Capacity Factor Calculator
Calculate the ratio of actual energy output to maximum possible output.
Inputs
kWh
kW
hrs
hrs
Results
Capacity Factor
45.7%
Availability
95%
Performance Ratio48.1%
Full Load Hours4,000 hrs
Max Possible Production26,280,000 kWh
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the actual energy generated by the wind turbine over a period (kWh).
- Input the turbine's rated (nameplate) power capacity in kW.
- Set the time period in hours.
- Review the capacity factor percentage.
- Utility-scale onshore wind averages 25–45% capacity factor; offshore wind typically exceeds 45%.
How the result changes with Rated Capacity
| Rated Capacity | Capacity Factor | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 10,001 | 13.7% | 95% |
| 35,001 | 3.9% | 95% |
| 65,000 | 2.1% | 95% |
| 90,000 | 1.5% | 95% |
What each input means
- Actual Production
- Actual energy produced in the period.
- Rated Capacity
- Nameplate rated capacity of the generator.
- Hours in Period
- Total hours in the measurement period (8760 for a year).
- Planned Downtime
- Hours of planned maintenance downtime.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input Parameters4 parametersActual Production = 12000000, Rated Capacity = 3000, Hours in Period = 8760, Planned Downtime = 438 = 4 input(s) provided
- Calculate Capacity FactorCapacity Factor45.7 = 45.7
- Calculate AvailabilityAvailability95 = 95
- Calculate Performance RatioPerformance Ratio48.1 = 48.1
- Calculate Full Load HoursFull Load Hours4000 = 4000
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