For General Contractors

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Why Mitrex

Why GCs Choose Mitrex

General contractors need systems that are predictable, code-compliant, and easy to install. Mitrex offers prefabricated solar façade panels engineered for rapid deployment, minimal site disruption, and guaranteed performance.

From engineered shop drawings to installation sequencing and field support, Mitrex simplifies construction delivery while helping GCs offer clients a smarter, energy-producing building envelope. With lightweight construction, integrated electrical pathways, and standardized panel formats, Mitrex BIPV systems reduce coordination conflicts, accelerate installation, and support compliance with fire, structural, and electrical standards.

With Mitrex, contractors gain an efficient, safe, and modern façade solution that enhances project value without complicating construction.

Simplified Installation & Faster Timelines

Mitrex BIPV systems are designed for smooth coordination with trades and a predictable installation workflow. Prefabricated units arrive ready to install, reducing onsite fabrication and minimizing dependence on multiple subcontractors. Retrofits can also remain fully operational during construction with minimal disturbance to tenants.

  • Prefabricated modules with pre-integrated electrical pathways that reduce installation time by up to 30%
  • Lightweight cladding reduces hoisting, labour, and structural reinforcement
  • Lightweight design cuts labor costs by 15-20%
  • Consistent panel formats for fast, repeatable installation
  • Minimizes site impact—ideal for urban, occupied, or tight-access projects
Code-Compliant & Fully Engineered Systems

Mitrex provides complete technical packages to support compliance, permitting, and construction documentation. Mitrex BIPV systems are engineered to meet rigorous global standards, including UL 61730, UL 61215, NFPA 285, EN 13501 A2-s1,d0 fire classification, ASTM E1996 for impact resistance, and ASTM E330 for wind load performance.

  • Tested to UL/CSA photovoltaic and façade standards (UL 61730 and UL 61215)
  • NFPA 285, EN 13501 A2-s1,d0 fire classification, S134, and is engineered with non-combustible materials that support global fire safety certifications.
  • Wind load, thermal, and structural testing
Cost-Effective Construction & Predictable Budgeting

Mitrex BIPV systems are engineered to reduce total construction costs by optimizing labour efficiency, minimizing onsite coordination, and providing predictable material and installation requirements. Standardized panel dimensions, pre-integrated electrical pathways, and lightweight assemblies reduce the need for specialized labour and mitigate sequencing conflicts that typically drive cost overruns.

  • Reduced labour hours thanks to simplified mounting systems
  • Lower lifecycle costs and fewer replacement cycles
  • Predictable lead times and controlled production environment
  • Potential for alternative financing via green financing, PPAs, and government incentives
Seamless Integration for New Builds & Retrofits

Mitrex BIPV systems are engineered for direct compatibility with conventional façade construction methods, allowing general contractors to integrate solar cladding into their project scopes without relying on specialized photovoltaic installers. All modules are designed as prefabricated rainscreen cladding units, enabling straightforward attachment to standard subframing systems while maintaining full compliance with structural, electrical, and fire-safety requirements.

  • Ideal for recladding, over-cladding, and modernization projects
  • Lightweight (as low as 5 lb/SF) for minimal added load
  • Available as rainscreen, prefabricated, and unitized systems
  • Full aesthetic flexibility to match architectural intent
Low-Disruption Implementation & Operational Continuity

Mitrex BIPV is engineered for buildings that must remain fully operational during construction. With no structural reinforcement required and fast exterior installation, the system minimizes disturbance to tenants, customers, and revenue-generating spaces.

  • Phase-by-phase installation minimizes operational impact
  • No interior access or major demolition required
  • Low noise, low vibration installation suitable for occupied buildings
  • Minimal impact on tenant comfort, staff operations, or revenue
  • Compatible with rapid schedules for commercial, residential, and institutional retrofits
Turnkey Delivery for Multi-Site Portfolios

Mitrex supports contractors executing multi-building programs—such as campus redevelopments, REIT portfolios, or municipal modernization initiatives. This ensures uniform performance criteria, consistent installation quality, and predictable scheduling, regardless of project location or complexity.

  • Portfolio-level pricing and supply agreements
  • Standardized installation training across sites
  • Predictable module lead times and logistics planning
  • Energy analysis and documentation support for each project

Case Study For Engineers

Chinook Hospital

Healthcare Building
  • Architect:

    Reimagine Architects

  • Developer:

    Alberta Health Services

  • Engineer:

  • Engagement Step:

    Design Development

The primary challenge was to meet the architect’s strict design vision, which included a specific color match to a GFRC sample and large-format panels up to 53 x 90 inches. In parallel, the system needed to be cost-competitive, maintenance-light, and capable of meeting energy performance targets for Alberta Health Services’ sustainability strategy.


Mitrex collaborated closely with Reimagine Architects to develop a custom color solution that balanced solar efficiency with design intent. The result was a 58 kW BIPV system producing approximately 60,000 kWh annually—the equivalent energy consumption of ten residential homes.

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Project details

The primary challenge was to meet the architect’s strict design vision, which included a specific color match to a GFRC sample and large-format panels up to 53 x 90 inches. In parallel, the system needed to be cost-competitive, maintenance-light, and capable of meeting energy performance targets for Alberta Health Services’ sustainability strategy.


Mitrex collaborated closely with Reimagine Architects to develop a custom color solution that balanced solar efficiency with design intent. The result was a 58 kW BIPV system producing approximately 60,000 kWh annually—the equivalent energy consumption of ten residential homes.

