First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W Specifications & Review
The Series 6 Plus delivers 465W using First Solar's proven CdTe thin-film technology, manufactured in the United States.
What Makes the First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W Different
The First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W uses an entirely different technology from every other panel in our database — Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) thin-film instead of crystalline silicon. First Solar is the only major US-headquartered panel manufacturer and the world's largest thin-film producer, with manufacturing facilities in Ohio, Alabama, Louisiana, and India. CdTe thin-film panels have several unique advantages: a lower temperature coefficient than silicon, better performance in hot and humid conditions, and no reliance on polysilicon supply chains. At 465W and 19.2% efficiency, the Series 6 is designed for utility-scale projects. First Solar panels are manufactured entirely in the USA, qualifying for maximum IRA domestic content bonuses. The 2009×1232mm commercial format at 34.5 kg is optimized for utility-scale racking and tracker systems.
Key Specifications
| Brand | First Solar |
| Model | First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W |
| Power Output | 465W |
| Efficiency | 19.2% |
| Power Density | 17.5 W/sq ft |
| Cell Type | CdTe (Cadmium Telluride) |
| Cell Count | 144 cells |
| Dimensions | 2009 x 1232 x 49 mm |
| Weight | 34.5 kg |
| Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) | 219.5V |
| Max Power Voltage (Vmp) | 183.5V |
| Short Circuit Current (Isc) | 2.73A |
| Max Power Current (Imp) | 2.54A |
| Temp Coefficient (Pmax) | -0.28%/°C |
| Product Warranty | 10 years |
| Performance Warranty | 30 years |
| First Year Degradation | 1.5% |
| Annual Degradation | 0.5% |
| Country of Manufacture | United States |
| Certifications | IEC 61215, IEC 61730, UL 1703 |
| Snow Load | 5400 Pa (112.8 psf) — Heavy Snow Rated |
| Wind Load | 4000 Pa (83.5 psf) |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Proven US thin-film technology
- ✓ Excellent temperature coefficient
- ✓ Environmentally responsible
- ✓ Strong bankability
Cons
- ✗ Lower efficiency
- ✗ Very heavy panel
- ✗ Not suitable for residential
Best For
Large commercial and utility projects wanting proven US thin-film technology.
Is the First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W Worth It?
The First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W delivers 465W of power at 19.2% module efficiency, which is below the current industry average of approximately 21%. While not the highest-efficiency option on the market, it may offer compelling value depending on price and your available roof space.
From a warranty perspective, the Series 6 Plus 465W comes with a standard 10-year product warranty and a 30-year performance guarantee. The industry standard for product warranties ranges from 12 to 25 years, so you may want to weigh this shorter warranty against the overall system cost. At the end of 30 years, the panel is guaranteed to still produce approximately 84.0% of its rated output, with first-year degradation of 1.5% and just 0.5% per year after that.
Pricing varies by region and installer, but the Series 6 Plus 465W's combination of 19.2% efficiency and 10-year warranty should be weighed against per-watt quotes from your installer. Request at least three quotes to ensure you are getting competitive pricing for this tier of panel.
For hot climates, the temperature coefficient of -0.28%/°C is excellent. This is better than the typical range of -0.30% to -0.40%/°C, meaning the Series 6 Plus 465W retains more output on scorching summer days, a significant advantage in states like Arizona, Texas, and Florida. Overall, the First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W can be a reasonable choice depending on your budget and performance requirements.
Real-World Performance
In real-world conditions, the First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W delivers consistent energy production shaped by its -0.28%/°C temperature coefficient. On a hot summer day when panel surface temperatures reach 65°C (40°C above STC), the Series 6 Plus 465W loses approximately 11.2% of rated output — better than PERC panels that lose 13-14% under the same conditions. Over a full year in a typical US location, expect annual specific yield of 1,400-1,700 kWh per kW installed, depending on location, tilt, and shading. The 1.5% first-year degradation settles into 0.5% annual degradation thereafter; after 25 years the Series 6 Plus 465W should still produce approximately 86.5% of its original rating. The 144 half-cut cells provide improved shade tolerance compared to full-cell designs — when one cell is shaded, only one sub-string is affected rather than an entire string, limiting production losses to approximately one-third of the panel rather than one-half.
Who Should Buy the First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W?
System Design Tips
For string inverter systems, the First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W's Voc of 219.5V allows up to 2 panels per string on a 600V inverter, or 2 panels per string on 480V systems. The Isc of 2.73A is within the input range of all major residential string inverters and microinverters. For microinverter pairing, the Enphase IQ8A (366VA) or IQ8H (384VA) handles the 465W output well with a DC/AC ratio of 1.3-1.2. SolarEdge P505 optimizers pair well for optimizer-based systems. Size your inverter at 75-90% of total DC wattage for optimal clipping management — for a 22-panel array (10.2 kW DC), a 8 W AC inverter is a good match. The panel handles 5400 Pa snow load and 4000 Pa wind load.
