This paper presents a simple method for finding the suitable value of shunt and series capacitance necessary to initiate self excitation and self-regulation (voltage regulation) in a self-excited six-phase induction generator (SPSEIG) for stand-alone renewable energy generation in conjunction with the hydropower. The problem is formulated as multivariable unconstrained nonlinear optimization problem. The admittance of the equivalent circuit of SPSEIG is taken as an objective function. Frequency and magnetic reactance or speed and magnetic reactance or frequency and capacitive reactance are selected as an independent variables depending upon the operational condition of the machine. Fmincon method is used to solve the optimization problem. Computed results were experimentally verified to validate the analytical approach presented in the paper. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.