Canada Bi-facial Solar Market Overview, 2031

Market Insights on Canada Bi-facial Solar Market

• Canada's bifacial solar market has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past five years, evolving from a niche technology into a mainstream solution for both off-grid and grid-connected applications. The country's cumulative installed PV capacity reached approximately 7.35 GWDC by the end of 2024, representing a 4% increase over the previous year. Bifacial modules have emerged as the technology of choice for large-scale projects, with the 465 MW Travers Solar Project in Alberta one of North America's largest solar farms incorporating single-axis tracking and ground-mounted bifacial panels.
• According to the research report, "Canada Bi-facial Solar Market Overview, 2031," published by Bonafide Research, the Canada Bi-facial Solar market is anticipated to add USD 116.64 Million by 2026–31. The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) projects cumulative solar capacity could surge to around 21 GW by 2035, driven by a healthy procurement pipeline across most provinces. This growth trajectory is reinforced by a CanREA and Dunsky Energy + Climate report forecasting 17 to 26 GW of solar capacity additions over the next decade. Canada's cold climate paradoxically benefits bifacial technology snow cover creates exceptional albedo effects, with reflected light off snow and ground generating up to 10% more energy. The Diavik diamond mine's 3.5 MW facility, featuring 6,620 bifacial panels, exemplifies this advantage, generating approximately 4.2 million kilowatt-hours annually while cutting carbon emissions by around 2,900 tonnes.
• Federal support through the CAD 4.56 billion Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program and the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit refunding up to 30% of capital costs for clean technology equipment has created a favorable policy environment.
• The market serves diverse applications from remote northern communities like Beaver Creek where a 1.9 MW bifacial solar plant with 4 MWh battery storage now supplies 60% of the community's power to industrial facilities and utility-scale farms spanning Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. Provincial utility Hydro-Québec has launched a 300 MW solar tender as part of its broader target to add 3 GW of solar by 2035, signaling strong institutional commitment.

Competitive Landscape of Canada Bi-facial Solar Market

• Canadian Solar, a prominent Chinese-Canadian manufacturer, has introduced TOPCon bifacial modules achieving up to 24.4% efficiency with bifaciality rates reaching 85%. The company's 630 W anti-hail TOPCon panel addresses Canada's severe weather conditions, demonstrating product localization.
• Greengate Power Corp developed the Travers Solar Project with Amazon committing to purchase its renewable energy output, illustrating strong corporate procurement demand. Indigenous participation has emerged as a distinctive feature, with the CAD 33 million Wicehtowak Solar project in Saskatchewan a 32 MW facility owned by George Gordon First Nation representing a first-of-its-kind 30-year power purchase agreement with mining group K+S Potash Canada. The federal government's Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program has supported 71 projects, 43 of them Indigenous-owned.
• Solvest, a Yukon-based contractor, completed the Diavik solar project in partnership with the Tlicho Investment Corporation, demonstrating successful collaboration between private enterprise and Indigenous communities. Value chain dynamics reveal that Canada imports most equipment, making soft costs particularly interconnection processes the primary barrier to cost reduction.
• BBA served as owner's engineer for the Beaver Creek project, while Stantec provided civil and electrical engineering for Travers, highlighting the importance of domestic engineering expertise. Entry barriers include high upfront capital requirements, complex permitting processes across provinces, and the need for specialized knowledge in cold-climate PV system design. The investment landscape shows significant momentum, with renewable energy and storage representing between CAD 143 to 205 billion in potential investment over the next decade, alongside 250,000 to 350,000 direct and indirect job opportunities.

Canada Market Dynamics

Driver: Cold Climate Performance Advantage Canada's northern latitudes create unique operating conditions where bifacial technology excels. Bifacial panels generate approximately 15% more output at minus 25 degrees Celsius than at plus 25 degrees Celsius. The Diavik mine's 3.5 MW facility in the Northwest Territories demonstrates this advantage, generating 4.2 million kilowatt-hours annually while reducing diesel consumption by 1.1 million litres. Snow cover amplifies rear-side energy capture, with reflected light contributing up to 10% additional generation. The Beaver Creek project in Yukon integrates bifacial panels with 4 MWh battery storage, now supplying 60% of the community's power and replacing 350,000 litres of diesel annually. CanREA forecasts cumulative solar capacity reaching 21 GW by 2035, driven largely by utility-scale procurements that increasingly specify bifacial technology.

Challenge: Slow and Costly Interconnection Processes Canada's interconnection procedures significantly lag behind other countries, creating a substantial barrier to market expansion. Phil McKay, CanREA Senior Director of Member Programs, notes that these processes remain slow and expensive, representing the biggest opportunity to reduce soft costs and accelerate behind-the-meter installations. The country's reliance on imported equipment compounds this challenge, as domestic manufacturing capacity remains limited. While utility-scale projects benefit from dedicated procurement processes, behind-the-meter installations face inconsistent timelines across provinces. The Alberta system operator reported approximately 100 MW of behind-the-meter installations, while Ontario expects similar figures, yet official data collection remains incomplete.



