Wind turbines and energy production

Page date: Published 22 Aug 2024; updated 30 Sep 2026. 3 min read.

The article says turbine energy output depends on site, turbine size, blade swept area and capacity factor. It describes offshore sites as having stronger and steadier wind, and larger rotors as capturing more wind. It defines capacity factor as actual generation over a period divided by theoretical maximum generation over that period. The page says turbines typically generate between 4 and 25 m/s and shut down above 25 m/s, and that extreme cold can also trigger sensors.

The page gives typical onshore turbine ratings of 2–3 MW and annual production of about 6 million kWh, stated as enough for roughly 1,500 homes. For offshore turbines it gives a range of 4–15 MW, with most producing 8–10 MW and supplying 3,000–4,000 homes. It quotes capacity factors of 25–35% onshore and 35–50% offshore. These are generalized figures; household-equivalent estimates depend on consumption assumptions, and installed turbine sizes and capacity factors vary over time and by site.

Other factors discussed include air density, altitude, temperature, air pressure and the ability to install taller towers and longer blades offshore. Related links: Energy; Offshore wind.