Colorful Solar Facades and Murals Power Up SunRise Tower in Canada, Setting New BIPV Benchmark
Key Insights
Mitrex has completed a significant retrofit of Edmonton's SunRise Tower, integrating 267 kW of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) through colorful solar facades and murals.
The project aims to achieve over 50% carbon emission reduction, generating approximately 180,000 kWh annually, equivalent to powering 23 homes.
A key feature is the 85-foot photovoltaic mural by Indigenous artist Lance Cardinal, recognized as the world's largest BIPV mural, blending art with renewable technology.
This initiative demonstrates the potential for BIPV to transform existing urban infrastructure into active renewable energy generators, setting a precedent for sustainable urban development.
Mitrex has completed a transformative retrofit of the 12-story SunRise Tower in Edmonton, Alberta, integrating advanced building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) through colorful solar facades and photovoltaic murals. This project significantly enhances the aging residential building's energy profile, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by over 50% and setting a new benchmark for urban renewable energy applications.
The BIPV system, unlike traditional roof-mounted solar panels, seamlessly integrates into the building’s exterior, resembling conventional architectural panels and murals while actively generating electricity. Initially planned for a 60 kW capacity, the system was substantially upgraded during the retrofit to a robust 267 kW. This increased capacity is projected to produce approximately 180,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy annually, equivalent to the power consumption of 23 average homes, underscoring its substantial contribution to the local grid and the building’s energy independence.
A distinctive feature of the SunRise Tower project is the incorporation of an 85-foot photovoltaic mural on the building’s northern wall, designed by Edmonton-based Indigenous artist Lance Cardinal. This mural, recognized as the world’s largest BIPV mural, pays tribute to First Nations and Chinese cultures, reflecting the area's rich heritage. The artistic integration demonstrates how renewable energy infrastructure can contribute to urban aesthetics and cultural storytelling, moving beyond purely utilitarian design.
Mitrex collaborated closely with MBC Group, the architect, and Chandos Development, the contractor, to execute this complex retrofit. The project involved extensive preliminary work, including detailed energy modeling, rigorous testing of panel colors, and the implementation of a rainscreen system to ensure the building’s long-term weather resilience. The solar facades and murals were meticulously installed across all four sides of the building, maximizing solar exposure and energy capture.
This pioneering initiative in Alberta serves as a critical case study for the broader renewable energy sector, illustrating the viability and aesthetic potential of BIPV technology for urban retrofits. It highlights a significant market opportunity for converting existing building stock into distributed power generation assets, contributing directly to city-wide decarbonization goals and promoting sustainable urban development practices.