Mitrex, a North American manufacturer specializing in Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), has officially received a Guinness World Record for the construction of the largest solar wall globally, installed at the SunRise Residential complex in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This installation, spanning a total area exceeding 30,000 square feet, features an electrical production capacity surpassing 265 kW.
Alliance between solar technology and cultural heritage
The SunRise Residential project integrates Mitrex eFacade PRO plus BIPV solar panels, offering a unique blend of photovoltaic energy and artistic expression. The solar modules utilized incorporate high-efficiency photovoltaic cells within a visual casing specifically designed to reflect Edmonton’s diverse cultural identity. Created by Canadian Indigenous artist Lance Cardinal, the mural design merges Indigenous and Chinese symbolism, highlighting the region’s varied cultural influences.
Each panel simultaneously produces electrical energy, powering a significant portion of the building’s daily operations while visually contributing to local architecture. According to technical data released, this solar facade could annually prevent the emission of 150 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Operational costs are also significantly reduced thanks to self-produced energy directly from the facade.
Industrial development of photovoltaic facades
Danial Hadizadeh, CEO of Mitrex, highlighted the project’s technological relevance: “This achievement provides a concrete demonstration of the capacities of integrated photovoltaics to address both technical and aesthetic challenges in urban environments.” The panels used, manufactured at Mitrex’s facility in Ontario, combine high energy efficiency, adaptable aesthetics, and cost control.
The technical realization of the project was carried out in close collaboration with local partners Avenue Living Asset Management, MBC Group, and Chandos Construction. Installation of Mitrex’s BIPV panels was completed using standard mounting systems compatible with typical industry practices. This approach notably reduces costs and simplifies technical implementation, encouraging large-scale adoption of photovoltaic facades.
Potential of global urban market
Performance measured and validated by the Guinness World Record highlights the economic and technical potential of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics in the global urban market. This exemplary project positions Mitrex as a technical and commercial reference in this specific market segment, aimed at new constructions and urban energy renovation projects in densely populated areas.
According to industry technical forecasts, growing interest in these photovoltaic facades—facilitated by simplified integration and controlled costs—could significantly contribute to the global penetration of this technology in upcoming years.
