Predictika · Utility-scale solar module orders

An AI sales agent's solar module order, checked before it goes out

An AI sales agent prepares an order for Series 7 TR1 thin film modules: power class, pack size, the system voltage, altitude and string layout they will go into, how they are mounted and grounded, and the quantity and capacity the quote states. Before it goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of the published user guide and returns a verdict, every reason and the figures it computed.

Scope: Series 7 TR1 modules (FS-7XXXA-TR1): power class, pack size, system voltage and altitude, strings, mounting, grounding and stated quantity. See everything this validator covers

This validator models orders for Series 7 TR1 modules in the 465 to 550 W power classes listed in the user guide, not just the scenarios shown below.

  • Quantity and capacity — packs of 30, 44 or 46 modules, the module count and nameplate watts that follow from the power class, and the module count and capacity the quote states.
  • System fit — 1500 VDC systems up to 3000 m and 1000 V systems up to 5000 m, the longest series string (6 modules at 1500 VDC, 4 at 1000 V), the 5.0 A maximum series fuse rating, and the rule that the modules are for ground-mount use, not rooftop or US residential.
  • Mounting and grounding — at least four back rail contact points, the 15 mm minimum gap (lead wires reach 245 mm), portrait orientation unless the mount is flat, load ratings by mounting location (1,600 Pa at 200 mm, 2,133 Pa at 500 mm, 1,600 Pa at 1300 mm), asymmetric and 1300 mm mounting, positive-grounded, floating and negative-grounded systems, and not mixing with other First Solar series.

Any order for these modules that touches these rules is in scope — not only the scenarios pictured here. Not covered: prices (First Solar publishes no module price list, so this validator produces no price build-up or line-item quote), the FT1 and older series, container and truck loading, inverter selection and wiring harness design.

The AI sales agentBuilds the module order from the conversation and says it is ready.
Predictika validatorChecks every rule at once and returns the verdict, each finding, and the computed figures.

7 scenarios in 3 groups · each group runs from the agent’s first attempt to the outcome · click one to switch

What the agent proposes

The AI sales agent says

Illustrative agent statement. The validator receives the structured request below.

Proposing agent: AI sales agent (scripted)

Before sending, the agent must call Recorded run

Predictika validator


      

        
        
        
      

      
Waiting for the call.

      
    

  

  
  

    
Where rules-based CPQ gets it wrong
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Our assessment of what a typical rules-based CPQ (product rules, price rules and validation rules, as in Salesforce CPQ) does with the same cases. It is a judgment about effort and reliability, not a claim that nothing can be built.

    
What the validator caughtTypical rules-based CPQPredictika
Limits that depend on the system voltageOnly with care
The longest string, the altitude limit and the string protection all change with a 1500 VDC or 1000 V system; each is another conditional rule that someone keeps in step with the user guide.		The voltage choice sets every limit at once, and each is compared with the plan on every call.
Load ratings that depend on the mounting locationOnly with workarounds
Three mounting locations carry different pressure ratings, and a design load above the rating needs an engineering evaluation rather than a hard stop; that is a table plus an approval path.		The rating comes from the selected location, and a higher load returns an approval finding instead of a block.
Modules that must not be mixed or misappliedOnly with care
Rules such as no mixing with other First Solar series, no rooftop use and no positive grounding are simple, but they only help if the order captures those facts.		Each fact is a choice in the order, and every rule that applies is returned together.
Stated figures that must match the orderOnly with care
A stated module count or capacity is a free-entry field; a rule can compare it with packs times pack size times watts, but someone has to write and maintain that comparison.		The stated figures travel with the order and are compared with the computed figures on every call.
Every problem returned in one answerOnly with workarounds
Rules tend to fire as the order is saved or a step is completed, so a rep often fixes one error and meets the next.		All findings come back together, whatever order the choices arrived in.

  

  

    
What this validator catches: findings from its test cases
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Every rule is checked on every call, in any order the choices arrive; one problem never hides another. Blocking findings stop the quote; approval findings need a person to sign off; everything else is computed.

