The assessment
How it scores, by category
The data
CdTe thin-film module
Produces DC electricity at the roof. It contains no system-level power conversion or storage.
- Product role
- None in the module.
- Published range
- 525–550 W
- Electrical layer
- DC module output
- Construction
- Dual-glass
Performance guarantee: 30-year linear output
Wattage figure based on the sourced rated power (550 W) applied to the guaranteed floor; modular/format differences aside, this is the same rated-power spec shown above.
Modelled effective output, year by year
Year 1 to year 25, at 30°C and 1000 W/m². Rated 550 W at STC.
How this is modelled
Compounds this panel’s own published first-year (2%) and annual (0.3%/yr) degradation figures against its 550 W rated (STC) output, then derates for the ambient and irradiance selected. Output is scaled roughly linearly with irradiance (1000 W/m² against the 1000 W/m² STC reference). This is the dominant real-world effect at low light, whether from cloud, shading or soiling. Output is then further derated for heat, from this panel’s own NOCT (45°C) and temperature coefficient (-0.32%/°C), giving an estimated cell temperature of 61°C at that ambient and irradiance. A datasheet-derived estimate, not a field measurement or a warranty guarantee: it does not account for this panel’s own low-light efficiency response (a separate, less-consistently-published spec), or for wind and system design. See NOCT and temperature coefficient in the glossary.
Control panel
| Year | 1 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watts | 476 W | 471 W | 463 W | 456 W | 449 W | 441 W |
| % of rated | 86.6% | 85.6% | 84.2% | 82.9% | 81.6% | 80.3% |
Verification & sources
Market context
Global evidencechange in the site menu
Global benchmark. This scorecard is benchmarked globally. A global score does not imply local availability, certification, warranty coverage, or installer compatibility.
Benchmark anchor. The score is anchored to the highest published rating in this exact published US series. Scored model: FS-7550A-TR1 · checked 2026-08-23. Evidence.
Sources & references · checked 2026-09-01
Strong evidence coverage
17 of 17 scored criteria link directly to a published source.
Values marked estimated, derived, or not found remain visible on the audit sheet and do not carry the same evidential weight as a linked source. Coverage measures direct links, not an independent guarantee that a claim is correct.
How far the evidence reaches
- OutputManufacturer claim8 rows
- EnduranceThird-party source1 of 6 rows beyond claim
- SafetyNot assessed for panels
- Warranty & backingManufacturer claim1 row
- FitManufacturer claim2 rows
- FootprintNot assessed for panels
Rings, outside in: manufacturer claim, certified or regulator-listed, third-party source. The centre is review.solar's own measurement, empty for every product today. How the evidence puzzle works
Record revision. Series 7 TR1 high-bin sheet and public PVEL model/BOM scope rechecked 2026-08-23; exact-model Top Performer claim removed. First-market DE overlay review 2026-09-01: official German catalogues recorded; existing Australian and United States overlays and scores unchanged.
- Sourced valuesData card →
- Archived copy of the primary sourcePDF ↗
Show 2 more
- Encapsulation & frame constructionManufacturer ↗
- Verified reliabilityIndependent test ↗
Product record history
2 earlier entries recorded source rechecks rather than changes to the published figures, and are not listed here. Every entry remains in the evidence record.
7 changes to this record · 5 products changed in this update
US Support Note
- Current text
- First Solar's datasheet (MPD-00903-07-US, July 2024, page 1) states this product is "Designed, responsibly sourced, and manufactured in the USA", and its Series 7 page states Series 7 TR1 is manufactured in Ohio exclusively for the US utility-scale market. The TR1 User Guide (MPD-00752-07-US Rev 1.7, 10 July 2026) states modules in the USA are intended exclusively for utility-scale markets and are not intended for residential settings or rooftop applications, including commercial and industrial. First Solar's Distributed Generation page names Graybar, Kinect Solar and WESCO Distribution as US distribution partners for its Series 6 modules; it does not name Series 7 TR1. First Solar's own pages checked on 6 October 2026 do not state a TR1 minimum order size or name a TR1 distributor.
The previous text is not reproduced here: both versions run to a full research paragraph. Both are in the JSON record linked below.
Cell technology tierUS market evidence+1 in JSON recordUS Certifications
- Current text
- UL 61730 (NRTL-listed for North America, 1500V), IEC 61215:2021, IEC 61730-1:2016 Class II, IEC 61701, IEC 60068-2-68, IEC 62716, IEC TS 63209-1; per First Solar's Series 7 TR1 datasheet (MPD-00903-07-US, July 2024) and User Guide (MPD-00752-07-US Rev 1.7, 10 July 2026). The datasheet places the footnote "Testing Certifications/Listings pending" on its certifications heading, while the User Guide (page 6) states the modules are NRTL-listed to UL 61730. An NRTL listing record for this module was not independently confirmed as of 6 October 2026.
