Breaking Down the Costs: How Much Does a Mitrex Solar Facade Really Cost?

For decades, facade materials have been chosen primarily based on cost and aesthetics. While options like stucco, brick, and aluminum cladding provide affordability, Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) go beyond being a passive material, they actively reduce operational expenses by generating electricity.

BIPV can’t always compete purely on upfront cost with the lowest-priced materials, but the equation shifts when considering long-term energy generation, government incentives, and sustainability advantages. Instead of just covering a building, BIPV transforms a facade into an energy-producing asset that offers real financial returns over time.

This analysis looks at a 100,000 sqft building in Los Angeles and Toronto, comparing BIPV against conventional facade choices to determine its true cost over time.

Initial Costs: BIPV vs. Traditional Facades

A major advantage for BIPV is the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which reduces upfront costs by 30%:

• eFacade LITE: $79/sqft  -  $55.30/sqft after ITC
• eFacade: $138.50/sqft -  $96.95/sqft after ITC

For comparison, traditional facades cost:

• Brick: $12 - $35/sqft
• Aluminum Cladding: $30 - $70/sqft
• Glass Curtain Wall: $50 - $120/sqft
• Fiber Cement Panels: $20 - $50/sqft

Energy Savings Over 30 Years

A 100,000 sqft BIPV-clad building generates significant electricity, leading to long-term savings:

Los Angeles:

• 960,863 kWh/year generated
• $0.22/kWh average electricity rate
• $6.34 million in savings over 30 years

Toronto:

• 757,150 kWh/year generated
• $0.13/kWh average electricity rate
• $2.95 million in savings over 30 years

How BIPV Stacks Up After ITC & Energy Savings

After factoring in ITC reductions and 30 years of energy generation, the cost landscape changes significantly:

Los Angeles:

• eFacade LITE achieves cost reductions of 20-50% over time compared to materials like brick, aluminum, and curtain wall systems, primarily due to long-term energy savings.
• eFacade, while not the lowest-cost material, is now 16.17% cheaper than precast concrete and 60.55% cheaper than glass curtain walls.

Toronto:

• eFacade LITE offers long-term savings, reducing costs 35.53% below precast concrete, and also becoming more cost-effective than certain premium facade options such as high-performance composite panels, aluminum composite material (ACM), high-pressure laminates (HPL), wood cladding, and terracotta panels.
• eFacade, while carrying a premium over lower-cost materials, becomes 20.66% more affordable than curtain walls and also sees cost reductions compared to select high-end facade materials 

Some materials will always have a lower upfront cost, and for projects where only immediate costs matter, traditional facades will remain the primary choice. But for those looking at long-term value, energy savings, and sustainability, BIPV presents a financially compelling case.

Beyond Cost: The Broader Benefits of BIPV

BIPV brings more than just financial savings:

• Lower Operating Costs – Unlike passive facades, BIPV offsets electricity costs for decades.
• Sustainability & ESG Compliance – More projects are required to meet carbon reduction and net-zero targets.
• Future-Proofing Against Regulations – As governments push for sustainable building solutions, BIPV positions developments ahead of policy shifts.
• Long-Term Investment Potential – Energy-generating buildings attract higher-value tenants and buyers.

For developers prioritizing upfront cost alone, stucco, brick, and aluminum will remain the go-to choices. But for those who look at total lifecycle value and future energy cost reductions, BIPV is a forward-thinking investment.

Final Thoughts: The Smart Facade Choice

BIPV isn’t just about choosing a facade, it’s about upgrading a building’s long-term value.

In high-energy-cost regions like Los Angeles, BIPV becomes more cost-effective over time than many traditional materials. Even in Toronto, where electricity prices are lower, BIPV still closes the financial gap significantly over 30 years.

Key Takeaways:

• BIPV is an energy-generating investment, not just an expense.
• The ITC reduces upfront costs significantly.
• Over 30 years, energy savings make BIPV cost-competitive or better than many traditional materials.
• For projects that prioritize the lowest upfront cost, traditional facades will always be cheaper. However, energy savings, sustainability, and long-term value shift the equation.

Want to calculate your own savings? Use the Mitrex BIPV Simulator at mitrex.com/simulator to see how BIPV could transform your project’s financial outlook.