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Comment une entreprise de la Rive-Sud a éliminé complètement ses frais de chauffage grâce au solaire thermique
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How a South Shore Business Completely Eliminated Its Heating Costs Thanks to Solar Thermal Energy

Introduction: a strategic shift for a future-focused business

At AirGreen, we support businesses on the South Shore every day who want to reduce their energy footprint while improving profitability. One of our most inspiring projects was recently carried out for a manufacturing SME located in Saint-Hubert, where management was looking for a sustainable solution to eliminate their winter heating costs, which exceeded $18,000 per year.

They chose a fully integrated solar thermal heating system connected to their existing HVAC infrastructure. The result? Near-total energy independence for heating and a model for other businesses in Greater Montréal to follow.

Why solar thermal is an ideal solution for businesses

Unlike photovoltaic solar, which produces electricity, solar thermal captures the sun’s energy directly to heat water or a heat transfer fluid, which then feeds air or water heating coils.

This technology, still underused in Quebec, actually offers several key advantages for commercial buildings:

  • High performance even during cold, sunny weather

  • Stable long-term operating costs

  • Immediate reduction in energy bills

  • Eligibility for renewable energy subsidies

For this South Shore company, it was the perfect opportunity to turn an energy-hungry building into a model of efficiency.

Technical details of the solar thermal installation in Saint-Hubert

The project, designed and executed by AirGreen, was rolled out in several key phases, with a 100% customized approach.

Technical specifications of the installation:

  • 16 high-efficiency Viessmann Vitosol solar thermal collectors

  • 3000-liter storage tanks with dual heat exchangers

  • Integration with a Lennox air handler with hydronic coil

  • Automatic regulation system with solar prioritization

  • BOSCH IDS Premium R-454B central heat pump as backup during peak winter

Thanks to this setup, the energy collected during the day is used to heat the offices, workshop, and storage rooms, even at -20°C, without relying on the electrical grid in 90% of cases.

Technical challenges and solutions implemented by AirGreen

A project like this comes with its challenges, particularly in terms of:

  • Available roof space

  • Integration with the existing heating system

  • Managing overheating during mid-season

Here’s how we overcame these challenges:

  1. Optimized solar surface area: Our engineers created a 3D model to position the collectors for maximum sunlight on a roof partially obstructed by mechanical equipment.

  2. Smooth HVAC integration: We installed a plate heat exchanger connected to the hydronic loop without disrupting the company’s operations.

  3. Overheat prevention: A thermal discharge system to an exterior radiator activates when the storage tanks are full, preventing any overheating.

Concrete results after a full winter of operation

After just one heating season, the results are impressive:

  • 93% reduction in heating costs

  • Estimated return on investment in under 7 years

  • Zero system failures since commissioning

  • Significant improvement in employee thermal comfort

  • Confirmed eligibility for Hydro-Québec and Transition Énergétique Québec subsidies

Today, this company has become a model of energy transition on the South Shore, regularly welcoming visits from other building managers curious to see the technology in action.

Why AirGreen is the ideal partner for solar thermal projects in Quebec

At AirGreen, we don’t just sell equipment—we design smart, sustainable systems adapted to Quebec’s climate and your real needs.

Our advantages:

  • Expertise in combined solar thermal and HVAC systems

  • Certified, experienced technicians

  • Preliminary energy analysis and ROI calculations

  • Support with grant applications

  • Proactive, local after-sales service

We operate throughout the South Shore, including Longueuil, Brossard, Saint-Hubert, Saint-Bruno, and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, as well as in Montréal, Laval, and the North Shore.

Mistakes to avoid for a successful solar heating project

  • Installing collectors without a preliminary energy analysis

  • Choosing technology unsuited for Quebec winters

  • Failing to integrate the system into the global HVAC strategy

  • Overlooking safety and overheat protection measures

  • Entrusting the project to a company without real solar thermal expertise

Conclusion: a cleaner future for Greater Montréal businesses

This project carried out by AirGreen proves that energy autonomy is no longer a dream for Quebec businesses. With a well-thought-out strategy and the right equipment, it’s possible to eliminate heating costs while improving the building’s overall energy performance.

Are you a building manager, business owner, or in charge of a municipal building on the South Shore or in Montréal? Contact us to evaluate the feasibility of a solar thermal heating system tailored to your reality.

AirGreen, your HVAC and solar energy expert for a greener Québec.

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