Solar Project – Dupont Ford from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu

Installation completed in July 2019

Study conducted in February 2025

By: Ibrahima Labou, M. Sc. A

Master’s degree in Energy Engineering – specialization in Renewable Energy

Summary

This solar structure cost about $21,000 but pays for itself in just 24 years thanks to the savings generated by the electricity produced by the solar panels! This project perfectly illustrates the alliance between aesthetics, sustainability, and energy efficiency, while showcasing the smart integration of solar energy in a commercial setting. It offers both economic and ecological advantages while enhancing the customer experience.

Benefits for Dupont Ford

Energy efficiency: The energy produced is used directly in the building, while any surplus is injected into Hydro-Québec’s grid and credited on electricity bills.
Rest area: A welcoming space for customers and employees, integrating the solar gazebo to provide shelter from weather conditions while supporting sustainable initiatives.
Charging stations: Available for electric vehicles and mobile devices, further increasing annual savings.

Technical Specifications

Style & structure: Solar gazebo, an airy and elegant structure, ideal for maximizing airflow, reducing heat buildup, and improving comfort and enjoyment of the space.
Slope: 15-degree tilt, optimizing solar capture while ensuring proper drainage.
Configuration: Grid-connected system (Hydro-Québec on-grid) without storage batteries, where all the energy produced by the solar panels is directly fed into the grid for self-consumption.
Installed capacity: 3.65 kW, powered by 10 bifacial panels of 365 W each, providing a 10–30% gain depending on weather conditions.
Monitoring system: Fronius platform, providing accurate real-time monitoring of energy production and consumption.

Profitability Analysis

Calculation assumptions:

Average Hydro-Québec commercial rate (Tariff G): $0.12 / kWh (taxes included)
Average annual commercial rate increase from Hydro-Québec: 3.6%*

* Based on Hydro-Québec’s planned average increases. This rate does not take into account future “peak hours” pricing, which will likely increase bills further. In our case studies, this new pricing would actually reduce the payback period for a solar system.

Project cost: $25,995

Value of an inert structure (without energy production) of equal quality: $5,000

Amount to amortize: $20,995

The amount includes:

Installation of the gazebo
The purchase of bifacial panels
Installation and configuration of the grid-tied photovoltaic system
The installation of the Fronius monitoring system

Performance & statistics

Average annual energy savings: 4,325 kWh, representing about $520 per year in savings, with a 3.6% annual increase linked to Hydro-Québec’s rate inflation. This ensures a return on investment in about 24 years.
Total production since commissioning (July 2019) up to the study date (February 2025): 23,840 kWh over 69 months, which equals an average monthly production of about 350 kWh, representing approximately $42 per month.
Environmental benefits: Significant reduction in CO₂ emissions thanks to sustainable solar production.