Solar-Powered Balconies: The Apartment Upgrade You Didn’t See Coming
The 1960s-era apartment complex on Wilson Avenue once showed its age with weathered bricks and leaky windows. Now, one side boasts a modern makeover with blue stucco and sleek balcony railings. But these aren’t just any railings. They’re innovative solar panels, seamlessly integrated into the building’s design, generating electricity to power its air conditioning.
Turning a Necessary Upgrade into an Environmental and Financial Win
Balcony railings typically need replacement every 20 years, a cost landlords factor into their budgets. This building’s owners took the opportunity to upgrade with solar panel railings, a slightly more expensive option but one that comes with a 25-year warranty, promising long-term savings.
The Rise of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)
The project showcases the potential of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). These disguised solar panels can mimic various materials like marble or wood and be installed anywhere on a building, not just the roof. They’re no longer a futuristic concept but a reality, manufactured in Toronto and implemented globally.
Mitrex: Pioneering BIPV Solutions
Mitrex, North America’s leading BIPV manufacturer, has been instrumental in this transformation. Their solar cladding, produced for two decades, gained BIPV capabilities in 2021. Now, it adorns structures from universities to warehouses, both locally and internationally.
The Business Case for BIPV
The advantage of BIPV is clear. Instead of adding solar panels atop an existing roof, they become part of the building’s facade, offering both energy generation and weatherproofing. This is particularly appealing in urban areas where rooftop space is limited and expensive.
Overcoming Challenges and Showcasing Success
Convincing building owners of BIPV’s durability was initially challenging. Mitrex addressed this through demonstrations of their panels withstanding car impacts and wrecking balls. Real-world examples, like the University of Toronto’s upcoming medical building incorporating BIPV, further solidified its viability.
Financial Incentives and Environmental Benefits
The federal Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit has made BIPV more affordable, bringing its cost in line with mid-to-high-end cladding. This, coupled with reduced operating costs and carbon emissions, makes BIPV an attractive investment.
A Model for Sustainable Building Upgrades
The Wilson Avenue building exemplifies how older structures can be revitalized while contributing to a greener future. Its 1,200+ meters of BIPV will generate a significant portion of the building’s power, showcasing the potential of integrating renewable energy into existing infrastructure.
Conclusion:
This innovative project demonstrates how sustainability and practicality can intersect in building upgrades. By harnessing solar energy through BIPV, building owners can reduce costs, lower carbon footprints, and create more comfortable living spaces. The Wilson Avenue building serves as an inspiring example of how older structures can become part of the climate change solution.