Challenge
  • Replace a failing facade without compromising budget or sustainability targets.
  • Match a precise GFRC reference color while maintaining solar output of at least 12 W/ft².
  • Deliver oversized panel dimensions (up to 47 x 90 inches) to reduce joint lines and maintain a monolithic appearance.
  • Coordinate across multiple stakeholders in a retrofit environment, including structural, electrical, and installation teams.
Solution
  • Custom color-matched BIPV panels developed through extensive sampling and optimization—yielding 25% more solar output than the initial color request.
  • Large-format panels engineered to integrate into a standard rainscreen system, reducing structural changes and enabling efficient installation.
  • Full design assist services provided, including energy modeling, ROI analysis, and mock-ups.
  • Collaborated with Pronghorn Controls for streamlined retrofit implementation with minimal disruption to hospital operations.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What trades are involved in installing Mitrex BIPV systems?

Mitrex BIPV installs very similarly to standard rainscreen or cladding. The primary trade is the façade installer or cladding contractor who manages rails, brackets, panel installation, and often assists with running low-voltage wiring behind panels. A licensed electrical contractor handles tying into building electrical infrastructure—inverters, combiners, disconnects, and main service. Our engineering team provides clear scope definitions and connection diagrams so GCs can allocate responsibilities between trades without ambiguity.

How does installing BIPV differ from traditional cladding?

From a site perspective, workflow is almost identical to high-quality rainscreen: anchors, brackets, vertical rails, and prefabricated panels arriving labeled and ready to hang. The main difference is panels include integrated wiring and connection points that plug into pre-planned junctions. Prefabricated BIPV modules streamline installation and reduce on-site fabrication, allowing crews familiar with conventional cladding to adapt quickly with minimal additional training. Standard glass-handling equipment is typically sufficient.

How are electrical components integrated and who is responsible for what?

We work with GC and electrical contractor to identify suitable locations for inverters, combiners, transformers (if required), and disconnect switches—typically in main electrical room, rooftop penthouse, or dedicated mechanical spaces. All junction points, cable routes, and equipment locations appear on project drawings and single-line diagrams (SLDs). Façade installer typically connects panel leads into designated junctions behind cladding, while electrical contractor completes conduit runs, equipment terminations, and final tie-in to building distribution. This division aligns responsibilities with each trade's expertise while maintaining clean, coordinated electrical design.

What are typical lead times and schedule considerations?

Lead times depend on product tier and customization level. Production timelines range from 5 weeks for eFacade LITE to 5 months for custom solutions (PRO+). Critical path items include design-assist (if used), shop drawing approval, color/sample sign-off, and final field measurements where required. Once locked, fabrication proceeds in controlled factory environment and panels can be sequenced to match site phasing. We coordinate delivery windows, pallet breakdown, and elevation-by-elevation release so panels arrive just-in-time rather than occupying scarce laydown space. Early coordination on these milestones is critical to keeping the overall project on schedule.

What pricing should we expect for budgeting purposes?

For early budgeting: supply-only ranges from $45-65/SF, and turnkey installed ranges from $70/SF to $100+/SF. Final pricing depends on product line (LITE/PRO/PRO+), façade area, site logistics, services included, and project scope. We refine this into project-specific budgets once basic drawings, elevations, and expected scope are available. For GC bidding purposes, we can provide detailed scope breakdowns showing what's included in supply-only versus turnkey packages to help allocate costs appropriately.

Who provides technical support during installation?

Mitrex assigns a dedicated project manager as a single point of contact, with access to the design team for RFIs, field support during critical phases, and remote troubleshooting. Response times are 24-48 hours for routine questions, same-day for urgent issues.

How do Mitrex systems integrate with the building envelope and rainscreen assemblies?

Mitrex BIPV behaves like advanced cladding with added electrical functionality. Panels mount to adjustable subframing that accommodates irregular substrates and out-of-tolerance conditions. Systems work on new builds as primary rainscreen cladding, retrofits over existing backup walls, or integrated with curtain wall/unitized systems. The system includes typical rainscreen details for corners, parapets, base conditions, window perimeters, and integration with AVB, insulation, and fire-stopping. We provide detailed CAD drawings showing mounting methods, joint patterns, and envelope integration. For supply-only projects, we coordinate with façade engineers and contractors; for turnkey, we handle full coordination and installation.

How do Mitrex panels meet building code, fire, and structural requirements?

Systems are engineered to meet international standards including PV & safety (UL 61730, UL 61215), impact and structural performance (ASTM E1996, ASTM E330), and fire performance (NFPA 285, CAN/ULC-S134, EN 13501 A2-s1,d0). Systems feature non-combustible components. We provide test reports, classification summaries, and engineering letters for each project to support permitting and code compliance review. Our systems are designed to meet or exceed the same stringent requirements as conventional high-performance cladding systems.

Can BIPV be used on both new builds and retrofits?

Yes. BIPV works well for new construction and for retrofits where the building is being re-clad or over-clad. For retrofits, we typically evaluate the existing structure and attachment strategy, the rainscreen cavity, air/water barrier condition, and thermal upgrades, and electrical routing paths to inverters/electrical rooms. Retrofit projects can be especially attractive because you’re often already investing in envelope renewal—BIPV lets that same scope also deliver on-site generation and a long-term operating cost offset.

How do you handle corners, reveals, and shadow lines?

Architectural details include mitered or square-cut corners, consistent reveals created by mounting clips (3-10mm typical), and shadow lines at floor lines or columns. Custom details are developed during shop drawings with full-scale mockups available for verification.

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