Energy & power systems guide
Capacity Factor
Why installed megawatts and actual annual energy production are not the same thing.
Systems note: terminology, market structures, voltage classes and reliability rules vary by jurisdiction. Use current local standards and utility information for real projects.
Where this fits
Why installed megawatts and actual annual energy production are not the same thing.
Core system ideas
Capacity factor compares actual energy output with the energy that would be produced at full rated power for the entire period.
Maintenance, resource availability, dispatch, fuel and market or system conditions affect capacity factor.
Capacity factor is not the same as efficiency or reliability.
Interfaces and tradeoffs
Generation interacts with fuel or resource availability, plant auxiliaries, transmission capability, maintenance and system demand. Nameplate capacity alone never describes the full operating contribution.
What organizations measure
Actual MWh, rated MW, hours in period and capacity factor.