Should I get solar panels in Quebec City?
Quebec City may be known in part for its wonderful winter carnival and abundant snow, but that doesn't equal poor levels of sunshine. Quebec City receives more sunshine per year than many parts of Germany, a solar energy power house. Abundant hydro electricity and inexpensive utility rates, however, make switching to solar energy more of an environmental decision than a financial one at the moment.
Currently, Quebec City has 4 financial incentive programs and 1 regulatory program supporting the adoption of solar energy.
Quebec City is in a grid parity province, making solar power cheaper than the residential utility rates. Solar incentives can significantly reduce the cost of installation of solar panels for your home or business.
Quebec City Solar Energy Outlook
| Solar Value Index | $ |
| Solar Energy Produced | 5426 kWh / year |
| Average retail electricity price in AB (2015 data) | cents / kWh |
| Average annual consumption per household in AB (2014 data) | kWh |
| Levelized Cost | cents / kWh |
| Reached grid parity? |
Tips for Going Solar in Quebec City
Get multiple quotes
Homeowners that speak with more than one installer are better informed and stand a better chance of saving money on their solar PV system. Solar installers in and around Quebec City can help you navigate the process and ensure that you benefit from any applicable local and provincial solar incentives. While price is an important factor in your decision, there are other considerations that can influence your decision and by speaking with multiple installers, you can find the right one for you. We recommend that you get quotes from up to three installers whenever possible.Be prepared
When speaking with installers, there are a few standard questions you should be ready to answer. These include, how much electricity do you use, so if you can, pull out your electricity bills from the past year and find your consumption for the past 12 months. Also, be prepared to answer questions about your roof, such as the age, condition, and material. Installers also like to have a look at your roof on Google Maps so that they have a good idea about shade levels and its orientation, both of which are important factors in determining if solar panels will work for you in Quebec City.Methodology Notes
- Average monthly electricity consumption data is from the Canadian Electricity Association (2014 data).
- Utility rates for the provinces are based on a study published by Hydro Quebec. Rates in effect in April 2017. Source: Comparison of Electricity Prices in Major North American Cities. Utility rates for the territories are based on residential rate data as reported by Qulliq Energy Corporation (as displayed on 27 September 2016); Northwest Territories Power Corporation (effective 1 October 2017); Yukon Housing Corporation (effective 1 July 2016).
- Annual solar production estimates are based on the analysis performed using our own solar energy calculator, Sunmetrix Discover.
- Installed solar PV capacity figures are from Natural Resources Canada's report entitled "Photovoltaic Technology Status and Prospects: Canadian Annual Report (2015)".
- The national average for utility rates in Canada excludes the rates in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Latest Update: January 2019