First Solar Solar Panels Review 2026

Q: Is First Solar a good solar panel manufacturer?

First Solar offers 51 solar panel models with an average efficiency of 18.5%. They are a Tier 1 bankable manufacturer, recognized by major financial institutions for reliability. Check their full panel lineup on ComparePV to find the best model for your needs.

Q: What types of solar panels does First Solar make?

First Solar manufactures panels ranging from 430W to 550W, covering both residential and commercial applications. Their portfolio includes Unknown (100%) cell technologies.

Q: How efficient are First Solar solar panels?

First Solar panels have an average efficiency of 18.5%, with their most efficient model reaching 19.7%. This puts them in an area where they may be focusing on value over peak performance in the current market.

Q: Does First Solar make bifacial solar panels?

Yes, First Solar offers 6 bifacial panels, representing 12% of their portfolio. Bifacial panels can generate additional energy from the rear side, making them ideal for ground-mounted systems.

Q: What warranty does First Solar offer on their solar panels?

First Solar panels come with an average performance warranty of 29 years. This warranty guarantees that the panels will maintain a specified level of power output over time, protecting your investment against degradation beyond normal levels.

Q: Are First Solar panels good for residential use?

First Solar offers panels in the residential-friendly 380–460W range. For home installations, look for models with high efficiency and compact dimensions to maximize power from limited roof space. Browse their full lineup on ComparePV to filter by power range and specifications.

Company Overview

First Solar is a leading American solar technology company and global provider of responsibly produced eco-efficient solar modules, advancing the fight against climate change. The company manufactures thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules using cadmium telluride (CdTe) semiconductor technology. First Solar is unique among the world's ten largest solar manufacturers for being the only US-headquartered company and not manufacturing in China.

Headquarters

Tempe, AZ, USA

Founded

1999

Employees

5500-8100

Production Capacity

21+ GW

Stock

NASDAQ: FSLR

Website

Visit site

Key Statistics

Total Panels 51

Avg. Efficiency 18.5%

Max Efficiency 19.7%

Power Range 430W – 550W

Avg. Power 484W

Avg. Temp Coeff -0.32%/°C

Bifacial Panels 6 (12%)

Avg. Warranty 29 years

Technology Breakdown

Cell Technologies

Unknown 51 panels (100.0%)

Power Distribution

400-499W 32 panels (62.7%)

500-599W 19 panels (37.3%)

Top Picks from First Solar

Most Efficient

#	Model	Power	Efficiency	Tech
1	FS-7550A-TR1	550W	19.7%	Thin film
2	FS-7550A-FT1	550W	19.7%	Thin film
3	FS-7545A-FT1	545W	19.5%	Thin film
4	FS-7545A-TR1	545W	19.5%	Thin film
5	FS-7540A-TR1	540W	19.3%	Thin film

Highest Power

#	Model	Power	Efficiency	Tech
1	FS-7550A-TR1	550W	19.7%	Thin film
2	FS-7550A-FT1	550W	19.7%	Thin film
3	FS-7545A-TR1	545W	19.5%	Thin film
4	FS-7545A-FT1	545W	19.5%	Thin film
5	FS-7540A-TR1	540W	19.3%	Thin film

Best First Solar Panels by Use Case

Best for Residential

380–460W range, ranked by efficiency

#1 FS-6460

18.6% 460W

#2 FS-6460A

18.6% 460W

#3 FS-6455A

18.4% 455W

#4 FS-6455

18.4% 455W

#5 FS-6460-P-I / FS-6460A-P-I (SL) or FS-6460-P / FS-6460A-P (HL)

18.3% 460W

Best for Commercial

500W+, ranked by power output

#1 FS-7550A-FT1

550W 19.7%

#2 FS-7550A-TR1

550W 19.7%

#3 FS-7545A-TR1

545W 19.5%

#4 FS-7545A-FT1

545W 19.5%

#5 FS-7540A-TR1

540W 19.3%

Best Bifacial

Dual-sided panels, ranked by efficiency

#1 FS-6480-P-B / FS-6480A-P-B

19.0% 480W

#2 FS-6475-P-B / FS-6475A-P-B

18.9% 475W

#3 FS-6470-P-B / FS-6470A-P-B

18.7% 470W

#4 FS-6465-P-B / FS-6465A-P-B

18.5% 465W

#5 FS-6460-P-B / FS-6460A-P-B

18.3% 460W

Pros & Cons

Strengths

Solid portfolio of 51 panels
Tier 1 bankable manufacturer — recognized by major financial institutions
Strong warranty coverage averaging 29 years
Established manufacturer with 27+ years of experience
Large-scale production capacity of 21+ GW

Considerations

Average efficiency of 18.5% is below the industry leading edge
Limited bifacial panel options
Limited adoption of latest cell technologies (TOPCon/HJT)

Efficiency Distribution

51

<20%

100.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

First Solar offers 51 solar panel models with an average efficiency of 18.5%. They are a Tier 1 bankable manufacturer, recognized by major financial institutions for reliability. Check their full panel lineup on ComparePV to find the best model for your needs.

First Solar manufactures panels ranging from 430W to 550W, covering both residential and commercial applications. Their portfolio includes Unknown (100%) cell technologies.

First Solar panels have an average efficiency of 18.5%, with their most efficient model reaching 19.7%. This puts them in an area where they may be focusing on value over peak performance in the current market.

Yes, First Solar offers 6 bifacial panels, representing 12% of their portfolio. Bifacial panels can generate additional energy from the rear side, making them ideal for ground-mounted systems.

First Solar panels come with an average performance warranty of 29 years. This warranty guarantees that the panels will maintain a specified level of power output over time, protecting your investment against degradation beyond normal levels.

First Solar offers panels in the residential-friendly 380–460W range. For home installations, look for models with high efficiency and compact dimensions to maximize power from limited roof space. Browse their full lineup on ComparePV to filter by power range and specifications.

The Verdict

First Solar is a solid option, offering 51 panels suitable for both residential and commercial buyers. With an average efficiency of 18.5% and top models reaching 19.7%, their panels deliver competitive performance. As a Tier 1 bankable manufacturer, they offer strong financial backing and long-term reliability.

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Explore All First Solar Panels

Browse the complete catalog of 51 First Solar solar panels with detailed specifications, filters, and comparison tools.

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