Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about solar energy in Quebec — from equipment and winter performance to installation and financial incentives.
Yes. Solar panels produce electricity from light, not heat. They actually operate more efficiently in cold temperatures. While production is lower on cloudy winter days, modern panels still generate power — and snow usually slides off the glass surface quickly. Our systems are designed to handle Quebec snow loads (up to 5400 Pa).
It depends on your system. A standard grid-tied system shuts off during an outage for safety (to protect utility workers). However, with a hybrid inverter and battery backup, you can power essential loads (fridge, lights, well pump, internet) seamlessly. Our systems switch over in less than 20 milliseconds — fast enough that your devices won't even flicker.
It varies. A typical residential system (5–10 kW) in Quebec costs between $15,000 and $30,000 before incentives. However, with the LogisVert solar grant ($1,000/kW) and the federal Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (30%), the payback period is now roughly 10–12 years. We provide custom quotes based on your roof, energy use, and equipment choices.
Our equipment is certified for the Canadian market. We source panels with CSA, cETL, or cUL certification (or UL/IEC as temporarily accepted by Hydro‑Québec). All our components meet the Canadian Electrical Code and are eligible for the LogisVert program and Hydro‑Québec net metering.
Net metering allows you to bank excess solar production for later use. When your panels produce more electricity than you need, the surplus is sent to the grid and you receive credits. You can then use those credits to offset the power you draw from Hydro‑Québec at night or in winter. It effectively makes the grid your battery.
Solar panels typically last 25–30 years with a gradual performance decline (around 0.5% per year). LiFePO₄ batteries last 8–15 years depending on usage (they are rated for 3,000–6,000 cycles at 80% depth of discharge). With proper care — keeping them in a climate‑controlled space and avoiding full discharge — you can expect a long service life.
Yes, with proper installation. We use LiFePO₄ batteries, which are the safest lithium chemistry available. They are far less prone to thermal runaway than other types. We install them in well‑ventilated areas and follow all code requirements for fire safety (including NEMA 4X/IP65 outdoor‑rated options if needed).
Yes. Our hybrid inverters support "solar surplus" EV charging — your car charges using excess solar production during the day, so you don't drain your battery. You can also set the system to charge your EV from the battery overnight if you have enough storage. This is a key feature of our Flare Intelligence platform.
If your roof has less than 10–15 years of life remaining, we recommend replacing it first. Removing and reinstalling panels for a roof replacement adds significant cost. We can assess your roof's condition during the initial consultation and advise accordingly.
A typical residential installation takes 1–3 days. This includes racking, panel mounting, inverter setup, and battery connection. The final electrical connection and Hydro‑Québec inspection may take a few additional days to schedule.
We can help you navigate financing options. While we don't directly finance, we work with partners and can guide you through programs like the Prêt canadien pour des maisons plus vertes (up to $40,000 at 0% interest) and other green energy loans available in Quebec.
It can add value to your home. A solar system is considered a long‑term asset. You can either transfer the system (and net metering agreement) to the new owner, or in some cases, you can include the system's value in the sale price. We can provide documentation to help with the transfer process.