The Solar Carport Capacity Factor Estimator expresses annual production as a percentage of the electricity the array would generate if it operated at nameplate capacity every hour of the year. This standardized ratio makes projects of different sizes easier to compare.
Use it to sanity-check a production forecast, compare sites, or communicate expected utilization. Capacity factor is not module efficiency: efficiency describes conversion of sunlight at a moment, while capacity factor reflects resource availability and all operating conditions across a year.
Use AC electricity for one complete 365-day year.
Keep the capacity basis consistent with the production forecast or measurement.
Annual energy belongs in kilowatt-hours and capacity in kilowatts.
The result compares actual or expected output with continuous nameplate operation.
Compare projects only when their measurement boundaries and time periods match.
Capacity factor (%) = Annual electricity (kWh) ÷ [Capacity (kW) × 8,760 h] × 100
Equivalent full-load hours = Annual electricity ÷ Capacity
The model uses a 365-day year. Leap years require 8,784 hours. Mixing AC energy with DC capacity is common in solar reporting but should be stated when comparing systems.
Capacity factor measures annual utilization, not instantaneous conversion efficiency. Solar values are naturally below 100% because sunlight is intermittent.
When benchmarking, verify whether each source uses AC or DC capacity and whether annual energy includes curtailment or downtime.
Maximum possible output = 500 × 8,760 = 4,380,000 kWh
Capacity factor = 759,200 ÷ 4,380,000 × 100 = 17.333...%
Estimated capacity factor: 17.33%
The forecast equals about 17.33% of continuous operation at the selected 500 kW nameplate capacity.
Capacity factor measures annual utilization, not instantaneous conversion efficiency. Solar values are naturally below 100% because sunlight is intermittent.
Use a site- and system-specific value for the resource, efficiency, production, price, or load input that drives this calculation. Keep its time period and unit consistent with the other entries.
When benchmarking, verify whether each source uses AC or DC capacity and whether annual energy includes curtailment or downtime.
A required denominator or physical quantity must be greater than zero, while percentage inputs must stay within their displayed limits. Reset restores the worked-example values.
Confirm site data, equipment specifications, system boundaries, applicable codes, and the time basis of every input. Use a detailed model and qualified professional review for final engineering or investment approval.