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Wind Capacity Factor: Observed and Weibull Curve

Calculate observed capacity factor over exact period hours, or integrate a Weibull wind distribution with an actual curve and explicit losses.

Use this result well

Inputs that matter
Delivered energy in period (kWh), Reference nameplate capacity (kW), Observed period duration (h), Sources and assumptions, and 9 more
Output to expect
Capacity factor from energy and period, Weibull resource and actual power curve
  • Check the units and required inputs before comparing results.
  • Keep the assumptions with a copied result so you can reproduce the calculation later.
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Reference & details

How it works

Capacity factor from energy and period

Compare delivered energy with the reference nameplate energy for an explicit observed period. Preserve the period duration and energy-meter boundary rather than assuming every record covers 8,760 hours.

Capacity factor = delivered kWh / (reference capacity kW × period hours); equivalent full-load hours = kWh / reference kW.

Weibull resource and actual power curve

Integrate an explicit Weibull wind-speed distribution against the entered electrical turbine power curve. Apply documented availability and delivered-energy losses; preserve shape and scale as resource assumptions.

f(v) = (k/c)(v/c)^(k−1)exp(−(v/c)^k); mean power = ∫ P(v)f(v)dv; CF = net mean power/reference capacity.

Updated: September 2026

Example Scenarios

Try this example to see the calculation, then enter actual documented values and preserve the measurement conditions. A failed or unresolved comparison is part of the record.

→ 34.246575% period capacity factor

Try this example to see the calculation, then enter actual documented values and preserve the measurement conditions. A failed or unresolved comparison is part of the record.

→ 32.704069% modeled capacity factor

FAQ

Compare delivered energy with the reference nameplate energy for an explicit observed period. Preserve the period duration and energy-meter boundary rather than assuming every record covers 8,760 hours. Integrate an explicit Weibull wind-speed distribution against the entered electrical turbine power curve. Apply documented availability and delivered-energy losses; preserve shape and scale as resource assumptions.

Use the exact equipment data, measurement point, operating conditions and units described in the selected mode. Record source documents, dates and unresolved conditions in Sources and assumptions. Built-in examples illustrate arithmetic; they are not manufacturer ratings or approved designs.

Use Save planning case for an explicit local history entry. Copy MD keeps current inputs and notes; Download CSV exports the result breakdown. Export portable copies before clearing storage and save a separate case after changing equipment, conditions or measurements.

About Wind Capacity Factor: Observed and Weibull Curve

Compare delivered energy with the reference nameplate energy for an explicit observed period. Preserve the period duration and energy-meter boundary rather than assuming every record covers 8,760 hours. Integrate an explicit Weibull wind-speed distribution against the entered electrical turbine power curve. Apply documented availability and delivered-energy losses; preserve shape and scale as resource assumptions.