Definition
Capacity factor is the ratio of average solar plant output over a period to the plant's nameplate AC capacity. Typical values: 18–22% (fixed tilt), 25–30% (tracker desert). Compares with wind (30–45%), nuclear (90%+), coal (40–60%).
Key Takeaways
- Capacity Factor = average output / nameplate.
- Solar: 18–30% typical, 30–32% best desert tracker.
- Lower than baseload (nuclear 90%, gas 70%), higher than peakers.
- CF = Specific Yield / 8,760.
- Combined with PR for full plant performance picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 commonly searched questions about Capacity Factor.
What is capacity factor?
Average output / nameplate capacity. A 100 MW plant producing 25 MW average = 25% capacity factor. Higher = better utilization.
Typical solar capacity factors?
Fixed tilt: 18–22%. Tracker: 25–30%. Best desert tracker: 30–32%. India tropical: 18–24%. UK: 10–13%.
Capacity factor vs. specific yield?
CF (decimal) × 8,760 hr = specific yield (kWh/kWp/yr) divided by 1 kW reference. Or equivalent: CF = Specific Yield / 8,760.
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