"Installing it may be a chore, so who's up for shouldering that task while we continue the enjoyment?"
Revamped Perspective:
Are Quebec's ambitions for solar power set to blast off by 2035 or are we headed for a fiery crash? Experts in the solar industry don't seem to think the province is geared up for the challenge just yet.
"At the moment, it's cold hard truth: we ain't ready," estimates Patrick Goulet, President of Solar Québec. So what's missing? It's a question of organization, he asserts. Finding the folks capable of doing the installations isn't just about flipping a switch.
This call for skilled labor was echoed at a conference at the University of Sherbrooke in April 2021, co-hosted by Hydro-Québec. "We can't just hand the task to electricians overnight," Mr. Goulet adds.
As it stands, Solar Québec, an organization promoting renewable energy in the province, has 121 members in its directory, spread across the regions - installers, vendors, consultants, and thermal energy companies. Some have decades of installation experience, yet the need is significant. Moreover, there's currently no recognized certification for solar installation, highlights the specialist.
"Hydro-Québec's given us the green light," says Charles Moquin, President of WattSun, a solar equipment supplier located in Saint-Basile-le-Grand. "[Now], it's a race to the finish line," he triumphantly states, pointing out that the housing sector is already grappling with a lack of guidelines.
Comparatively, Alberta, a pioneer in solar energy, handles around 1000 installations per month. Quebec, trailing behind, should, theoretically, surpass this level, according to Hydro-Québec's target.
However, some obstacles must be navigated, warns Martin Lambert, President of Ecosolaris. One major hurdle is the time constraints imposed by seasons, "That's about 3000 systems per month, which are absolutely astronomical figures," he remarks.
With installation costs easily ranging between $15,000 and $35,000, Hydro-Québec announced a subsidy for solar panel purchases, starting from next year. But the details are still unclear.
"We've been fielding calls, offering customer service, but we haven't a clue what to tell prospective clients," Mr. Lambert notes, voicing the concerns of many in the business. Ideally, the subsidy should be appealing enough to make solar power a worthwhile investment within 10 years.
While Quebec-specific training programs aren't widely discussed, there are training options from Canada's North American Solar Academy and George Brown College available online[1][2]. Also, the LogisVert Program and federal, provincial, and municipal solar incentives can help offset installation costs[3][4]. Lastly, Quebec's ambitious Solar Plan involves multiple phases to increase solar deployment by 2035[5]. Advocating for local training initiatives, clearer subsidies, and supportive procurement targets could be key to meeting Quebec's solar installation needs.
- In order to meet Quebec's ambitious Solar Plan targets by 2035, there is a need for advancements in multiple sectors, such as finance, technology, and industry, to support the growth of the solar energy sector, particularly in terms of offering attractive subsidies, developing local training programs, and implementing supportive procurement targets.
- As Quebec aims to ramp up its solar power production, the energy sector will require collaboration with other industries, including finance, technology, and industry, to boost solar panel installations and provide the necessary funding, innovations, and workforce training to facilitate sustainable growth, thereby surpassing current installation rates in provinces like Alberta.
