Solar Power In Quebec

Across Quebec, you’ll see thousands of rivers, lakes, and kilometers of the Canadian Shield. This province is home to the most active Francophone community in Canada. Along with its rich culture, Quebec is known worldwide for its foodie scene.

You can step into a piece of history by exploring Old Quebec City. But what if you’re concerned about the future?

Most Quebec residents rely on hydroelectricity to power their homes and businesses. But generating this form of energy disrupts delicate ecosystems. Minimize your impact on the climate by switching to solar power, a renewable form of energy that doesn’t pollute or damage the environment.

If you’re considering a solar installation in Quebec, you might be looking for more information before making your decision. Will your investment pay off? How does renewable energy benefit the environment? And can you produce enough solar energy to power your home or business?

In this article, we’re going to tell you more about the feasibility of solar power in Quebec:

Common Solar Questions

There’s a lot to learn about solar power before you install a system; it’s tough to know where to get started. Don’t worry—we’ve compiled a few answers to some of the most common questions:

Can I save money by switching to Quebec solar?

A solar power system is like a long-term investment. It involves a high upfront cost to purchase the equipment that you need. But over the years, the savings you’ll have on your electricity bills helps make the system pay for itself.

A solar system that’s sized to meet your energy needs will improve the value of your property, reduce your electricity bills, and have a lesser impact on the environment than hydroelectricity.

What can I do to reduce my energy consumption?

You want to make the most out of your solar panels and reduce your reliance on hydroelectricity. One way to do that is by limiting your energy consumption. This helps you cover your electricity needs with your solar modules alone.

A few easy ways that you can cut back on energy usage include:

Using natural light instead of artificial whenever possible

Plugging electronics into power bars, and switching them off when they’re not in use

Lowering or raising the thermostat when you’re asleep or away from home

How much does it cost to install a solar power system?

Residential and commercial properties have varying electricity needs. Pricing will vary based on the size of the solar system you require.

If you work with an installation company, you’ll also need to cover a service fee. You can save on costs by setting up the equipment yourself. On the SRB Energy website, we feature plenty of video tutorials to help you get started.

Looking to estimate your annual energy use? Simply compile your hydroelectricity bills from the last twelve months and look for the monthly kWh used. Add up those numbers to estimate your annual consumption. Based on this calculation, you can determine the number of solar modules that you’ll need.

Should I install a grid-tied or off-grid solar system?

This question is one that every property owner needs to answer before installing their solar system. Should you seek total independence from the grid, or stay connected to it?

It depends on what you’re looking to get out of your solar panels. If you have a high electricity use, you may not have enough space to install the number of solar panels that you need. In most cases, it’s more practical to have a grid-tied system. This way, you can always draw from the grid if you’re running low on electricity.

Do I need a solar battery?

While a storage system isn’t necessary for a grid-tied solar array, it does offer a few distinct advantages. For one, you can access electricity even when the grid is down. This means you won’t be subject to power outages at inconvenient times.

It can give you peace of mind to know you have a stored backup of energy. Another bonus is that reducing your reliance on the grid shrinks your electricity bill to $0.

Quebec Solar Potential

Quebec is the largest of all 10 provinces in Canada. But how does it hold up in terms of its solar power potential? Naturally, this number will fluctuate based on where you live, the angle/location of your panels, weather conditions, and the quality of solar panels that you purchase.

If you analyze the solar irradiation levels in each province, Quebec ranks as one of the best. Average energy production increases in the southern areas of the province. All things considered, the average 1 kW solar array in Quebec can produce roughly 1183 kWh annually.

Location-specific factors will affect how much energy your panels can produce. For example, are there trees that will shade the surface of the panels?

Provincial Guides & Programs

Wondering if Quebec is a prime location for producing solar power? Financial incentives, loans, and utility company programs can make solar arrays more affordable for Quebecers.

Currently, there are no provincial programs for solar panels in Quebec; however, there are federal ones. To learn more about The Canada Greener Homes Grant, you can read our blog post on the topic.

If you’re interested in connecting your solar panels to the Hydro Quebec grid, you can take advantage of the province’s net metering program. It’s one of the better programs of all the Canadian provinces, with flat pricing plans and tiered rates.

When your system produces surplus power, you will receive credits for it that you can spend on electricity. However, keep in mind that these credits only last two years, so be sure to use them before they expire.

This benefits Quebec residents in a few ways. First, they have a reliable source of electricity to draw from when their solar energy is running low. By using credits from the net metering program, they don’t need to pay for that energy. It also ensures that each kilowatt your solar panels produce goes to use.

Be sure to apply for the next metering program once your solar panels are installed. You’ll need approval from Hydro Quebec before you can access this service.

See Our Resource Page For More Information

All things considered, installing a solar power system in Quebec proves to be a worthwhile investment. It’s a great way to improve the value of your property and generate a greener form of energy.

Are you interested in learning more about solar energy in Canada? Check out our resource pages on the solar feasibility of various provinces.

At SRB Energy, we carry high-quality solar panels and products that allow home and business owners to produce renewable, clean energy. Contact us today to learn more.

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