Solar Payback in Montreal 2026
Montreal solar systems typically pay for themselves in 18 years. See the math by system size, with Hydro-Quebec rates and available Quebec rebates.
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Short answer
Solar in Montreal typically pays back in 18 years for a right-sized 6 to 10 kW residential system. Payback varies with your Hydro-Quebec rate (average 7.3¢/kWh), 2,051 annual sun hours in Montreal, net system cost after Quebec rebates, and how much production you self-consume. See system-by-system math below.
18 yrs
Typical Payback
7.3¢/kWh
Electricity Rate
2,051
Sun Hours/Year
$3.35/W
Installed Cost
How Montreal Solar Payback Is Calculated
Payback (years) = Net System Cost / Annual Bill Savings
Net system cost is your installed cost minus available rebates. Annual bill savings equal annual production times your effective rate, adjusted for self-consumption. In Montreal, we use 2,051 sun hours, 13% capacity factor, Hydro-Quebec rate 7.3¢/kWh, and 85% self-consumption.
Assumptions used on this page
- • Installed cost mid-range: $3.35 per watt
- • Annual production: 13% capacity factor times 8,760 hours per year
- • Electricity rate: 7.3¢/kWh flat (does not model TOU or ULO)
- • Rebate: None modelled (some provinces have utility credits or municipal financing)
- • Self-consumption ratio: 85%
- • No rate escalation modelled (real payback is shorter with rate increases)
Montreal Payback by System Size
| System | System cost | Rebate | Net cost | Annual savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | $13,400 | — | $13,400 | $283/yr | 47.3 yrs |
| 6 kW | $20,100 | — | $20,100 | $424/yr | 47.4 yrs |
| 8 kW | $26,800 | — | $26,800 | $565/yr | 47.4 yrs |
| 10 kW | $33,500 | — | $33,500 | $707/yr | 47.4 yrs |
| 12 kW | $40,200 | — | $40,200 | $848/yr | 47.4 yrs |
Estimates assume 13% capacity factor, 7.3¢/kWh, 85% self-consumption, no rate escalation. Actual payback varies with roof orientation, shading, usage pattern, and financing.
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Compare Solar Payback in Nearby Quebec Cities
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Related Resources
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Learn more— Sources: NRCan, Hydro-Quebec published rates.