    
1Series 7 TR1 modules are not intended for rooftop applications, including commercial and industrial, or for residential use in the USA.
2The site is at 3,500 m, but the modules are designed for a 1,500 VDC system only up to 3,000 m (1,500 VDC up to 3,000 m, 1,000 V up to 5,000 m).
3The site is at 5,200 m, but the modules are designed for a 1,000 VDC system only up to 5,000 m (1,500 VDC up to 3,000 m, 1,000 V up to 5,000 m).
4A series string of 7 modules is longer than the user guide allows for a 1,500 VDC system, which is at most 6 modules in series.
5A series string of 5 modules is longer than the user guide allows for a 1,000 VDC system, which is at most 4 modules in series.
6The string protection is rated 6 A, above the module maximum series fuse rating of 5 A.
7Series 7 TR1 modules must not be used in positive-grounded systems.
8A floating or bipolar system is not the recommended negative-grounded design; a person should confirm that voltage control and hourly logged negative voltage to ground are in place to prevent negative voltage bias.
9Series 7 TR1 modules must not be interconnected with other First Solar series (Series 6, 4, 3 or 2) in the same string, inverter or maximum power point tracker.
10The plan secures each module at 3 back rail contact points; a minimum of four is required.
11The planned gap between modules is 10 mm; the minimum is 15 mm.
12The planned gap between modules is 250 mm; the junction box lead wires reach spacing up to 245 mm.
13Landscape orientation is permitted only in flat mount applications; the planned tilt is 10 degrees, so the modules must be mounted in portrait.
14The design load of 1,700 Pa is above the 1,600 Pa rating at the selected mounting location; higher load ratings are not covered by the user guide and need evaluation by First Solar.
15The design load of 2,200 Pa is above the 2,133 Pa rating at the selected mounting location; higher load ratings are not covered by the user guide and need evaluation by First Solar.
16The 1300 mm mounting location is listed only on the new product variant, so a person should confirm with First Solar that the variant is available for this order.
17Asymmetric mounting is not covered by the user guide and needs evaluation by First Solar.
18The quote states 470 modules, but 10 packs of 46 modules are 460 modules.
19The quote states 250,000 W of nameplate capacity, but the modules ordered total 248,400 W.
20The order has no packs; modules are shipped in packs of 30, 44 or 46.
21The site is at 3,600 m, but the modules are designed for a 1,500 VDC system only up to 3,000 m (1,500 VDC up to 3,000 m, 1,000 V up to 5,000 m).
22A series string of 8 modules is longer than the user guide allows for a 1,500 VDC system, which is at most 6 modules in series.
23The string protection is rated 7.5 A, above the module maximum series fuse rating of 5 A.
24The planned gap between modules is 5 mm; the minimum is 15 mm.
25The quote states 500 modules, but 10 packs of 46 modules are 460 modules.

  

  

    
Scenarios and results
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The recorded result of the validator for each scenario on this page: the request the AI agent sent, the verdict, and every finding, in the order they appear above.

    
1. Mixed-module site: An order mixed with Series 6 modules in a positive-grounded system with tight spacing

    
The agent's request. Please quote 18 packs of 44 modules, model FS-7520A-TR1 (520 W), for a ground-mount project at 1,200 m altitude on a 1,500 VDC system. Strings are 6 modules in series with 5 A string protection; the modules go in portrait at a 10 degree tilt, secured at 4 back rail contact points at the 500 mm location with an 8 mm gap, symmetric mounting, for a design load of 1,600 Pa, in a positive-grounded system. The strings include existing Series 6 modules. The quote states 792 modules and 411,840 W. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Positive-grounded system. Series 7 TR1 modules must not be used in positive-grounded systems.
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  • Mixed with other First Solar series. Series 7 TR1 modules must not be interconnected with other First Solar series (Series 6, 4, 3 or 2) in the same string, inverter or maximum power point tracker.
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  • Gap between modules too small. The planned gap between modules is 8 mm; the minimum is 15 mm.
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2. Mixed-module site: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 18 packs of 44 modules, model FS-7520A-TR1 (520 W), for a ground-mount project at 1,200 m altitude on a 1,500 VDC system. Strings are 6 modules in series with 5 A string protection; the modules go in portrait at a 10 degree tilt, secured at 4 back rail contact points at the 500 mm location with a 20 mm gap, symmetric mounting, for a design load of 1,600 Pa, in a floating system. The strings use Series 7 TR1 modules only. The quote states 792 modules and 411,840 W. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Needs approval.

    
    
      
  • System not negative-grounded. A floating or bipolar system is not the recommended negative-grounded design; a person should confirm that voltage control and hourly logged negative voltage to ground are in place to prevent negative voltage bias.
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  • Order and string summary. 792 modules of 520 W each are 411,840 W in total; a string of 6 modules has an open-circuit voltage of about 1,353 V at standard test conditions.
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3. Mixed-module site: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 18 packs of 44 modules, model FS-7520A-TR1 (520 W), for a ground-mount project at 1,200 m altitude on a 1,500 VDC system. Strings are 6 modules in series with 5 A string protection; the modules go in portrait at a 10 degree tilt, secured at 4 back rail contact points at the 500 mm location with a 20 mm gap, symmetric mounting, for a design load of 1,600 Pa, in a negative-grounded system. The strings use Series 7 TR1 modules only. The quote states 792 modules and 411,840 W. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order and string summary. 792 modules of 520 W each are 411,840 W in total; a string of 6 modules has an open-circuit voltage of about 1,353 V at standard test conditions.
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4. High-altitude project: A 1,104-module order for a 3,400 m site with long strings and a 6 A string fuse

