Solar Energy FAQs
What is the maximum power I can install?
It all depends on the type of installation (grid-tied or off-grid) and the application (residential or commercial).
For off-grid systems (regardless of whether they are residential or commercial), no power limit is imposed. The system can therefore have the power you want.
For residential systems connected to the grid (supplied at a single-phase voltage of 120 / 240V), Hydro-Québec limits the maximum power of a solar system to 40 kW AC.
For grid-tied commercial systems (supplied with a three-phase voltage of 347 / 600V), the maximum authorized power differs depending on the presence or absence of compensation. For commercial solar systems with compensation, Hydro-Québec limits the maximum power of a solar system to 100 kW AC. For commercial solar systems without compensation, no power limit is imposed.
How much energy can a solar energy system produce?
It all depends on the level of solar exposure on your property and the number of panels installed. As an indication, ten average solar panels of 500W of power produce from 3.5 to 5.5 kW of electricity per hour of exposure to the sun.
Knowing that an average Quebec family consumes 25 000 kWh of electricity each year, ten solar panels can provide 25% of this amount of energy. By relying on the average power of our residential installations in recent years (10 kW / 20 solar panels), our customers can meet around 50% of their energy needs.
How much do solar panel systems cost?
Including the labor, materials, permits and equipment required to connect your system to the Hydro-Québec network, the costs are:
$ 13,900 for a 5 kW system (approximately 10 solar panels)
$ 22 040 for a 10 kW system (approximately 20 solar panels)
$ 38 675 for a 20 kW system (approximately 53 solar panels)
As you can see, the cost per watt decreases the more you increase the size of the system since several basic costs apply to all systems, even the smallest. The more powerful the solar energy systems are, the more profitable they become.
What is a hybrid solar system
A hybrid system with backup is when your solar panels remain connected to the grid’s power lines and have a backup battery system to store excess power. The sun’s energy absorbed by the solar panels goes to an inverter and it is being transformed into usable electricity. From there, electricity either goes to your home, to the grid or to your battery backup system.
What is the difference between a grid-tied system and an off-the-grid system?
A grid-tied system is a system that is connected to the Hydro-Québec electricity distribution network while an off-grid system is a system that is not connected to the Hydro-Québec electricity distribution network. An off-grid system is therefore completely independent.
For a grid-tied system, the electricity produced by the solar panels can have two uses; either to be consumed by the occupants of the residence or to be injected into the Hydro-Québec power grid when it is not in use. The advantage of such a system is in terms of its reliability and the savings it offers, given that Hydro-Québec can always supply electricity in the event of an energy deficit and that compensation is offered when electricity is sent back to the network. In addition, although this will be discussed later, a networked system is less expensive than an off-grid system since it does not require the installation of batteries and a charge controller.
For an off-grid system, the electricity produced by the solar panels is directly stored in accumulators for immediate or later use. The amount of electricity accessible in an off-grid system therefore depends on the performance of the solar panels installed as well as the number of accumulators installed, which is not the case for a grid-tied system. An off-grid system is therefore more expensive since it requires accumulators to store the energy generated by solar panels.
In general, off-grid systems are more frequently found in rural or remote regions (where it is impossible or very expensive to be connected to the main electricity distribution network) while grid-tied systems are more often located in urban areas.
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Our Seamless Solar Backup Battery Installation Process
Free consultation & assessment
We evaluate your energy needs, roof space, and budget. Our experts provide a customized solar and battery backup solution.
System design & proposal
We design an optimized solar system using advanced modeling tools. You receive a detailed proposal with energy savings estimates.
Permits & approvals
We handle all necessary permits and utility approvals. Our team ensures compliance with local regulations and incentive programs.
Professional Installation
Certified technicians install solar panels, inverters, and battery storage. We ensure a clean, efficient, and minimally disruptive installation.
Inspection & activation
Final inspections are conducted to meet safety and performance standards. Once approved, your system is activated, and you start generating solar power.
Ongoing Support & Monitoring
Final inspections are conducted to meet safety and performance standards. Once approved, your system is activated, and you start generating solar power.
