Moving Towards Sustainable Cooling: Should You Choose a Traditional Air Conditioner or a Solar Air Conditioner?
In a time of climate change and ongoing pursuit of energy efficiency, many residents of Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore, and the South Shore are wondering about the best solution to cool their homes without driving up their energy bills. At AirGreen, we help families and businesses every day choose the right HVAC system, and one question comes up often: Is the solar air conditioner truly a viable alternative to the traditional air conditioner?
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into both options, taking into account the climate realities of Greater Montréal, installation costs, available subsidies, long-term benefits, and the technical challenges to consider.
Understanding How Both Technologies Work
How Does a Traditional Air Conditioner Work?
The traditional wall-mounted air conditioner, whether it's a heat pump or not, runs on electricity. It captures heat from the indoor air and expels it outside through a refrigeration circuit. This is the most common system used in Québec, mainly due to its reliability, high performance (especially modern inverter models), and the widespread availability of parts and certified installers.
At AirGreen, we regularly install brands like Fujitsu, Gree, Sharp, Bosch, and Goodman, known for their high SEER ratings, durability, and suitability for harsh climates.
What is a Solar Air Conditioner?
A solar air conditioner uses solar energy to power all or part of the cooling system. There are two main types:
-
Passive solar air conditioners, integrated into the architecture of the building;
-
Hybrid or photovoltaic solar air conditioners, which use solar panels to generate the electricity needed for cooling.
The second type is the one gradually emerging in the Québec market. When combined with a battery storage system and a high-efficiency inverter, this setup becomes a semi-autonomous solution that reduces dependence on the power grid.
In-Depth Comparison: Traditional vs. Solar
1. Initial Installation Cost
-
Traditional air conditioner: full installation (wall-mounted unit, heat pump, labor) ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on the brand and BTU power.
-
Solar air conditioner: between $12,000 and $25,000, depending on the number of panels, storage system, inverter, and HVAC configuration.
At AirGreen, we recently reviewed a residential project in Brossard, where the client was considering a hybrid solar system to power an 18,000 BTU Gree Extreme wall-mounted heat pump. The total estimated cost included 10 photovoltaic panels, a hybrid inverter, and a secondary microinverter, totaling $21,800.
2. Operating Cost
Traditional air conditioners are very energy-hungry during heatwaves, especially when running continuously. However, modern inverter models like the FUJITSU KZAH R-32 or the Bosch BIVA IDS Premium R-454b consume up to 40% less energy than older systems.
A solar setup, on the other hand, can cut 50% to 90% of the electricity consumption related to cooling, depending on system size and home sun exposure. In Longueuil, a couple who had AirGreen install a hybrid solar air conditioner alongside their traditional system reduced their annual electricity bill by nearly $700.
3. Available Subsidies
-
Traditional air conditioner: eligible for the Hydro-Québec LogisVert program (up to $2,500 in rebates), as well as Rénoclimat incentives.
-
Solar air conditioner: very few subsidies currently in Québec, although federal and municipal tax credits may apply in some cases. A pilot request is underway for a residential project in Terrebonne, in partnership with AirGreen.
4. Cold Climate Performance
Modern heat pumps (e.g., Gree Sapphire or Fujitsu KZAH) are built to operate efficiently down to -30°C, which is essential in Greater Montréal. Solar systems, however, see a significant performance drop in winter due to low sunlight and snow on the panels, making a backup unit often necessary.
Practical Factors to Consider
Maintenance and Lifespan
-
Traditional air conditioner: requires annual maintenance (cleaning, gas check, filter inspection).
-
Solar air conditioner: requires dual maintenance (HVAC + solar panels), including panel cleaning, inverter inspection, and electrical connection checks.
Installation Complexity
A traditional air conditioner can be installed in one day by our certified teams in Laval, Montréal, or the South Shore. A solar system, however, requires more complex work: sun exposure analysis, roof installation, CSA-certified electrical connections — usually 2 to 4 days of work.
Return on Investment: Should You Go Solar?
The return on investment for a solar system exceeds 10 to 15 years, which may deter some homeowners. However, for commercial buildings or high-end homes with good sun exposure, the combination of HVAC + solar energy becomes a sustainable choice aligned with a low-carbon strategy.
AirGreen is currently supporting a major project in Saint-Lambert for a triplex where both heating and cooling will be 100% solar-powered — a first for the neighborhood.
Our Expert Opinion
At AirGreen, we don’t push one-size-fits-all technology. We analyze each project based on:
-
Geographic location (sun exposure, roof type, grid access);
-
Building’s energy profile;
-
Client’s budget and goals (savings, autonomy, sustainability);
-
Eligibility for rebate programs.
For a condo in Laval with limited south exposure, a traditional wall-mounted air conditioner like the 12,000 BTU Fujitsu R-32 is often the most cost-effective option. For a single-family home with strong sun exposure in Sainte-Julie, a hybrid system can be considered.
Practical Tips Before You Decide
-
Get an energy audit of your home;
-
Consult AirGreen’s experts for a personalized analysis;
-
Check for available subsidies before committing;
-
Don’t forget long-term maintenance costs;
-
Make sure the installer is certified for both solar and HVAC systems.