Trend: Indigenous-Led Solar Development Indigenous communities are emerging as key drivers of Canada's solar transition, with federal programs specifically targeting their participation. The Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program has supported 71 projects, 43 of them Indigenous-owned. The Wicehtowak Solar project in Saskatchewan, backed by CAD 33 million in federal funding, features a 30-year power purchase agreement with K+S Potash Canada. The Beaver Creek project, developed by Copper Niisuu Limited Partnership representing White River First Nation, integrates bifacial panels with battery storage and now operates as an independent power provider under a 30-year agreement with ATCO. These projects enhance energy sovereignty, create sustainable revenue streams, and demonstrate the scalability of Indigenous-led renewable energy development.

Segment Analysis

Canada Bi-facial Solar Market by Type
• Dual-Glass Bifacial Solar dominates Canada's utility-scale segment due to superior durability in extreme weather conditions. The Travers Solar Project utilizes ground-mounted bifacial panels with single-axis tracking, generating 465 MW of power. Dual-glass construction provides enhanced protection against mechanical stress from snow loads and ice formation, making it the preferred choice for large-scale installations. The technology's 30-year lifespan aligns with utility investment horizons, while its resistance to potential-induced degradation ensures consistent performance across Canada's diverse climate zones.
• Glass-Backsheet Bifacial Solar has gained traction in commercial and industrial applications where weight considerations are paramount. The Coldstream industrial park installation in British Columbia, featuring 2,460 bifacial panels covering space equivalent to two football fields, represents the province's largest rooftop solar installation. Glass-backsheet construction reduces overall module weight, enabling installation on buildings with structural limitations. This configuration offers adequate durability for rooftop applications while providing the bifaciality benefits essential for maximizing energy yield from reflective surfaces like white roofing membranes.

Canada Bi-facial Solar Market by Cell Technology
• TOPCon technology has emerged as the preferred choice for Canadian utility-scale projects, with Canadian Solar introducing TOPBiHiKu6 CS6.2 modules achieving 24.4% efficiency and up to 85% bifaciality. The technology's superior temperature coefficient proves particularly valuable in Canada's cold climate, where output increases by approximately 15% at lower temperatures. TOPCon's tunnel oxide passivated contact structure minimizes electron recombination, delivering higher energy yields across the project lifecycle. Manufacturers have introduced anti-hail versions specifically for Canadian conditions, with 630 W panels available in multiple configurations.
• PERC technology maintains a presence in cost-sensitive segments, particularly for smaller commercial installations where capital constraints outweigh long-term efficiency gains. The technology's mature manufacturing base ensures competitive pricing, though its lower bifaciality rate (typically 70-75%) limits adoption for premium applications. PERC modules continue to serve replacement markets and budget-conscious projects where immediate cost considerations dominate decision-making.
• HJT technology occupies a premium niche, offering the highest efficiency potential and superior bifaciality for specialized applications. The technology's enhanced performance in low-light conditions benefits installations in Canada's northern latitudes with shorter winter daylight hours. However, higher manufacturing costs and limited production capacity restrict HJT adoption to demonstration projects and high-value applications.
• Others include emerging technologies like perovskite-silicon tandems and IBC cells, which remain in research and development phases. CanmetENERGY in Varennes conducts PV research on performance, durability, and costs through the Renewable Energy Integration program. These technologies represent future growth potential as they achieve commercial viability.

Canada Bi-facial Solar Market by End-User
• Utility-Scale dominates Canada's bifacial solar market, driven by large projects like the 465 MW Travers Solar Project in Alberta and Saskatchewan's Turning Sun Solar project utilizing approximately 200,000 bifacial modules. CanREA identifies around 750 MW of utility-scale solar projects that have already broken ground and are scheduled for operation before the end of the decade. Provincial utility Hydro-Québec has launched a 300 MW solar tender as part of its target to add 3 GW of solar by 2035. Utility-scale applications benefit most from bifacial technology's higher energy yield, with single-axis tracking systems maximizing rear-side capture.
• Commercial & Industrial represents the fastest-growing segment, with Phil McKay of CanREA describing 2025 as a great year for behind-the-meter installations. The Alberta system operator reported approximately 100 MW of behind-the-meter installations, with Ontario expecting similar figures. Coldstream's 2,460-panel rooftop installation in British Columbia demonstrates growing C&I adoption. Industrial facilities, including mines like Diavik, increasingly deploy bifacial systems to reduce operational costs and meet sustainability targets. The segment benefits from federal tax incentives refunding up to 30% of capital costs.
• Residential adoption remains limited due to higher upfront costs and lower bifacial gains on dark asphalt roofs. However, provincial programs like Ontario's net-metering and Property Assessed Clean Energy programs support gradual adoption. The Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit, applicable to solar panels acquired through 2025, provides some incentive. Residential systems typically utilize smaller-format modules, with glass-backsheet configurations preferred for weight considerations. The segment's growth potential lies in new construction, where bifacial panels can be integrated into building designs from the outset.


Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2020
• Base year: 2025
• Estimated year: 2026
• Forecast year: 2031

Aspects covered in this report
• Bi-facial Solar Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Dual-Glass Bifacial Solar
• Glass-Backsheet Bifacial Solar

By Cell Technology
• PERC
• TOPCon
• HJT
• Others

By End-User
• Utility-Scale
• Commercial & Industrial
• Residential