At 10 a.m., Monday, September 15, Sylvania Franciscans and guests will officially bless the new solar carport array, which is slated to begin construction the following day. The sisters will sing their traditional song of blessing over the project. The $5 million project received a major boost from First Solar with the generous donation of the solar array module, valued at more than $200,000.
On Earth Day 2025, the Sylvania Franciscans broke ground on the largest solar energy project in Sylvania and one of the largest for a nonprofit in northwest Ohio. Designed by Elevated Energy, the installation is part of a $5 million solar vision that will cut the campus’ carbon footprint, lower energy costs and serve as a lasting symbol of the sisters mission to care for creation.
Phase one includes a solar canopy over the campus parking lot. The project will reduce 328 metric tons of carbon emissions annually, save $63,000 in energy costs each year and provide clean power for decades.
The solar initiative advances the sisters’ seven-year Laudato Si’ commitment, supporting ecological economics, environmental education and community empowerment. It builds on years of sustainability work at their Sylvania campus, including composting, tree planting, beekeeping and food recovery.
“This project is a public and permanent expression of the sisters’ mission,” said Sustainability Coordinator Sara Grunberg. “At this moment in history, we are responding to Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ call to care for the earth and for the poor.”
