Clear answer
Clear answer, explained.
Most regions of Canada achieve capacity factors that result in 1,100 to 1,300 kWh per kW of installed capacity per year. A 500 kW system therefore offsets roughly half a gigawatt-hour annually, while a 1 MW system offsets over one gigawatt-hour, reducing grid electricity consumption by the same amount.
Key points
What this means in practice.
- Typical yield: 1,100–1,300 kWh per kW per year 500 kW system: ~ 0.55–0.65
- GWh annually 1
- MW system: ~ 1.1–1.3
- GWh annually
- Production varies by latitude, roof tilt, and shading
- Snow and winter daylight are included in annual models
When this applies
Best-fit environments.
- Large industrial rooftop solar systems
- Warehouses, factories, and logistics centres
- Grid-connected systems using net metering or self-consumption
- Projects assessing annual energy offset and carbon reduction
Q·01
