Solar Cladding in Hospital Retrofit | Mitrex

Mitrex is a specialist in high-performance building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems that combine solar generation and façade aesthetics.

For a major hospital retrofit in Alberta, Canada, Mitrex eFacade PRO panels were used to replace the aging exterior of a healthcare facility. The project demonstrates how energy-generating façades can enhance performance, durability, and aesthetics within critical medical infrastructure.

Designed by Reimagine Architects for Alberta Health Services and constructed by Pronghorn Controls, the hospital’s retrofit addressed the need to modernize a deteriorating south-facing façade while improving the building’s energy efficiency. Covering approximately 9,000 ft², the Mitrex eFacade PRO system replaced conventional cladding options such as GFRC, offering a low-maintenance, energy-active alternative. The panels were produced with a custom finish to align with the hospital’s existing design palette while maintaining high solar performance. The installation achieved a 58 kW capacity, generating around 61,000 kWh of electricity annually—offsetting the equivalent energy use of ten residential rooftops.

Mitrex eFacade PRO provides a durable rainscreen solution that integrates renewable energy into the building envelope. Engineered for long-term performance in Alberta’s extreme climate, the system delivers a balance of resilience and efficiency with minimal maintenance requirements. The retrofit not only supports the hospital’s carbon reduction and cost-saving goals but also illustrates how vertical façades can be leveraged for solar generation when roof space is limited. Backed by a lifetime warranty guaranteeing at least 80% power output after 25 years, the Mitrex system ensures lasting value and performance for essential public facilities.