Bright Futures Start Here

April 28, 2026

Columbus, OH – To close out Earth Day month, the Impact Solar Initiative celebrated their latest solar installation: an energy-saving system at Bridgeway Academy and Therapy Center. This is the twelfth installation from Impact Solar, an initiative from Clean Energy Ventures and local solar developer Community Renewable Energy. 

On April 28 at 10:00 a.m., community partners and elected officials gathered to celebrate the project. Upon commissioning the project will generate upwards of 35 years of low-cost clean energy to the school. 

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. 

“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.” – Abby David, Founder and Principle of Bridgeway

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.