Solar Project – François from Longueuil

Installation completed in November 2023

Study conducted in February 2025

By: Ibrahima Labou, M. Sc. A

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

Summary

This solar installation on the roof of his residence cost about $31,200 and pays for itself over a period of about 22 years! This project represents a successful alliance between modernity, efficiency, and sustainability. Thanks to thoughtful design and advanced technologies, François from Longueuil benefits from high-performance solar production that perfectly meets his residential needs while playing an active role in the energy transition.

Benefits for François

Energy efficiency: All the energy produced is directly injected into the home’s electrical panel for maximum usage.

Financial benefits: Significant reduction in energy costs thanks to reliable solar production.
Environmental impact: A responsible and sustainable approach, contributing to the energy transition and the fight against climate change.
Added value: The system clearly increases the property’s real estate value.

Technical Specifications

Style & structure: Asphalt shingle roof, with different orientations to maximize solar exposure.
Slope: 9/12 roof pitch, ensuring optimal solar capture and efficient drainage.
Configuration: Grid-connected system (Hydro-Québec on-grid) without storage batteries, allowing all the energy produced by the solar panels to be directly fed into the grid for self-consumption.
Installed capacity: 8.1 kW, achieved through 18 monofacial panels of 450 W each.
Monitoring system: AP Systems platform, providing precise tracking and smart management of energy production and consumption.

Profitability Analysis

Calculation assumptions:

Average Hydro-Québec residential rate (Tariff D): $0.1219 / kWh (taxes included)
Average annual residential rate increase from Hydro-Québec: 3%*

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

Project cost: $31,200 taxes included

The amount includes:

Purchase of monofacial panels
Installation and configuration of the grid-tied photovoltaic system
Setup of the AP Systems monitoring system
Net metering request with Hydro-Québec

Performance & statistics

Average annual energy savings: 7,800 kWh, effectively reducing energy expenses by $936 per year, with a 3% annual increase linked to Hydro-Québec’s rate inflation, ensuring a return on investment in about 22 years.
Total production since commissioning (November 2023) up to the study date (February 2025): 9,000 kWh over 15 months, which equals an average monthly production of about 600 kWh, representing $73 per month.
Environmental benefits: Significant reduction in CO₂ emissions thanks to sustainable solar production.