Convert MW capacity to annual MWh using operating hours and capacity factor, reverse-solve MW or capacity factor, and estimate revenue and sensitivity.

Capacity factor covers the full analysis period, including downtime. Use 8,760 hours for a common year or 8,784 for a leap year; do not deduct the same downtime twice.

Revenue estimate

Blank omits revenue. Gross energy sales only; costs and other revenues are excluded.

MW To MWh Year Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the megawatt hours per year for a given set of inputs.

E = P × H × CF

Variables:

  • E is the annual energy in megawatt-hours (MWh)
  • P is the nameplate power in megawatts (MW)
  • H is the total hours in the analysis year (8,760, or 8,784 in a leap year)
  • CF is the capacity factor as a fraction (for example, 40% = 0.40)

Multiply nameplate MW by the total hours in the analysis year and by the capacity factor. Capacity factor already includes downtime and reduced output over that period; do not deduct the same downtime twice.

Megawatts (MW) to MWh per Year Conversion Table (Continuous operation: 8760 h/year)
Megawatts (MW) MWh/year
0.1876.000
0.54380.000
18760.000
217520.000
326280.000
543800.000
7.565700.000
1087600.000
12105120.000
15131400.000
20175200.000
25219000.000
30262800.000
40350400.000
50438000.000
75657000.000
100876000.000
1501314000.000
2001752000.000
5004380000.000
* Rounded to 3 decimals. Assumes continuous operation (24 h/day × 365 days/year = 8760 h/year). Conversion: 1 MW = 8760 MWh/year.

What is MW To MWh Year?

MW to MWh Year is a calculation used to determine the total energy output in megawatt hours over the course of a year. This is useful for understanding the total energy production or consumption of a power plant, industrial facility, or any other entity that uses or generates electricity. Use nameplate MW, total analysis-year hours and capacity factor to estimate annual MWh. For continuous full output, use a 100% capacity factor.

How to Calculate MW To MWh Year?

The following steps outline how to calculate the MW to MWh Year.

  1. First, determine the nameplate power P in MW.
  2. Next, determine total analysis-year hours H.
  3. Next, determine capacity factor CF as a fraction.
  4. Finally, calculate E = P × H × CF in MWh.
  5. After inserting the values and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Nameplate capacity P = 10 MW

Analysis-year hours H = 8,760 h

Capacity factor CF = 1.00 (100%); annual energy = 87,600 MWh