Solar Energy Potential in Canada by Province and Territory (2024)

Canada's solar energy potential varies significantly across its provinces and territories due to differences in solar irradiance, local climate, and geographic location. Below is a detailed look at the solar energy potential for 10 provinces and 3 territories in 2024, along with additional insights.

Solar Irradiance Data

Solar Irradiance Data

Province/Territory	Average kWh/kW/year
Saskatchewan	1330
Alberta	1276
Manitoba	1272
Quebec	1183
Ontario	1166
New Brunswick	1142
Prince Edward Island	1104
Nunavut	1092
Nova Scotia	1090
Northwest Territories	1064
British Columbia	1004
Yukon	965
Newfoundland and Labrador	949

Detailed Insights by Province and Territory

1. Saskatchewan
   

• Saskatchewan receives the highest solar irradiance in Canada, making it ideal for solar energy production. Southern regions are particularly advantageous.

1. Alberta
   

• Alberta follows closely, with substantial solar energy potential, particularly in southern areas like Calgary and Medicine Hat.

1. Manitoba
   

• Manitoba enjoys high solar potential similar to Alberta, with the southern part of the province receiving the most sunlight.

1. Quebec
   

• Quebec's solar potential is significant, especially in southern cities like Montreal and Quebec City.

1. Ontario
   

• Ontario benefits from good solar irradiance, with cities like Toronto and Ottawa having high solar energy production potential.

1. New Brunswick
   

• New Brunswick has considerable solar potential, especially in southeastern areas like Moncton and Saint John.

1. Prince Edward Island
   

• PEI boasts substantial solar potential, contributing significantly to the province’s renewable energy mix.

1. Nunavut
   

• Despite its northern location, Nunavut has notable solar potential due to long summer days with extended sunlight.

1. Nova Scotia
   

• Nova Scotia's solar potential is comparable to Nunavut's, with the best results in the southern and coastal regions.

1. Northwest Territories
   

• The Northwest Territories have decent solar potential, particularly in the southern parts of the territory.

1. British Columbia
   

• BC’s solar potential is lower due to its coastal climate, but southern areas still receive sufficient sunlight for effective solar energy generation.

1. Yukon
   

• Yukon has moderate solar potential, with better results in southern regions like Whitehorse.

1. Newfoundland and Labrador

• This province receives the least solar irradiance, but still has enough potential to support solar energy projects.

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Additional Information

• Seasonal Variation: April is the most productive month for solar power in Canada, while December sees the least productivity due to shorter, cloudier days​.

• Cost of Solar Power: On average, the cost of solar installation in Canada is around $3.01 per watt, with variations depending on the region and the size of the installation​​.

• Government Initiatives: The Canadian government is investing heavily in renewable energy through initiatives like the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SHERP), which aims to improve and expand the country's renewable energy infrastructure​ ​.

Harnessing solar power is becoming increasingly viable across Canada, with many regions showing strong potential due to favorable natural factors. This makes solar energy a crucial part of Canada’s green energy future.