--- title: "First Solar Panels Review 2026: Pros, Cons & Specs | ComparePV" description: "In-depth First Solar solar panel review 2026. 63 models analyzed: efficiency, cell technology, warranty, top picks. Compare First Solar panels on ComparePV." source: "https://comparepv.com/reviews/first-solar" --- # First Solar panels, *read off the datasheets* 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... Everything below is computed from those 63 datasheets: no score out of ten, no ranking of brands against each other, and nothing a manufacturer can pay to change. Where First Solar does not publish a figure, it is left out of the average rather than assumed. ## The company - **Founded:** 1999 - **Headquarters:** Tempe, AZ, USA - **Annual capacity:** 21+ GW - **Employees:** 5500-8100 - **Listed:** NASDAQ: FSLR - **Tier 1 bankable:** Yes (good) Company facts, not datasheet figures. Tier 1 is a financier's bankability list, and says nothing about how a panel performs. ## Key figures | Measure | Value | Note | | --- | --- | --- | | Panels | 63 | models in the database | | Average efficiency | 18.6 % | across the catalogue | | Best efficiency | 19.7 % | their strongest module | | Power range | 430-550 Wp | smallest to largest | | Bifacial share | 19 % | 12 dual-sided models | | Average warranty | 29 years | guaranteed output term | ## 01. The top of the range The leaders of First Solar's own catalogue on the two figures a specification sheet leads with. Neither is a verdict: the most efficient module in a range is rarely the one that suits a given roof. ### Most efficient module efficiency | # | Panel | power | efficiency | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | [FS-7550A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7550a-tr1) | 550 Wp | 19.7% | | 2 | [FS-7550A-FT1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7550a-ft1) | 550 Wp | 19.7% | | 3 | [FS-7545A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7545a-tr1) | 545 Wp | 19.5% | | 4 | [FS-7545A-FT1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7545a-ft1) | 545 Wp | 19.5% | | 5 | [FS-7540A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7540a-tr1) | 540 Wp | 19.3% | - FS-7550A-TR1 - Thin film - FS-7550A-FT1 - Thin film - FS-7545A-TR1 - Thin film - FS-7545A-FT1 - Thin film - FS-7540A-TR1 - Thin film [Sort the whole catalogue by efficiency](https://comparepv.com/panels/first-solar?sort_by=efficiency&sort_order=desc) ### Highest power nameplate output | # | Panel | efficiency | power | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | [FS-7550A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7550a-tr1) | 19.7% | 550 Wp | | 2 | [FS-7550A-FT1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7550a-ft1) | 19.7% | 550 Wp | | 3 | [FS-7545A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7545a-tr1) | 19.5% | 545 Wp | | 4 | [FS-7545A-FT1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7545a-ft1) | 19.5% | 545 Wp | | 5 | [FS-7540A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7540a-tr1) | 19.3% | 540 Wp | - FS-7550A-TR1 - Thin film - FS-7550A-FT1 - Thin film - FS-7545A-TR1 - Thin film - FS-7545A-FT1 - Thin film - FS-7540A-TR1 - Thin film [Sort the whole catalogue by power](https://comparepv.com/panels/first-solar?sort_by=power&sort_order=desc) ## 02. By what the array is for Three cuts of the same catalogue, each ordered by efficiency inside its band. An empty column means the brand does not build for that case. ### For a house roof 380-460 Wp | # | Panel | power | efficiency | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | [FS-6460](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6460) | 460 Wp | 18.6% | | 2 | [FS-6460A](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6460a) | 460 Wp | 18.6% | | 3 | [FS-6455](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6455) | 455 Wp | 18.4% | | 4 | [FS-6455A](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6455a) | 455 Wp | 18.4% | | 5 | [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 Wp | 18.3% | - FS-6460 - Thin film - FS-6460A - Thin film - FS-6455 - Thin film - FS-6455A - Thin film - FS-6460-P-I / FS-6460A-P-I (SL) or FS-6460-P / FS-6460A-P (HL) - Thin film ### For a commercial array 500 Wp and up | # | Panel | power | efficiency | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | [FS-7550A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7550a-tr1) | 550 Wp | 19.7% | | 2 | [FS-7550A-FT1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7550a-ft1) | 550 Wp | 19.7% | | 3 | [FS-7545A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7545a-tr1) | 545 Wp | 19.5% | | 4 | [FS-7545A-FT1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7545a-ft1) | 545 Wp | 19.5% | | 5 | [FS-7540A-TR1](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-7540a-tr1) | 540 Wp | 19.3% | - FS-7550A-TR1 - Thin film - FS-7550A-FT1 - Thin film - FS-7545A-TR1 - Thin film - FS-7545A-FT1 - Thin film - FS-7540A-TR1 - Thin film ### For a ground mount dual-sided | # | Panel | power | efficiency | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | [FS-6480-P-B / FS-6480A-P-B](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6480-p-b-fs-6480a-p-b) | 480 Wp | 19.0% | | 2 | [FS-6480-P-B](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6480-p-b) | 480 Wp | 19.0% | | 3 | [FS-6475-P-B / FS-6475A-P-B](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6475-p-b-fs-6475a-p-b) | 475 Wp | 18.9% | | 4 | [FS-6475-P-B](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6475-p-b) | 475 Wp | 18.9% | | 5 | [FS-6470-P-B / FS-6470A-P-B](https://comparepv.com/panel/first-solar-fs-6470-p-b-fs-6470a-p-b) | 470 Wp | 18.7% | - FS-6480-P-B / FS-6480A-P-B - Thin film bifacial - FS-6480-P-B - Thin film bifacial - FS-6475-P-B / FS-6475A-P-B - Thin film bifacial - FS-6475-P-B - Thin film bifacial - FS-6470-P-B / FS-6470A-P-B - Thin film bifacial ## 03. What the catalogue is made of Shares are of the 63 modules in the database, counted once each. A power ladder of one module counts as its rungs, which is why a large catalogue is not the same as a wide one. [Cell technology across the market](https://comparepv.com/stats/cell-technology) ### Cell technology share of the catalogue | # | Panel | share | panels | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | CdTe | 81.0% | 51 | | | Unknown | 19.0% | 12 | CdTe accounts for 81.0% of the catalogue - 51 of 63 modules. ### Efficiency spread share of the catalogue | # | Panel | share | panels | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | \<20% | 100.0% | 63 | ## 04. Strengths and gaps Both lists are derived from the figures above rather than written about the brand. A gap here is a gap in what is published, which is not always a gap in what is built. ### What this catalogue is good at - **Strength:** Solid portfolio of 63 panels - **Strength:** Tier 1 bankable manufacturer - recognized by major financial institutions - **Strength:** Strong warranty coverage averaging 29 years - **Strength:** Established manufacturer with 27+ years of experience - **Strength:** Large-scale production capacity of 21+ GW ### Where it is thin - **Watch out:** Average efficiency of 18.6% is below the industry leading edge - **Watch out:** Limited bifacial panel options - **Watch out:** Limited adoption of latest cell technologies (TOPCon/HJT) ## 05. In short > **First Solar:** First Solar is a solid option, offering 63 panels suitable for both residential and commercial buyers. With an average efficiency of 18.6% 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. ### Common questions #### Is First Solar a good solar panel manufacturer? First Solar offers 63 solar panel models with an average efficiency of 18.6%. 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. #### 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 CdTe (81%), Unknown (19%) cell technologies. #### How efficient are First Solar solar panels? First Solar panels have an average efficiency of 18.6%, 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. #### Does First Solar make bifacial solar panels? Yes, First Solar offers 12 bifacial panels, representing 19% of their portfolio. Bifacial panels can generate additional energy from the rear side, making them ideal for ground-mounted systems. #### 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. #### 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. ## 06. Compared with A brand comparison weighs the two catalogues against each other - what each builds, at what efficiency, and how deep the range goes. [Build your own](https://comparepv.com/comparisons) - [First Solar vs Jinko Solar](https://comparepv.com/first-solar-vs-jinko-solar) - [First Solar vs JA Solar](https://comparepv.com/first-solar-vs-ja-solar) - [First Solar vs Trina Solar](https://comparepv.com/first-solar-vs-trina-solar) - [First Solar vs LONGi](https://comparepv.com/first-solar-vs-longi) - [First Solar vs Canadian Solar](https://comparepv.com/canadian-solar-vs-first-solar) - [First Solar vs Q-Cells](https://comparepv.com/first-solar-vs-q-cells) - [First Solar vs AIKO](https://comparepv.com/aiko-vs-first-solar) - [First Solar vs Hyundai](https://comparepv.com/first-solar-vs-hyundai) ## Elsewhere - [All First Solar panels 63](https://comparepv.com/panels/first-solar) - [All manufacturers](https://comparepv.com/reviews) - [Panel database](https://comparepv.com/panels) - [Market statistics](https://comparepv.com/stats) --- Source: https://comparepv.com/reviews/first-solar