The Solar Array Project

If you drive on 1-75 North just outside of Downtown Toledo, you won’t be able to miss the single brick smoke stack, marking the last symbol of what was once a bustling Jeep factory adjacent to a similarly bustling neighborhood.

Construction on the Jeep plant started in 1910 by John North Willys. At its peak, the plant employed 23,000 Toledoans and produced 11 million vehicles.

After Jeep closed this plant in 2006, the neighborhood experienced a period of decline, and in it’s wake, a brownfield stood. 

Eventually, a group of government officials, business owners, and The Foundation decided to make use of the brownfield, which also was a floodway.

The solar array provides energy to nearby Dana, who has established a factory in the same area.

Others have also decided to utilize this new industrial park and now the Overland Industrial Park is home to three other businesses.

Power generated from the solar array is sold to Dana, and in return, The Foundation turns these dollars into grants for the community.

In 2023, The Department of Energy awarded GTCF a grant to publicize this project.

The goal of the storytelling campaign is to connect renewable energy initiatives in Toledo to sustainable neighborhoods, community vitality, and regional philanthropy using traditional media and other forms such as video, online resources, and social media.

We also created and delivered educational programming for area youth that connects the Overland Solar Arrays with potential careers in the region.

Timeline for the Sustainable Communities Educational Initiative

1910 Construction of the Jeep factory by John North Willys begins in Toledo.
1910-2006 The factory, at its peak, employs 23,000 Toledoans and produces 11 million vehicles.
2006 The Jeep factory closes, leading to a period of decline in the surrounding neighborhood and the creation of a brownfield.
2010s Efforts begin among government officials, business owners, and The Foundation to revitalize the brownfield site.
2019 Development of the Overland Industrial Park, incorporating the solar array and attracting multiple businesses, including Dana.
2023 The Department of Energy awards a grant to the Greater Toledo Community Foundation (GTCF) to publicize the solar initiative.
2024 Launch of the storytelling campaign to connect renewable energy initiatives to sustainable neighborhoods and community vitality.
2025 Creation and delivery of educational programming for area youth, linking the Overland Solar Arrays to potential career opportunities in the region.