This article aims to identify the conditioning factors that influence the operation and maintenance performance of wind farms. The research method included theoretical research and case studies in seven companies that own wind farms. Theoretical research covered the following themes: performance management process; performance measurement in power plants, highlighting the factors that affect performance in this type of industry, and; the characteristics of the Brazilian wind energy market. The case studies were conducted through interviews with managers, whose positions are at the strategic, tactical and operational levels, with the objective of identify the performance management processes existing in wind farms. As a result, it was verified that the performance of wind farms is mainly influenced by 5 factors: (1) Reliability of prospecting studies, (2) Construction quality and assembly, (3) Organizational learning, and (5) Coordination of the value chain. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.