A detailed parametric analysis is carried out concerning the optimum sizing of a stand-alone wind-power system, used to ensure the electricity supply of several remote consumers. This study initially analyzes the impact of the available wind-potential quality on the dimensions of the main system's components. Accordingly, the influence of the specific wind-power curve-utilized on the proposed configuration sizing-is also examined. In addition, the system's minimum acceptable reliability contribution is investigated for determining the minimum cost stand-alone system dimensions. Finally, the consumer size effect is taken into consideration during the best choice selection process. Thus, by incorporating the proposed parametric analysis results in an appropriate decision-taking procedure, a significant reduction of the system dimensions may be realized, leading to a remarkably diminished first installation cost. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.