Mitrex breaks Guinness World Record with solar mural on Edmonton high-rise

Mitrex’s BIPV panels power bold cultural retrofit at SunRise Residential, now the world’s largest solar panel mural.

Toronto-based manufacturer Mitrex has officially earned a Guinness World Record for the largest solar panel mural in the world—in Canada. The record-setting project, SunRise Residential in Edmonton, Alberta, features over 30,000 square feet of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) designed to generate on-site power while serving as a massive piece of public art.

The high-rise retrofit uses Mitrex’s eFacade PRO plus BIPV panels, delivering 265 kW of solar capacity and producing enough electricity to offset a significant portion of the building’s operations. All told, the project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 150 tons annually.

Cultural storytelling with solar

What sets the SunRise project apart—beyond its sheer scale—is its design. The colorful solar mural was created by Indigenous artist Lance Cardinal and blends Indigenous and Chinese symbolism to reflect the multicultural identity of the Edmonton community it serves.

“This project is a bold vision for the future of sustainable architecture,” said Danial Hadizadeh, CEO of Mitrex. “SunRise proves that BIPV solar solutions can produce clean energy, cut emissions, and inspire communities with culturally resonant designs.”

The project is part of a growing wave of interest in aesthetically integrated solar solutions, particularly in dense urban settings where traditional rooftop PV is limited by space or zoning.

Built in Canada, Made for Urban Retrofits

Mitrex’s BIPV panels are manufactured in Ontario, and integrate high-efficiency solar cells into customizable, durable cladding materials. The company says the eFacade PRO plus system was designed for ease of installation using standard mounting hardware, helping minimize cost and construction complexity. This makes it suitable for both retrofits and new construction.

The SunRise project was delivered in collaboration with Avenue Living Asset Management, MBC Group, and Chandos Construction. It represents an example of how building upgrades can address climate action, community identity, and aesthetic revitalization in one fell swoop.

A Template for Net-Zero Urban Design?

As federal incentives like the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (ITC) roll out in Canada, BIPV systems are increasingly being considered not just for their energy output but for their architectural flexibility and cultural value.

Mitrex hopes projects like SunRise will help push the envelope for how solar technology is deployed in cities—not just on rooftops, but on entire building facades.

“We’re honored to lead this revolution,” Hadizadeh said.