The Impact Solar initiative is celebrating their largest and most visible installation yet at Bridgeway Academy on Columbus’s Southside. The ground-mounted array was installed in Bridgeway’s Backyard, and is visible both from the children’s classroom windows, and from cars passing by on I-70 east
The project will generate upwards of 35 years of low-cost clean energy to the school.
At an April 28 ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception, Community Renewable Energy’s Chief Operating Officer, Laura Recchie, said, “Along the way, one thing has become clear: Clean energy is the answer to energy affordability. Across Ohio, and across the country, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations are being squeezed by rising energy costs. Every dollar spent on a utility bill is a dollar that can’t go toward a classroom, or a therapist, or a student. But solar is changing that math.”
“Every dollar spent on a utility bill is a dollar that can’t go toward a classroom, or a therapist, or a student. But solar is changing that math.”
After the ribbon cutting, elected officials, project partners, and Bridgeway Staff joined together for a reception, which featured solar-related art inspired by the solar the students see out their classroom windows.
Abby David, Founder and Principal of Bridgeway, said, “The installation of solar panels is a strategic step forward for Bridgeway, allowing us to reduce long-term operating costs while strengthening our commitment to sustainability. By lowering our utility expenses, we can redirect more resources toward the individuals and families we serve. This initiative not only supports our financial stability but also reflects our responsibility to make thoughtful, forward-looking decisions that benefit our community for years to come.”
As energy prices rise, nonprofit organizations are looking for new ways to stabilize operational expenses and serve their mission. This particular innovation is part of a years-long future-readiness effort by Bridgeway to upgrade their facilities with energy-saving technologies. This solar is estimated to deliver the nonprofit approximately $2.4 million in energy costs over the next 35 years starting on day 1 of operations. The affordable electricity will allow Bridgeway to reinvest its savings into the futures of its students.
Ensuring local investment, Ohio-based manufacturers First Solar panels and APA racking were used in the installation.
This project was made possible with financing partners at Fifth Third Bank and the Columbus Region Green Fund.
“When we talk about a solar project, we’re really talking about stewardship—of our environment, our finances, and our community values. Solar energy is clean, reliable, and increasingly affordable. It allows institutions like Bridgeway Academy to take control of energy costs while reducing carbon emissions for decades to come,” said Commercial Bank Executive, Jeremy Gutierrez, Fifth Third Bank. “A solar installation isn’t just infrastructure—it’s a living classroom. Students can learn firsthand about renewable energy, science, technology, and responsible citizenship. It sends a powerful message: what we teach here is backed up by what we do.”
“A solar installation isn’t just infrastructure—it’s a living classroom.”
Beyond savings, the system will bring major environmental and public benefits. The solar system will offset 22,473 US tons of carbon dioxide over its lifetime – equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 20,450 acres of US forests.
Columbus city officials joined the team in celebrating the program’s success. “It highlights the economic and environmental impact public and private partnerships can have when everyone is willing to put the mission first while working towards an innovative idea,” said Columbus City Councilmember Chris Wyche.
Columbus City Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla spoke about how this array, located off I-70 East on Columbus’s south side, is an example of innovative ways to use land and to fill the gap left by manufacturing jobs. “I think that is a demonstrative way that we can rethink about power, that we can rethink about energy. That we’re doing it at a place people drive by every day is raising their curiosity, and it’s helping us to demonstrate what this can look like in other parts of the city, other places, other buildings, and other communities.”
The partners are looking forward to celebrating more completed installations this summer.
