{"id":17313,"date":"2021-10-06T22:02:05","date_gmt":"2021-10-07T02:02:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nergica.com\/publication\/leaders-industrie-solaire\/"},"modified":"2026-06-19T14:12:17","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T18:12:17","slug":"leaders-industrie-solaire","status":"publish","type":"publication","link":"https:\/\/nergica.com\/en\/publication\/leaders-industrie-solaire\/","title":{"rendered":"Entrevues avec quatre leaders de l\u2019industrie solaire"},"content":{"rendered":"

The conclusion of the study published by Nergica<\/a> in May 2021 is clear: Quebec has significant solar potential that is currently underutilized. Several companies based in Quebec have been active in the solar energy sector for years. We reached out to representatives from four of them to learn more about the solar industry in Quebec and their vision for its future development in the coming years.<\/p>\n

Interviews with Jean Roy, Senior Vice President of Kruger \u00c9nergie; Mike Perrault, President of Rematek-\u00c9nergie; Normand Lord, President and CEO of STACE; and Alexandre P\u00e9pin-Ross, until very recently National Solar Market Leader at WSP and a member of the board of directors of the Quebec Renewable Energy Production Association (AQPER). We discussed the growth of the photovoltaic (PV) sector in Quebec and the few obstacles limiting the development of the solar industry.<\/p>\n

\"Portrait<\/strong><\/p>\n

Being Based in Quebec: The Pros and Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n

Access to engineering expertise, a skilled workforce, and low-cost green electricity makes Quebec a prime location for solar energy developers. These advantages make it possible to offer engineering services at competitive prices and to achieve an attractive carbon footprint. Furthermore, Quebec is emerging as a dynamic and attractive hub for PV research and development, thanks to the many key players based in the region and the flagship projects being carried out there.<\/p>\n

According to Alexandre P\u00e9pin-Ross, \u201cthe excitement in the business world surrounding renewable energy and the synergy among partners are truly unique.\u201d Mr. P\u00e9pin-Ross specifically cites AQPER and the Quebec Electrical Industry Association (AIEQ) as incubators for collaboration. College and university research on solar energy\u2014conducted at the C\u00e9gep de la Gasp\u00e9sie et des \u00celes by Nergica and at the University of Sherbrooke, among others\u2014also creates numerous opportunities for technological innovation and enables organizations to recruit qualified personnel.<\/p>\n

However, according to Jean Roy of Kruger \u00c9nergie, the lack of competition at Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec and the current rate structure do not promote the adoption of renewable energy; in fact, they act as barriers to innovation. Mr. P\u00e9pin-Ross adds that the current energy landscape in Quebec is unfavorable to the deployment of solar and wind power, which explains why the majority of WSP\u2019s projects are carried out outside the province.<\/p>\n

The existing legal framework in Quebec also poses an obstacle to the growth of the PV sector. \u201cThe current legal framework does not yet allow solar energy to reach its full potential. Nevertheless, we are convinced that Quebec is a promising place for this energy source and for the development of new technologies. \u201cWe Quebecers are pioneers in technological innovation in the field of electricity,\u201d says Normand Lord, President and CEO of STACE.<\/p>\n

For Mike Perrault of R\u00e9matek-\u00c9nergie, being based in Quebec is a win-win situation on all fronts. With Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s energy surplus set to end in 2026 and the potential to meet demand during peak periods, solar power could play a major role in Quebec\u2019s energy mix. Proficiency in French is also a key selling point for R\u00e9matek-\u00c9nergie, for whom the African market is opening its doors.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Bright Future for Solar PV in Quebec? <\/strong><\/p>\n

The industry executives interviewed are convinced that, with growing energy demand, the expansion of solar PV will accelerate in Quebec. However, this may still take some time, given the electricity surpluses, installation costs, the current legal framework, and current government investments.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe costs of producing solar PV energy have fallen significantly since 2010 et 2020, making it a competitive energy source and all the more attractive for Quebec. By 2030, the cost of solar energy will be comparable to\u2014if not lower than\u2014that of other renewable energy sources available in Quebec.\u00a0 As early as 2018, the cost of energy from certain residential solar PV installations reached grid parity with Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s electricity rate,\u201d says Karim Belmokhtar, Senior Project Manager for Research and Innovation at Nergica and author of thestudy<\/a>\u00a0 published last May.<\/p>\n

It is worth noting that Quebec enjoys sunlight conditions similar to those in Japan and Germany, two world leaders in PV solar energy. Furthermore, the performance of PV modules at low temperatures is superior there. And to cope with snow accumulation, bifacial panels are gaining popularity. Quebec therefore meets all the criteria to attract investment in solar energy!<\/p>\n

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Given the current costs of installing PV modules, the cost of hydroelectricity, and Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s rate structure for surplus generation, self-generation is not necessarily the best option for residential and commercial buildings. PV technology could, however, see significant growth in off-grid systems, notes Jean Roy. For systems that currently rely on fuel combustion, the financial and environmental benefits could be greater. Perrault and P\u00e9pin-Ross add that Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec is increasingly interested in solar energy; it is already collaborating on several projects with companies in Quebec and elsewhere. \u201cI\u2019m really pleased with what\u2019s happened over the past two years. Since energy development is primarily driven by Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec, it\u2019s been interesting to see the state-owned utility become more open to this new sector,\u201d says Mr. P\u00e9pin-Ross.<\/p>\n

In the longer term, the end of the surplus announced by Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec for 2026 could encourage the installation of solar power plants as well as self-generation. Mr. Lord and Mr. Perrault are optimistic about the growth of PV installations in Quebec \u2014whether locally on the roofs of residential and commercial buildings or in the form of neighborhood-scale solar farms\u2014and the development of solar power plants in collaboration with Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec.<\/p>\n

