"It's entertaining, but who'll handle the setup?"
Rewritten Article:
Quebec's Ambitious SolarGoals Face Challenges
In the coming years, Hydro-Québec plans to outfit more than 100,000 homes with solar panels. However, the solar industry warns: Quebec isn't quite ready to take on this daunting task. Not only is there a scarcity of specialized training, but there's also uncertainty about the subsidies granted, creating obstacles for Hydro-Québec's ambitions.
Megan Foy, our solar expert, lays it out: "By 2035, Hydro-Québec wants 125,000 new roofs to be covered in solar panels. Are we ready? Right now, the answer might be a hard no."
Speaking at a 2021 solar conference at the University of Sherbrooke, Patrick Goulet, president of Énergie solaire Québec, voiced concerns about labor shortages. "The organizational aspect is missing," he stressed. "Who's going to do the installations? We can't just give the task to electricians next year."
Founded by Énergie solaire Québec, the organization lists 121 companies in its directory — installers, sellers, consultants, and firms in the thermal energy sector, located across various regions in the province. Yet, while some of these companies boast decades of installation experience, their numbers remain limited.
Another challenge highlighted by Goulet is the lack of certification for solar installation competencies in Quebec. The industry expert explains, "It's fantastic that Hydro-Québec has opened the highway, but now we need to race cars to go chase on it."
According to Patrick Goulet, Alberta, an early adopter of solar energy, currently carries out approximately 1000 installations each month. Quebec, relatively late to the game, should still surpass this level, as mandated by Hydro-Québec's target.
Martin Lambert, president of Ecosolaris, emphasizes the need for installations to adhere to a tight timeline due to the seasons. "That's about 3000 systems per month, which are astronomical figures," he remarks.
Busy companies such as Ecosolaris and Alt-Énergie are already managing installations for off-grid photovoltaic systems, servicing remote cabins and recreational vehicles. As of 2024, Hydro-Québec reported approximately 940 clients with a photovoltaic system.
Subsidy Uncertainties
The prices for solar projects typically range from $15,000 to $35,000, making it crucial for financial assistance. In response, Hydro-Québec announced plans to establish a subsidy for photovoltaic panel purchases, starting next year. However, the specifics are still unclear.
Charles Moquin, president of WattSun, would have preferred the subsidy details to accompany Hydro-Québec's 2024 summer announcement. Since then, numerous projects have been put on hold while industry professionals work to provide customer support, straddling uncertainty.
In the meantime, Goulet believes the subsidy amount must be generous to yield significant benefits for consumers. "Ideally, there should be an incentive that allows a return on investment of less than 10 years — preferably as little as 7 years," he states.
Training Opportunities
Although specific Quebec-based solar installation training programs aren't explicitly detailed, several nationally recognized pathways and regional opportunities emerge:
- Nationally recognized certification: The North American Solar Academy offers hands-on training (including grid-tied/off-grid systems) and NABCEP exam preparation. Although physically located in Ontario, the online component could serve Quebec learners seeking certification fundamentals.
- Industry-aligned curriculum: Training includes site evaluation, component functionality, and full system installation practice (roof/ground-mount) to meet workforce demands.
The Path Ahead for Aspiring Installers
In the face of Hydro-Québec's ambitious goals, expect:
- Localized training partnerships: Between technical schools (e.g., CÉGEPs) and solar associations.
- Expanded eligibility: For existing programs like LogisVert to include workforce development grants.
For those aspiring to join the solar installation workforce, pursue NABCEP certification via hybrid training models and prioritize updates on Hydro-Québec's announced training partnerships.
- By 2035, Hydro-Québec aims to have 125,000 roofs across Quebec covered in solar panels, but the current instability surrounding subsidies has caused delays and uncertainties.
- The solar industry in Quebec is grappling with labor shortages, as the existing number of solar installation companies is limited, despite numerous companies having decades of installation experience.
- Alberta, an earlier adopter of solar energy, carries out approximately 1000 solar installations each month, a level that Quebec should surpass according to Hydro-Québec's target.
- Hydro-Québec plans to establish a subsidy for photovoltaic panel purchases, starting next year, to help offset costs. However, the specific details and benefits for consumers are still uncertain.
- For individuals interested in joining the solar installation workforce, pursuing nationally recognized solar installation training programs and keeping up to date with Hydro-Québec's training partnerships will be crucial in preparing for the upcoming demand in the industry.
