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Capacity factor

(Science: physics) this is the ratio of the average power output from an electric power plant to the plants rated capacity. A capacity factor is ideally unity, but invariably less. Capacity factors vary widely between types of electric plants (for example, nuclear, solar, coal, etc.), and can even vary widely for a single type of power plant.

(Science: radiobiology) index (typically in percent) indicating the average power supplied by an energy plant, relative to its maximum rated capacity.

Synonym: plant factor, load factor.