Commercial solar in Quebec

Why now

Three programs aligned in 2026: the Hydro-Québec grant of $1,000/kW (max 40% of project cost), the federal 30% refundable tax credit (calculated after the HQ grant), and the 100% first-year CCA Class 43.2 depreciation (calculated after the federal credit). Together, they reduce the net cost of a commercial system to approximately $0.51/W.

Fast payback

For a profitable Mauricie business, a 25 kW system costs approximately $12,700 net after all incentives (instead of $41,250), with a 3.4-year payback. A 100 kW system with 100 kWh batteries comes to approximately $71,000 net, with a 3.2-year payback thanks to demand charge savings and demand response revenue.

Batteries: a powerful lever

On Rate M, demand charges often represent 30-40% of the electricity bill. A 100 kWh battery can reduce peak demand by 25%, saving over $8,200/year in demand charges alone. Add Hydro-Québec demand response program revenue ($44-$96/kW/winter) and Flex Rate winter arbitrage.

Net metering up to 1 MW

Hydro-Québec raised the net metering cap from 50 kW to 1 MW. Surplus energy fed to the grid is credited in kWh on your next bill. Combined with solar, this opens the door for large commercial roofs, warehouses, farms, and industrial buildings.

Turnkey at competitive pricing

Voltis installs at $1.65/W — the Quebec average is $2.60-$3.27/W. We handle everything: personalized study, installation, Hydro-Québec connection, and most importantly all your incentive and tax credit applications.

Available incentive stack

Three government programs stack to cover approximately 69% of a commercial solar system. Important: each incentive is calculated on the amount remaining after the previous one.

* Based on a 25 kW system at $1.65/W and a combined QC SME tax rate of 26.5%. The CCA tax shield is non-refundable — it only reduces taxes owing if the business has sufficient taxable income.

Concrete example: 25 kW system at $1.65/W

Here’s how the three incentives cascade, each calculated on the remaining amount:

Based on combined QC SME tax rate of 26.5%. The CCA tax shield is non-refundable — it only reduces taxes owing if the business has sufficient taxable income.

Comparison: With vs without battery — 100 kW commercial

Rate M customer (6.3¢/kWh + demand charges ~$16.50/kW/month). Estimated production: 1,200 kWh/kW/year. HQ grant covers solar only — batteries benefit from the federal 30% credit and CCA. Net incremental battery cost: $33,443, additional revenue: $14,709/year — 2.3-year payback on the battery investment. Demand response revenue requires enrollment in Hydro-Québec's GDP program — eligibility should be confirmed per project. The GDP program is not compatible with the Winter Credit Option.

Why add batteries?

For businesses on Rate M (50 kW+), demand charges often represent 30-40% of the electricity bill. Batteries reduce peak demand and generate additional revenue.

Based on 100 kWh system, Rate M customer, 150 kW peak demand. Batteries are eligible for the federal 30% credit. GDP revenue is estimated and requires enrollment in HQ's demand response program — confirm with Hydro-Québec based on your rate and installation.