What role for green technology?

Solar panels on a roof are eye-catching. Geothermal energy sounds very serious in conversation. Certainly, these are interesting technologies that work and will continue to improve. But in Quebec, in a residential context, it's worth considering their placement before making them the focus of a project.

Hydro-Québec's grid is powered by nearly 99% hydroelectricity. Our residential rates, among the lowest in North America, reflect the reality of a collective choice. In this particular context, the economic argument for solar photovoltaics is difficult to maintain: with a return on investment that often ranges from twenty to thirty-five years depending on the installation, and equipment with an effective lifespan of twenty to twenty-five years, the calculation doesn't always hold up over the long term. Added to this is a production chain that remains energy-intensive and relies heavily on raw materials extracted far from here.

Geothermal energy, on the other hand, is an efficient and proven heat extraction technology. However, it represents a very large investment, with mechanical components that will need replacing within fifteen to twenty years. In a house with a well-designed building envelope and very low heating requirements, a high-performance air-to-air heat pump generally meets the demand very well, at a fraction of the cost.

Note that this is not a condemnation. These technologies have their place, particularly in off-grid settings, large-scale projects, or buildings with specific needs. And it must be acknowledged: they are improving rapidly. Today's solar panels are far more efficient and affordable than those of ten years ago, and this trend will continue. Next-generation geothermal energy will be simpler to install and maintain. These technologies deserve to be developed and used, because it is through deployment that they improve.

What we are suggesting is simply to put them in their proper place: as a complement to a solid envelope, not as a replacement.