Customer Experience: Solar Thermal Heating in Quebec – Myth or Profitable Reality?

A Quebec Homeowner Bets on the Sun to Heat Their Home: Story of a Solar Thermal Heating Installation by AirGreen

At AirGreen, we’ve always been on the lookout for innovative and sustainable solutions to meet the residential heating needs in Quebec, especially in regions that endure harsh winters like Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore. In this article, we’re sharing a real-life experience: the installation of a solar thermal heating system for a residential customer on the North Shore, who was convinced of this technology’s potential. This project raises a valid question: is solar thermal heating just wishful thinking in Quebec, or is it truly a profitable heating solution?

Why Solar Thermal Heating Deserves a Closer Look in Quebec

Contrary to popular belief, solar thermal heating isn’t only for warm, sunny climates. Thanks to technological advancements and installations designed specifically for cold environments, it’s becoming increasingly relevant for Quebec homeowners looking to reduce energy bills while embracing an eco-friendly approach.

The system we installed for this client includes:

• High-efficiency solar thermal collectors, facing due south at an optimal angle to capture sun even in winter.

• A 300-litre thermal storage tank with dual heat exchangers, allowing heat storage even when the sun sets early.

• Smart integration with the existing heating system (radiant floor and electric backup), with automatic regulation.

Technical Details of the Installation Performed by AirGreen

The client reached out to us via our online form, searching for a greener heating solution for their single-family home located in Blainville, on the North Shore. After a thorough analysis of their needs and the solar exposure of their home, our technical team proposed a hybrid solution combining solar thermal heating with an electric backup system.

Installation Steps:

1. Energy assessment and 12-month solar exposure simulation using specialized tools.

2. Installation of 4 flat-plate solar thermal collectors from Viessmann Vitosol 200-FM, known for stable performance even in cold weather.

3. Mounting on a sloped roof facing south, with a custom 45° angle ideal for winter capture.

4. Installation of a 300 L dual-coil storage tank, insulated with high-density rigid foam.

5. Integration with the existing radiant floor system through a heat exchanger, alongside an electric backup system for extended cloudy periods.

6. Commissioning, performance testing, and valve adjustments based on real-life usage.

Concrete Benefits Observed Since Installation

The client noticed several significant benefits in just the first few months of use:

• A 40 to 60% reduction in electricity consumption for heating, depending on the season.

• Improved comfort thanks to soft, stable heat throughout the rooms served by the radiant floor.

• A silent system with no direct emissions, environmentally friendly and discreet.

• Minimal maintenance, limited to an annual check-up of the collectors and heat transfer fluid.

Government Grants and Long-Term Profitability

Unlike what some may think, solar thermal heating in Quebec is eligible for financial support, though it’s not as widely publicized as heat pump incentives. In this case:

• The client received a $1,000 grant through the Rénoclimat program, for upgrading their heating system.

• With the electricity savings, the initial investment (about $11,500 after subsidy) will be paid off in 7 to 9 years, with an estimated 25-year lifespan for the solar collectors.

Challenges Faced and Solutions Delivered by AirGreen

Climate Challenge:

Extreme cold in winter can reduce collector efficiency. We addressed this issue by using:

• Collectors with highly selective coating, to minimize thermal losses.

• A low-temperature glycol fluid, to prevent any risk of freezing in the primary loop.

Architectural Challenge:

Integrating the collectors onto a roof already equipped with solar PV panels required us to reconfigure their placement to avoid mutual shading. Our technicians adjusted the tilt and repositioned some of the existing PV panels to optimize solar thermal capture.

Why Choose AirGreen for Your Solar Thermal Heating Project

This project showcases our tailored approach, our ability to innovate, and our skill at integrating solar technologies into Quebec’s demanding climate. Our team has the expertise to evaluate, design, and install high-performance, durable solar heating systems.

We don’t just sell machines. We guide our clients from A to Z, from the initial energy assessment to annual maintenance, with total transparency on costs, expected performance, and possible limitations.

Who Is Solar Thermal Heating in Quebec For?

• Homeowners with good southern exposure (roof or land).

• Those who already have or plan to install hydronic heating systems (radiant floors, water-based radiators).

• Environmentally conscious individuals looking to lower their carbon footprint.

• Families looking to control long-term energy expenses.

Practical Advice to Make Your Project a Success

• Have your solar exposure assessed before making a decision.

• Choose trusted brands and certified installers, like AirGreen.

• Ensure smart integration with your existing equipment, so you don’t need to replace everything.

• Don’t be discouraged by Quebec’s winter: the cold isn’t a dealbreaker, as long as the system is properly designed.

Final Word: Myth or Profitable Reality?

Thanks to this successful installation on the North Shore, we now have solid proof that solar thermal heating in Quebec is neither a myth nor a risky gamble. With the right design, installation, and integration, it can absolutely become a credible answer to energy efficiency and sustainable development goals. At AirGreen, we strongly believe in this solution – and we’re ready to adapt it to your unique reality.

Are you located in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, or the South Shore? Let’s talk about your project today.