The previous text is not reproduced here: both versions run to a full research paragraph. Both are in the JSON record linked below.
Cell technology tierUS market evidence+1 in JSON recordAU Evidence sources
- Before
- https://www.firstsolar.com/en-AU/Solutions/Utility-Scale; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/en-AU/Products/Series-7; https://www.firstsolar.com/en-AU/Solutions/Utility-Scale; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
DE Support Note
- Before
- firstsolar.com/de/Products/Series-7 is a JavaScript shell and does not retrieve FS-7550A-TR1. A Series-7 listing without the TR1 suffix is not this scored identity. Held is not unavailable.
- After
- First Solar's EMEA regional Series 7 page (en-EMEA/Products/Series-7, read 9 October 2026) states that Series 7 TR1 is made in America exclusively for the US utility-scale market and is manufactured in Ohio specifically for the US utility-scale market. The German-language Series 7 page (de/Products/Series-7) returned a page with no product text on 9 October 2026, and its language menu links only to the English regional sites, so it was not used as evidence. No German datasheet, approval or warranty naming FS-7550A-TR1 was found on the First Solar pages read that day. A Series 7 listing without the TR1 suffix is not this scored identity. This is a market outcome only and is not a statement about product performance.
AU Support Note
- Current text
- First Solar identifies the exact Series 7 TR1 as manufactured specifically for the US utility-scale market. Its Australian regional Series 7 page (en-AU/Products/Series-7, read 9 October 2026) states that Series 7 TR1 is made in America exclusively for the US utility-scale market. Its Australian Utility-Scale page (en-AU/Solutions/Utility-Scale, read 9 October 2026) refers to Series 7 without naming the TR1 SKU.
The previous text is not reproduced here: both versions run to a full research paragraph. Both are in the JSON record linked below.
Cell technology tierAU market evidence+1 in JSON recordDE Evidence sources
- Before
- https://www.firstsolar.com/de/Products/Series-7; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/de/Products/Series-7; https://www.firstsolar.com/en-EMEA/Products/Series-7; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
3 changes to this record · 10 products changed in this update
US Certifications
- Current text
- UL 61730 (NRTL-listed for North America, 1500V), IEC 61215:2021, IEC 61730-1:2016 Class II, IEC 61701, IEC 60068-2-68, IEC 62716, IEC TS 63209-1; per First Solar's Series 7 TR1 datasheet (MPD-00903-07-US, July 2024) and User Guide (Rev 1.4, 3 September 2024). The datasheet places the footnote "Testing Certifications/Listings pending" on its certifications heading, while the User Guide (page 6) states the modules are NRTL-listed to UL 61730. An NRTL listing record for this module was not independently confirmed as of 6 October 2026.
The previous text is not reproduced here: both versions run to a full research paragraph. Both are in the JSON record linked below.
Cell technology tierUS market evidence+1 in JSON recordUS Support Note
- Current text
- First Solar's datasheet (MPD-00903-07-US, July 2024, page 1) states this product is "Designed, responsibly sourced, and manufactured in the USA", and its Series 7 page states Series 7 TR1 is manufactured in Ohio exclusively for the US utility-scale market. The TR1 User Guide (MPD-00752-07-US Rev 1.4, 3 September 2024) states modules in the USA are intended exclusively for utility-scale markets and are not intended for residential settings or rooftop applications, including commercial and industrial. First Solar's Distributed Generation page names Graybar, Kinect Solar and WESCO Distribution as US distribution partners for its Series 6 modules; it does not name Series 7 TR1. First Solar's own pages checked on 6 October 2026 do not state a TR1 minimum order size or name a TR1 distributor.
The previous text is not reproduced here: both versions run to a full research paragraph. Both are in the JSON record linked below.
Cell technology tierUS market evidence+1 in JSON recordUS Warranty scope
- Current text
- First Solar's datasheet (MPD-00903-07-US, July 2024, page 1) states a 30-year linear performance warranty with a 98% warranty start point and a 0.3% warranted annual degradation rate, and a 12-year Limited Product Warranty. The sheet plots the 30-year curve but does not print a year-30 percentage; the 89.3% used by the benchmark is derived (98% less 0.3 percentage points for each of 29 years). Page 2 footnote 1 subjects the limited power output and product warranties to warranty terms and conditions, and the sheet's disclaimer states no contractual rights are established by it. The governing First Solar Module Warranty Terms & Conditions, referred to on page 3 of the User Guide, was not located on public First Solar pages as of 6 October 2026.
The previous text is not reproduced here: both versions run to a full research paragraph. Both are in the JSON record linked below.
Cell technology tierUS market evidence+1 in JSON record
5 changes to this record · 152 products changed in this update
Source revision
- Before
- Series 7 TR1 high-bin sheet and public PVEL model/BOM scope rechecked 2026-08-23; exact-model Top Performer claim removed.
