Renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, set to increase their significance in Quebec.
Quebec is gearing up for a solar energy revolution, with Hydro-Québec leading the charge. The utility company is driving the increased adoption of solar energy through financial incentives and policy support, aiming to develop 3000 MW of solar energy by 2035.
Starting in 2026, Hydro-Québec will offer residential and commercial customers rebates of CAN 1,000 per installed kW of solar capacity, up to 40% of total installation costs. This means significant savings for homeowners and businesses, with an average home receiving up to CAN 5,000 and commercial buildings up to CAN 40,500.
The ambitious target is part of a broader plan to develop 11 GW of clean energy by 2035, including 3 GW of solar capacity. This is supported by a CAD 10 billion investment plan. Additionally, Hydro-Québec is increasing the allowable size of solar installations for self-consumption from 50 kW to 1,000 kW, enabling larger scale solar projects for businesses and potentially larger residential systems.
The benefits of this solar energy expansion are numerous. It will help Quebecers and businesses reduce electricity costs, enhance Quebec’s competitive advantage with affordable and renewable electricity rates among the lowest in North America, and support province-wide clean energy goals. By significantly expanding solar capacity, Quebec can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to climate action and sustainable energy development.
Experts and advocacy groups emphasize the importance of making solar projects financially attractive, aiming for payback periods under 10 years to achieve Hydro-Québec’s ambitious target of 125,000 solar installations. These initiatives place Quebec on a trajectory for rapid expansion in solar energy adoption, driven by strong public utility support and strategic investment.
While Quebec has the extraordinary asset of hydroelectricity, more renewable energy is needed to decarbonize the economy. Solar energy is part of the combination in all regions across Canada, and self-generated solar energy could represent up to 4% of total electricity demand in Canada by 2050. Solar energy self-generation could optimize the path to carbon neutrality in Canada, reducing pressure on electricity transmission and distribution networks.
The growth of solar energy self-generation is a global phenomenon. The International Energy Agency reports that photovoltaic solar panels accounted for 75% of the renewable electricity capacity added worldwide in 2023. The investment in solar self-generation will be more accessible and faster to amortize for consumers, and the long-term savings they can make will be more substantial under these conditions.
For more information on solar energy self-generation, consult the guide "Transition to Solar". Wind power is already indispensable in Quebec, and now solar energy is set to take off. Currently, solar energy production in Quebec is around 15 MW, which is only 0.32% of the 5412 MW already installed in the country. However, with Hydro-Québec's plans, this is set to change dramatically.
Quebec's solar energy journey is just beginning, but with Hydro-Québec's ambitious plans and strategic investments, the future looks bright for clean, renewable energy in the province.
- The solar energy revolution in Quebec, driven by Hydro-Québec, is also part of a larger environmental-science initiative to decarbonize the economy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- A key aspect of the renewable-energy industry's growth in Quebec is the provision of financial incentives, such as rebates for residential and commercial customers, which reduce the overall cost of solar installations.
- The increased adoption of solar energy in Quebec is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the finance sector, as the investments made in this clean energy source will provide long-term savings for consumers.