Price Estimate
The First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W is sold through residential solar distributors and installers. First Solar pricing varies by distributor and order volume. For a 22-panel system (10.2 kW DC), total installed cost including panels, inverter, racking, wiring, permitting, and labor typically runs $2.50-3.50/W, or approximately $30,690-$35,805 before the 30% federal ITC. After ITC: approximately $21,483-$25,064. Domestic content bonus credits under IRA may reduce costs further.
How the First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W Compares
| Model | Wattage | Efficiency | W/sq ft | Warranty | Snow Load | Cell Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W (this panel) | 465W | 19.2% | 17.5 | 10 yrs | 5400 Pa | CdTe (Cadmium Telluride) |
| JA Solar DeepBlue 4.0 Pro 460W | 460W | 22.4% | 21.4 | 15 yrs | 5400 Pa | TOPCon N-type |
| REC Alpha Pure-RX 470W | 470W | 22.6% | 21.0 | 25 yrs | 5400 Pa | HJT (Heterojunction) |
| REC Alpha Pure-R 460W | 460W | 22.2% | 20.5 | 25 yrs | 5400 Pa | HJT (Heterojunction) |
Compare This Panel
Installation & Compatibility
System Voltage & String Sizing
- Open Circuit Voltage (Voc)
- 219.5V
- Max Power Voltage (Vmp)
- 183.5V
- Short Circuit Current (Isc)
- 2.73A
- Max Power Current (Imp)
- 2.54A
- Max Panels per String (600V)
- 2 panels
Based on NEC 600V residential limit. Actual string sizing should account for cold-temperature Voc rise. Consult your installer or use a string sizing tool for your specific location.
Mounting Requirements
- Dimensions
- 2009 x 1232 x 49 mm
- Weight
- 34.5 kg (76.1 lbs)
- Area per Panel
- 26.6 sq ft
- Weight per sq ft
- 2.9 lbs/sq ft
Recommended Inverter Types
- - Microinverters: Ideal for shaded roofs or complex layouts. Match to panels rated 465W+.
- - String Inverters: Cost-effective for unshaded arrays. Ensure MPPT range covers 183.5V.
- - Hybrid Inverters: Best if adding battery storage. Check DC input specs match panel Voc of 219.5V.
Frequently Asked Questions
How efficient is the First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W compared to other panels?
The Series 6 Plus 465W achieves 19.2% module efficiency, which is standard for PERC residential panels. PERC panels typically range from 20.0% to 21.8%, and the Series 6 Plus 465W delivers standard performance within that range. Higher efficiency means more watts per square foot of roof space.
What is the warranty on the First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W?
First Solar provides a 10-year product warranty covering manufacturing defects and a 30-year performance warranty guaranteeing output levels. The performance warranty typically starts at 98.5% after year 1 and degrades by 0.5% per year, guaranteeing approximately 86.5% output at year 25. The product warranty is in line with industry standards.
How many First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W panels do I need for my home?
For a typical US home using 10,000 kWh per year, you need approximately 22 panels (10.2 kW system) assuming 4-5 peak sun hours per day. This varies significantly by location — homes in Arizona may need 19-21 panels while homes in the Pacific Northwest may need 24-26 panels. Your installer will calculate the exact number based on your utility bills, roof orientation, shading, and local solar resource.
What is the efficiency of the First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W?
The First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W achieves 19.2% module efficiency using CdTe (Cadmium Telluride) cell technology. This is around the industry average for residential solar panels in 2026.
What warranty does the First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W include?
It comes with a 10-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty guaranteeing output at approximately 84.0% of rated power at the end of the warranty period.
How does the First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W perform in hot weather?
With a temperature coefficient of -0.28%/°C, the Series 6 Plus 465W handles heat well with minimal power loss. Every degree above 25°C reduces output by 0.28%.
What size system can I build with the First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W?
At 465W per panel, you would need approximately 18 panels for an 8 kW system or 22 panels for a 10 kW system. Each panel measures 2009 x 1232 mm (26.6 sq ft).
What inverter is best with the First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W?
The First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W works well with both string inverters and microinverters. For string inverters, choose one with a maximum input voltage above 219.5V and an MPPT voltage range that covers 183.5V. Microinverters rated for 465W+ panels are also an excellent choice, offering panel-level monitoring and shade tolerance. Popular options include Enphase IQ8 series microinverters and SolarEdge string inverters with power optimizers.
How long will the First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W last?
The First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W is built to last well beyond its 30-year performance warranty. With first-year degradation of 1.5% and annual degradation of 0.5% thereafter, the panel will still produce approximately 84.0% of its rated power after 30 years. Most modern solar panels continue generating useful power for 30-40 years, though output gradually decreases over time.
Is the First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W good for Arizona and other sunny states?
Yes, the First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W is an excellent choice for hot, sunny states like Arizona, Nevada, and Texas. Its temperature coefficient of -0.28%/°C is better than the industry average of -0.35%/°C, meaning it retains more power output on hot days. Higher sun exposure in these states means more total energy production throughout the year, often offsetting any heat-related losses.
Is the First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W worth the money?
The First Solar Series 6 Plus 465W delivers 19.2% efficiency, which is below the industry average of ~21%. Combined with a standard 10-year product warranty and 30-year performance guarantee, it offers reasonable value for homeowners seeking reliable solar generation.
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Last updated: February 2026