The president of STACE adds that since the investment costs for solar power are lower than the costs of building large hydroelectric infrastructure, solar power could carve out a place for itself in Quebec\u2019s energy mix. PV installations could also \u201ccontribute to grid resilience by using hydroelectric power plants as a large, eco-friendly battery.\u201d<\/p>\n

Normand Lord also cites the use of undeveloped land near residential neighborhoods as an argument in favor of developing PV technologies in Quebec and mentions one of STACE\u2019s ongoing projects in France. The installation of a solar farm<\/a> A 60 MW solar farm located on a former landfill site is expected to be completed by the end of 2021, thereby providing power to approximately 70,000 residents of Bordeaux.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Representatives from WSP and R\u00e9matek-\u00c9nergie also point out that the growth of energy storage could enable solar energy to gain a much stronger foothold in Quebec. Mr. P\u00e9pin-Ross notes that \u201cat the residential level, it would be worthwhile to evaluate the use of bidirectional charging stations for the distribution grid and to use electric vehicle batteries to support peak demand.\u201d<\/p>\n

What is needed to harness Quebec's solar potential? <\/strong><\/p>\n

Representatives from R\u00e9matek-\u00c9nergie, STACE, and WSP are convinced that financial barriers are limiting the development of solar energy in the province. The near-absence of financial incentives does not encourage self-generation, and government investments remain modest. Solar modules are struggling to gain traction against hydroelectric dams. Mr. P\u00e9pin-Ross argues that it would be appropriate to launch a solar-specific call for proposals to prioritize this resource and give it the opportunity to shine in Quebec. This would facilitate the implementation of other projects in the future. Experts participating in the panel discussions organized by Nergica during the unveiling of their solar study also suggested that specific calls for proposals could give solar energy a major boost. A summary of these panel discussions, along with the discussions on the future of solar PV, is available click here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Another point that frequently comes up when discussing the expansion of solar energy in Quebec is Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s monopoly. Jean Roy of Kruger \u00c9nergie explains that Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s control over the retail market and its lack of interest in solar energy make any development difficult. He suggests implementing more generous and flexible rate structures for self-generation in order to develop the sector. A feed-in tariff-type purchase program (feed-in tariff<\/em><\/a>) would also help kick-start the industry.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Normand Lord of STACE points out that, given the current cost of electricity in Quebec, the payback period for the purchase and installation of solar panels is approximately 12 years. Mike Perrault, president of R\u00e9matek-\u00c9nergie, adds that Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s limit of 20 kW and 50 kW for single-phase and three-phase currents, respectively, under net metering \u2014that is, feeding surplus privately generated energy into the Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec grid in exchange for credits\u2014is also a factor limiting the deployment of solar installations for commercial buildings.<\/p>\n

In addition, Mr. Perrault proposes the implementation of a carbon tax of some sort that would encourage the energy transition by penalizing more polluting production resulting from the use of fossil fuels.<\/p>\n

Increasing the share of renewable energy in Quebec\u2019s energy production will require a shift in existing habits and models. Mr. Lord states that \u201cif the market becomes more open, more people install residential solar panels, and Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec becomes a reserve\u2014a battery, so to speak\u2014the state-owned utility should be able to price this service differently.\u201d<\/p>\n

Forecast: A Bright Future for Quebec's Solar Industry<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Despite a few clouds on the horizon, solar energy has a bright future ahead in Quebec. The industry hopes that the suggestions mentioned above and the recommendations from the solar study conducted by Nergica will be taken into consideration by decision-makers. The interviews confirm that Quebec is a prime location for the PV sector, whether for engineering consulting firms or for companies that manufacture or install PV technologies.<\/p>\n

For now, the barriers to deployment appear to be financial and legal, rather than technical or social. With the exception of Quebec\u2019s harsh winters\u2014which will require developing expertise in PV systems for cold climates\u2014the technology exists and is ready for deployment. \u201cSo there\u2019s no need to reinvent the wheel,\u201d says Mike Perrault. \u201cJust look at what\u2019s been happening in Scotland for the past 20 years.\u201d Interest in and social acceptance of solar energy are also strong in Quebec. And thanks to Quebec\u2019s abundant sunshine, solar energy is on the verge of breaking into the energy market.<\/p>\n

As Jean Roy de Kruger points out, Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec\u2019s current monopoly on energy production in Quebec is holding back the growth of PV technology, but many people might be interested in self-generation if the state-owned utility showed more flexibility and offered more favorable rate terms. It remains to be seen how the relationship between Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec and prosumers\u2014that is, people who both generate and consume energy\u2014will evolve as energy production becomes increasingly decentralized.<\/p>\n

Only time will tell what role solar energy will play in Quebec\u2019s energy mix. What is certain, however, is that the sector is already thriving thanks to the expertise of our people and the dynamism of many local stakeholders who are demonstrating innovation and ambition.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As Alexandre P\u00e9pin-Ross points out, \u201cIn any field, as the number of projects increases, costs decrease. We need to give solar technology the time and space to prove its value and relevance in Quebec\u2019s energy mix.\u201d<\/p>\n

To learn more about these four Quebec companies that are helping to promote the solar industry, you can read the article A look at four companies in Quebec's solar industry.<\/a> You can also check out the Nergica study, Photovoltaic Solar Energy in Quebec\u2019s Energy Mix \u2013 Analysis and Outlook<\/a> , which focuses on solar PV and its role in global, Canadian, and Quebec energy production.<\/em><\/p>\n

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