First Solar FS-7520A-FT1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7520a-ft1) | 520 W | -12 W, -0.4 pp | | [First Solar FS-7525A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7525a-tr1) | 525 W | Heavier, +5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a650-mae72mw) | 650 W | +118 W, lighter, +6.2 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A680-MDE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a680-mde72mw) | 680 W | +148 W, lighter, +6.2 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A675-MDE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a675-mde72mw) | 675 W | +143 W, lighter, +6.0 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a645-mae72mw) | 645 W | +113 W, lighter, +6.0 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-G670-MCH72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-g670-mch72mw) | 670 W | +138 W, lighter, +5.8 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-72HVHF-670M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-72hvhf-670m) | 670 W | +138 W, lighter, +5.8 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7532a-ft1 Not in this file, on the page: the I-V and temperature curves lifted from the manufacturer's datasheet, a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.