- After
- Series 7 TR1 high-bin sheet and public PVEL model/BOM scope rechecked 2026-08-23; exact-model Top Performer claim removed. First-market DE overlay review 2026-09-01: official German catalogues recorded; existing Australian and United States overlays and scores unchanged.
DE Support Note
- Before
- Not previously recorded
- After
- firstsolar.com/de/Products/Series-7 is a JavaScript shell and does not retrieve FS-7550A-TR1. A Series-7 listing without the TR1 suffix is not this scored identity. Held is not unavailable.
DE Evidence sources
- Before
- Not previously recorded
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/de/Products/Series-7; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
2 changes to this record · 118 products changed in this update
34 changes to this record · 7 products changed in this update
Encapsulation & frame construction: Evidence sources
- Before
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
US Evidence sources
- Before
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-Datasheet.ashx; https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/User-Guides/Series-7-TR1-User-Guide.pdf; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf; https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/User-Guides/Series-7-TR1-User-Guide.pdf; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
PID (IEC TS 62804): Evidence sources
- Before
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
First-year degradation (%): Evidence sources
- Before
- Not previously recorded
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
Ammonia resistance (IEC 62716): Evidence sources
- Before
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
Positive loading (MQT16, Pa): Evidence sources
- Before
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
Negative loading (MQT16, Pa): Evidence sources
- Before
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
NOCT (C): Evidence status
- Before
- Not previously recorded
- After
- sourced
Module efficiency (%): Evidence sources
- Before
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
Salt mist (IEC 61701): Evidence status
- Before
- Not previously recorded
- After
- sourced
Temp coefficient Pmax (%/C): Evidence sources
- Before
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
First-year degradation (%): Evidence status
- Before
- Not previously recorded
- After
- sourced
Encapsulation & frame construction: Evidence status
- Before
- derived
- After
- sourced
Salt mist (IEC 61701)
- Before
- Not previously recorded
- After
- Certified (IEC 61701), severity not published
Guaranteed end-of-warranty output (%): Evidence sources
- Before
- Not previously recorded
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf
Guaranteed end-of-warranty output (%): Evidence status
- Before
- Not previously recorded
- After
- sourced
Source revision
- Before
- Not previously recorded
- After
- Series 7 TR1 high-bin sheet and public PVEL model/BOM scope rechecked 2026-08-23; exact-model Top Performer claim removed.
Cell technology tier: Evidence sources
- Before
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
First-year degradation (%)
- Before
- Not previously recorded
- After
- 2.0
Annual degradation (%/yr): Evidence sources
- Before
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
Performance guarantee period (yrs): Evidence sources
- Before
- Not previously recorded
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf
Power tolerance (%): Evidence sources
- Before
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
NOCT (C): Evidence sources
- Before
- Not previously recorded
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
Salt mist (IEC 61701): Evidence sources
- Before
- Not previously recorded
- After
- https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf; https://www.firstsolar.com/en/Products/Series-7
Performance guarantee period (yrs): Evidence status
- Before
- Not previously recorded
- After
- sourced
Verified reliability
- Before
- Top Performer (multi-year)
- After
- Brand or series independently tested; exact model not covered
Verified reliability: Evidence sources
- Before
- After
- https://scorecard.pvel.com/methodology/; https://scorecard.pvel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-PVEL-PV-Module-Reliability-Scorecard-Summary.pdf; https://www.firstsolar.com/-/media/First-Solar/Technical-Documents/Series-7/Series-7-TR1-High-Bin-Datasheet.pdf
2 changes to this record · 65 products changed in this update
3 changes to this record · 106 products changed in this update
This is review.solar's publication history. It does not claim the product changed on the recorded date, and it excludes compatibility, system pairing, installation suitability and relative leaderboard prose. Open the complete JSON record.
Evidence timeline
Recorded verification events for this scorecard. These are evidence checks, not historical score snapshots.
- AU market evidence checked
- DE market evidence checked
- Core scorecard evidence checked
- US market evidence checked
- Series benchmark evidence checked
Scored by Solar Analytica Research
Stay across the benchmark.
New scorecards, score changes and market signals, published as they happen.
Our reading
Series 7 TR1 scores 62, labelled Good. It is the homepage thin-film champion and the only active scored thin-film on the live navigation. Strongest dimension is performance and degradation (78). Guarantee and backbone is 38. Published specifications: 19.7 per cent module efficiency, CdTe thin-film, dual-glass, 525-550 W, scored model FS-7550A-TR1. Official JUL 2024 US datasheet MPD-00903-07-US prints a 12-year Limited Product Warranty and a separate 30-year linear performance warranty.
Dietreich Farquharson · review.solar