Mid-Range★★★★4.1/5

First Solar Solar Panels

3 panel models | Up to 19.8% efficiency | United States

19.8%

Top Efficiency

545W

Max Wattage

30yr

Performance Warranty

1999

Founded

About First Solar

First Solar is America's largest solar panel manufacturer and the global leader in thin-film cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic technology. Unlike traditional silicon panels, First Solar's thin-film modules offer unique advantages including better performance in hot and humid climates and a lower carbon manufacturing footprint.

Pros

Made in the USA with multiple domestic factories
Superior hot-climate and high-humidity performance
Lower carbon footprint than silicon-based panels
Excellent bankability and financial stability

Cons

Lower efficiency than premium silicon panels
Primarily focused on utility-scale, limited residential options
Larger physical footprint needed for same power output

First Solar Solar Panel Models

Model	Wattage	Efficiency	Cell Type	Price/Watt	Warranty
Series 7	545W	19.8%	Thin-Film	$0.45-$0.70	10/30yr
Series 6 Plus	470W	19.3%	Thin-Film	$0.42-$0.65	10/30yr
Series 6 CuRe	455W	18.7%	Thin-Film	$0.40-$0.62	10/30yr

Detailed Specifications

Series 7

Wattage

545W

Efficiency

19.8%

Cell Technology

Thin-Film

Dimensions

93.7 x 47.2 x 1.8 in

Weight

77.2 lbs

Temperature Coefficient

-0.28%/°C

Degradation Rate

0.3%/year

Product Warranty

10 years

Performance Warranty

30 years

Series 6 Plus

Wattage

470W

Efficiency

19.3%

Cell Technology

Thin-Film

Dimensions

79.3 x 47.2 x 1.8 in

Weight

72.8 lbs

Temperature Coefficient

-0.28%/°C

Degradation Rate

0.3%/year

Product Warranty

10 years

Performance Warranty

30 years

Series 6 CuRe

Wattage

455W

Efficiency

18.7%

Cell Technology

Thin-Film

Dimensions

79.3 x 47.2 x 1.8 in

Weight

72.8 lbs

Temperature Coefficient

-0.27%/°C

Degradation Rate

0.25%/year

Product Warranty

10 years

Performance Warranty

30 years

First Solar Solar Panels FAQ

First Solar is a mid-range-tier solar panel manufacturer headquartered in United States, rated 4.1/5 by industry experts. Their panels offer up to 19.8% efficiency with 30-year performance warranties. Made in the USA with multiple domestic factories.

First Solar solar panels range from $0.40 to $0.70 per watt. For a typical 6kW system, that's approximately $2,700 to $4,200 before the 30% federal tax credit.

The most efficient First Solar panel is the Series 7 at 19.8% efficiency and 545W. Higher efficiency panels are ideal for homes with limited roof space.

First Solar offers 10-year product warranties and 30-year performance warranties on their solar panels. The performance warranty guarantees at least 91.0% output after 30 years.