Hydro-Québec announces new grant to accelerate solar self-generation

MONTRÉAL, April 2, 2026 /CNW/ - Hydro-Québec is launching a new grant for residential and business customers who want to install solar panels. The grant will provide for $1,000 per kW installed and covers up to 40% of eligible project costs, which can average between $5,000 and $6,000 for residential customers and approximately $45,000 for a business. The goal is to help reduce the payback period for Hydro-Québec customers who wish to become self-generators. The current payback period of 25 to 30 years is expected to drop to some 10 to 12 years. This announcement is part of the company's progressive approach to solar power which aims to integrate 3000 MW of solar power in Québec by 2035, given the steady growth in electricity needs. Residential customers Business customers Residential and business customers can, if they wish, sign up for the Net Metering option so that they can inject surplus electricity into the grid. In exchange, they will receive credits in the form of kilowatthours (kWh) that can be used in the future. Over the past few months, the maximum self-generation capacity for this rate option increased twenty-fold, going from 50 kW to 1 MW. Technical eligibility requirements The new grant will support projects that meet the highest standards and are installed safely and harmoniously. To be eligible for the grant, all solar panel installations must receive official authorization for grid connection from Hydro-Québec. SOURCE Hydro-Québec Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs To add Benzinga News as your preferred source on Google, click here.