The Role of Photovoltaic Energy in Quebec’s Energy Mix

Global photovoltaic (PV) capacity reached 2,260 GW in 2024, with significant growth in China. Solar PV now accounts for 10% of global electricity production—20% in Europe—and at this rate, it could become the world’s leading energy source by 2040. In Canada, solar potential is high: rooftop PV represents a potential production capacity of 300 GW/247 TWh, which corresponds to 40% of national electricity demand. However, we are only at the beginning of the deployment of this technology, as solar PV represented only 1.5% of electricity production in Canada in 2024, with a cumulative capacity of 5.43 GW, including 0.397 GW added that year. The cost of PV modules has fallen by 80% since 2010, making solar electricity competitive across Canada, including in Quebec where it can be lower than residential electricity rates. This conference provides a portrait of the status and trends of the solar photovoltaic sector in Canada and around the world in 2025.

Hydro-Québec plans to integrate several hundred megawatts of solar power into its grid by 2035, in particular through customer self-generation. The equivalent of 125,000 customers will be assisted in the installation of solar panels, on both residential and commercial roofs.

The publication last spring of Hydro-Québec’s Solar Strategy, which sets a target of 3,000 MW of solar energy by 2035 and launches an initial 300 MW call for tenders, marks a decisive milestone for Québec. This transformation cannot succeed without the active involvement of municipalities and their communities. Far from being mere hosts, they are essential catalysts for ensuring social acceptability, guiding land-use planning, and creating a supportive environment for the development of the sector. Through their public consultation mechanisms and land-use planning tools, they have the power to facilitate the harmonious integration of solar projects. To maximize this contribution, it is crucial to fully understand the municipal reality, its constraints, and its decision-making processes. This presentation will provide a practical overview of the influence levers available to municipalities, the governance mechanisms to consider, and the avenues for collaboration that will position the municipal sector as a key player in the deployment of solar energy in Québec.