An Innovative Heating System, but Is It Suited to Québec’s Climate?
Over the past few years, energy transition has become essential for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint while cutting operating costs. In this context, commercial solar heating is often seen as the perfect green solution. But is it truly a cost-effective option in a climate like Québec’s? At AirGreen, we’ve taken a close look at this technology to assess its real-world efficiency, compatibility with our harsh winters, and financial viability for businesses located in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore.
What Is Commercial Solar Heating?
Commercial solar heating relies on thermal solar collectors that absorb the sun’s heat to warm a heat-transfer fluid. This heat is then transferred to a central heating system or a storage tank. Unlike photovoltaic panels that produce electricity, these thermal collectors are solely designed for heat production, making them particularly relevant for heating large commercial or industrial buildings.
Québec’s Climate: A Natural Obstacle?
Insufficient Sunlight in Winter
While some regions like Montréal and Longueuil benefit from moderate sunshine during the summer months, Québec winters pose a real challenge to solar heating performance. From December to February, sunlight drops significantly, making solar collectors far less efficient at the very time heating demand is at its peak.
Extreme Temperatures and Technical Limitations
Solar collectors can lose a significant portion of their effectiveness at temperatures below -10°C, which are common on the North Shore or in Laval during winter. In addition, snow accumulation on panels can reduce performance unless regularly cleared, which adds extra maintenance costs.
Conditional Profitability: An Economic Analysis
High Installation Costs
The price of a commercial solar thermal system can easily exceed $60,000 to $100,000, depending on the heating surface area, building type, and number of collectors installed. This upfront cost is significantly higher than that of a modern central heat pump or a high-efficiency natural gas system.
Limited Subsidies in Québec
Unlike heat pumps, which are widely subsidized through programs like Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert, financial aid for solar thermal heating is scarce and modest. This severely impacts short-term profitability, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
Return on Investment: 15 to 25 Years
At best, the return on investment (ROI) for a solar heating system can reach 15 to 20 years, which is often too long for most commercial building managers, especially in fast-moving markets like Montréal or the South Shore.
The Alternatives: High-Efficiency Commercial Heat Pumps
At AirGreen, we’ve installed numerous commercial heat pump systems from trusted brands such as Bosch, Goodman, Fujitsu, and Gree, offering consistent performance—even during Québec’s harsh winters.
Concrete Advantages of Commercial Heat Pumps:
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Operate effectively down to -30°C
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Minimal maintenance
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Available subsidies of up to $5,000 depending on equipment
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Faster return on investment (5 to 8 years)
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Suitable for all types of buildings (factories, offices, warehouses, retail)
We recently completed a Bosch IDS Premium R-454B central heat pump installation in a commercial building in Laval, where the client received a $3,200 rebate via Hydro-Québec. The system helped reduce energy bills by 48%, while maintaining optimal comfort for both staff and customers.
Hybrid Systems as a Middle Ground
Combined Solar + Heat Pump Heating
For certain buildings with the right structural conditions (flat roofs, southern exposure), we’ve also designed hybrid systems that combine solar heating and central heat pumps. This setup allows solar to act as a supplementary source, while ensuring stable and efficient heating from the heat pump during cold days.
That was the case for a community center in Longueuil, where we installed a hybrid solution in 2023. The system helped reduce fossil fuel use by 27%, while maintaining excellent indoor comfort.
Who Is Commercial Solar Heating Really For?
Commercial solar heating may be a viable option if:
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The building is in a well-sunlit area with minimal microclimate effects (urban heat islands, constant shade).
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The business has a strong environmental commitment and wants to showcase a green image.
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Heating needs are high during summer (industrial washing, commercial pools, greenhouses).
But in the vast majority of real-life cases we encounter—especially in the North Shore, Montréal, or Longueuil—we recommend more stable thermal solutions, such as central heat pumps or condensing boilers.
Our On-the-Ground Expertise
As CVAC (HVAC) experts in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore, and the North Shore, we’ve completed hundreds of commercial installations that combine energy efficiency, reliability, and comfort. We never offer cookie-cutter solutions. Every system is custom-designed to meet the specific needs of your building, taking into account available grants, climatic constraints, and your financial objectives.
Conclusion: Viable, But Rarely Optimal in Québec
Commercial solar heating is a promising technological innovation, but its application remains limited in Québec. Its actual performance heavily depends on sunlight conditions, regular maintenance, and available subsidies. For most businesses, well-sized central heat pumps remain the most reliable, cost-effective, and long-term solution.
To find out which solution is best suited to your commercial building, contact our team at AirGreen. We’ll provide a tailored analysis, clear, transparent, and with no compromise on service quality.