TOLEDO, Ohio — Situated along the northbound stretch of I-75, the solar array at Overland Industrial Park is making a noticeable impact — not just in harnessing renewable energy, but in fostering community development and environmental sustainability.
First brought online in the summer of 2020, the solar array generates power for the nearby Dana facility while also providing a significant environmental benefit. According to the Greater Toledo Community Foundation (GTCF), the array helps eliminate 1,400 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year — the equivalent of removing 327 cars from the road annually.
But the solar array’s influence extends far beyond energy generation. A unique model of community-based philanthropy has emerged as part of the project. Dana, the manufacturing company that purchases power from the array, directs the proceeds into an endowed fund at the GTCF. The foundation then uses this money to support grassroots organizations throughout the Toledo area.
“This is creative, innovative philanthropy at its best,” said Kate Sommerfeld, president and CEO of GTCF. “It’s about bringing unlikely partners together from the public, private, and business sectors to address the challenges and opportunities facing our community.”
In 2025 alone, the GTCF allocated $75,000 to six local organizations, including Toledo Day Nursery, Habitat for Humanity, and Girls on the Run. The idea behind this funding approach is to inspire collaborative, out-of-the-box solutions to community issues while generating positive environmental impacts.
In addition to financial contributions, the solar array also features creative art installations. Sculptures created by students from the Toledo School for the Arts line the array, adding an artistic element to the renewable energy project.
An environmental initiative tied to the project is the restoration of several acres into native prairie. Dr. Ryan Walsh, director of plant conservation at the Toledo Zoo, oversees the prairie project, which was seeded in the winter of 2025. The prairie is designed to provide numerous ecological benefits, including enhanced biodiversity and a habitat for pollinators such as monarch butterflies.
“Prairies are low-maintenance and offer a wide array of environmental benefits,” said Dr. Walsh. “They require significantly less upkeep compared to traditional turf grass and support diverse species, creating a more resilient ecosystem.”
The project, a collaboration between Metroparks Toledo, Toledo Public Schools, Washington Local Schools, and other local organizations, highlights the power of partnership. Through this initiative, the solar array is not only helping to reduce carbon emissions but is also driving community investment and environmental education.
As the prairie continues to develop, it will serve as a living example of how natural habitats can thrive with minimal intervention, further underscoring the environmental goals of the project.
Sommerfeld believes the broader impact of the solar array will continue to grow over time. “It’s about planting seeds—both literally with the prairie and figuratively through the community projects funded by the proceeds,” she said. “This is a project that’s rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a long-term vision for a better future.”
For those interested in learning more about the project, the Toledo Zoo has produced a documentary-style video exploring its many facets, which can be accessed on their website.
This solar array stands as a testament to the power of combining clean energy, community involvement, and environmental sustainability into a multifaceted initiative that benefits the people of Toledo and beyond.