    
The agent's request. Please quote 24 packs of 46 modules, model FS-7535A-TR1 (535 W), for a ground-mount project at 3,400 m altitude on a 1,500 VDC system. Strings are 7 modules in series with 6 A string protection; the modules go in portrait at a 10 degree tilt, secured at 4 back rail contact points at the 500 mm location with a 20 mm gap, symmetric mounting, for a design load of 2,000 Pa, in a negative-grounded system. The strings use Series 7 TR1 modules only. The quote states 1,104 modules and 590,640 W. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Altitude above the voltage rating. The site is at 3,400 m, but the modules are designed for a 1,500 VDC system only up to 3,000 m (1,500 VDC up to 3,000 m, 1,000 V up to 5,000 m).
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  • Series string too long. A series string of 7 modules is longer than the user guide allows for a 1,500 VDC system, which is at most 6 modules in series.
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  • String protection above 5 A. The string protection is rated 6 A, above the module maximum series fuse rating of 5 A.
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5. High-altitude project: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 24 packs of 46 modules, model FS-7535A-TR1 (535 W), for a ground-mount project at 3,400 m altitude on a 1,000 VDC system. Strings are 4 modules in series with 5 A string protection; the modules go in portrait at a 10 degree tilt, secured at 4 back rail contact points at the 500 mm location with a 20 mm gap, symmetric mounting, for a design load of 2,000 Pa, in a negative-grounded system. The strings use Series 7 TR1 modules only. The quote states 1,104 modules and 590,640 W. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order and string summary. 1,104 modules of 535 W each are 590,640 W in total; a string of 4 modules has an open-circuit voltage of about 908 V at standard test conditions.
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6. High-wind site: A landscape layout on the 200 mm mount with a design load above its rating

    
The agent's request. Please quote 30 packs of 30 modules, model FS-7545A-TR1 (545 W), for a ground-mount project at 1,200 m altitude on a 1,500 VDC system. Strings are 6 modules in series with 5 A string protection; the modules go in landscape at a 15 degree tilt, secured at 4 back rail contact points at the 200 mm location with a 20 mm gap, symmetric mounting, for a design load of 1,900 Pa, in a negative-grounded system. The strings use Series 7 TR1 modules only. The quote states 900 modules and 490,500 W. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Landscape only for flat mount. Landscape orientation is permitted only in flat mount applications; the planned tilt is 15 degrees, so the modules must be mounted in portrait.
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  • Design load above the mounting rating. The design load of 1,900 Pa is above the 1,600 Pa rating at the selected mounting location; higher load ratings are not covered by the user guide and need evaluation by First Solar.
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7. High-wind site: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 30 packs of 30 modules, model FS-7545A-TR1 (545 W), for a ground-mount project at 1,200 m altitude on a 1,500 VDC system. Strings are 6 modules in series with 5 A string protection; the modules go in portrait at a 15 degree tilt, secured at 4 back rail contact points at the 500 mm location with a 20 mm gap, symmetric mounting, for a design load of 1,900 Pa, in a negative-grounded system. The strings use Series 7 TR1 modules only. The quote states 900 modules and 490,500 W. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order and string summary. 900 modules of 545 W each are 490,500 W in total; a string of 6 modules has an open-circuit voltage of about 1,369 V at standard test conditions.
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Narration transcript
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The text of the narrated walkthrough, step by step.

    
    
      
  1. Welcome to a demo of Predictika's Validator. An AI sales agent prepares an order for Series 7 TR1 thin film modules: power class, pack size, the system voltage, and more. Before it goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of the published user guide and returns a verdict, every reason and the figures it computed.
    2. 
      
  2. I will start with the first request by the agent.
    3. 
      
  3. The agent says. Please quote 18 packs of 44 modules, model FS-7520A-TR1 (520 W), for a ground-mount project at 1,200 m altitude on a 1,500 VDC system. Strings are 6 modules in series. The rest of the request is on screen. The quote states 792 modules and 411,840 W.
    4. 
      
  4. Before it goes out, the agent calls the validator.
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  5. Blocked, with three findings, all in one answer. Series 7 TR1 modules must not be used in positive-grounded systems. Series 7 TR1 modules must not be interconnected with other First Solar series (Series 6, 4, 3 or 2) in the same string, inverter or maximum power point tracker. The planned gap between modules is 8 mm; the minimum is 15 mm.
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  6. The validator returned three blocking findings in one answer. A check that reads one field at a time would pass most of this; it shows only when the choices in the quote are checked against each other.
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  7. What this shows: for modules that must not be mixed or misapplied, a rules-based CPQ is error-prone for this.
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  8. Now the agent resubmits.
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  9. The corrected request. It changes the gap between modules to 20, the grounding to floating and the mixed with other First Solar series to no.
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  10. It calls the validator again.
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  11. Not blocked, but held for a person.
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  12. The three blocking findings are cleared; one approval remains for a person: system not negative-grounded.
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  13. The agent resubmits once more.
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  14. The revised request. It changes the grounding to negative-grounded.
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  15. It calls the validator once more.
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  16. This time the validator clears it.
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  17. The earlier finding is cleared.
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  18. Three problems caught in one call, fixed in two passes, and a clean quote. That is the value of Predictika's validator: catching mistakes before they reach the customer.
    19.