Solar Payback Period in Quebec
Estimated payback, savings, and ROI for a residential solar system in Quebec — all figures in Canadian dollars, updated for 2026.
Payback Period
31.1 yrs
25-Year ROI
-20%
Annual Savings
C$734
System Cost
C$22,800
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Payback by System Size in Quebec
| System Size | Cost (CAD) | Production | Annual Savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | C$12,150 | 4,269 kWh | C$367 | 33.1 yrs |
| 5 kW | C$14,813 | 5,336 kWh | C$459 | 32.3 yrs |
| 6 kW | C$17,475 | 6,404 kWh | C$551 | 31.7 yrs |
| 7 kW | C$20,138 | 7,471 kWh | C$642 | 31.4 yrs |
| 8 kW(typical) | C$22,800 | 8,538 kWh | C$734 | 31.1 yrs |
| 10 kW | C$28,125 | 10,673 kWh | C$918 | 30.6 yrs |
Cost model includes a fixed installation overhead that does not scale with system size, so smaller systems pay back a little slower. Savings assume the full retail rate; see the net-metering note above for where Quebec pays less on exports.
Quebec Solar Data
- Average Cost/Watt
- C$2.85
- Average Utility Rate
- C$0.086/kWh
- Peak Sun Hours
- 3.4 hrs/day
- Typical System
- 8 kW
Sources: Hydro-Quebec rate D (blended all-in); NREL PVWatts irradiance. Data as of 2026-07-01. Verify program availability before purchase decisions.
Programs and Incentives in Quebec
- Hydro-Quebec auto-production net metering
There is no federal purchase credit for residential solar in Canada; the list above is what remains at the provincial or utility level.
Frequently Asked Questions — Solar in Quebec
How long is the solar payback period in Quebec?
A typical 8 kW residential system in Quebec pays for itself in about 31.1 years at an average rate of C$0.086/kWh and 3.4 peak sun hours per day. Hydro-Quebec self-generation (auto-production) credits exports at the lowest-tier rate; lowest electricity prices in Canada make export economics weak.
How much do solar panels cost in Quebec?
An installed 8 kW system costs roughly C$22,800 (about C$2.85/W) before any provincial or utility incentives listed below. There is no federal purchase credit in Canada, so local programs and your export rate drive the real payback.
Is solar worth it in Quebec?
With a 31.1-year payback and -20% estimated 25-year return at current rates, solar in Quebec ranks 12 of 13 provinces and territories on payback speed in our model. High-rate provinces pay back faster regardless of sun hours.
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See how Quebec ranks on payback, cost per watt, and rates across all 13 provinces and territories.
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