Convert MW to MWh per year, where 1 MW at full output gives 8,760 MWh. Pick a typical capacity factor for solar, wind or gas, or convert MWh back to MW.

Share of full output actually delivered over the period, including downtime. Typical US fleet averages (EIA).

8,760 = one year; 8,784 = leap year. Enter other hours for a shorter period.

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