First Solar — US
Series 5-38 BF
The First Solar Series 5-38 BF is a 385W CdTe solar panel with 17.5% efficiency. Made in US. Backed by a 25-year warranty.
Premium Tier🇺🇸 Domestic Content Bonus EligibleBifacial
385W
Wattage
17.5%
Efficiency
CdTe
Cell Type
25 years
Warranty
Full Specifications
- Brand
- First Solar
- Model
- Series 5-38 BF
- Series
- Series 5
- Wattage
- 385W
- Module Efficiency
- 17.5%
- Cell Type
- CdTe
- Dimensions
- 65-67" x 39-40"
- Weight
- 43 lbs
- Warranty
- 25 years
- Est. Price Per Watt
- $2.25
- Est. 7kW System Cost
- $15,750
- Est. 10kW System Cost
- $22,500
- Temperature Coefficient
- -0.25%/°C
- Bifacial
- Yes
- Origin
- US
- FEOC Status
- pass
Other First Solar Panels
| Model | Wattage | Efficiency | Cell | $/W |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series 6 475W E Pro | 475W | 20.5% | CdTe | $3.75 |
| Series 7 475W E Pro | 475W | 20.5% | CdTe | $3.75 |
| Series 4 475W E Pro | 475W | 20.5% | CdTe | $3.75 |
| Series 5 475W E Pro | 475W | 20.5% | CdTe | $3.75 |
| Series 6 465W D Plus | 465W | 20.2% | CdTe | $3.60 |
Similar Wattage Panels (Competitors)
| Panel | Wattage | Efficiency | $/W |
|---|---|---|---|
| SunPower Maxeon 415W A Black | 415W | 22% | $4.12 |
| SunPower Maxeon 415W C Plus | 415W | 22% | $4.12 |
| SunPower Maxeon 415W B Ultra | 415W | 22% | $4.12 |
| SunPower Performance 415W A Black | 415W | 22% | $4.12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 385W First Solar Series 5-38 BF cost?
The First Solar Series 5-38 BF costs approximately $866 per panel ($$2.25/W). A typical 7kW system using this panel would cost around $15,750 before incentives.
⚠ The 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit (48E/ITC) expired July 4, 2026.
Selecting 30% ITC assumes you began construction before this deadline. Most new purchases no longer qualify.Learn about your options after the deadline →
Is the First Solar Series 5-38 BF a good solar panel?
The First Solar Series 5-38 BF has 17.5% efficiency and a 25 years warranty, placing it in the premium tier. This is a solid mid-range panel suitable for most residential installations. It also qualifies for the domestic content bonus under the Inflation Reduction Act.
How many First Solar Series 5-38 BF panels do I need?
For a typical 7kW residential system, you'd need approximately 19 panels. For a 10kW system, plan for about 26 panels. The exact number depends on your roof space, energy usage, and local sun hours.