Sisters of Saint Francis get council OK for 475 kW solar carport at Lourdes campus

Sisters of Saint Francis and Perrysburg Energy secured approval from the Sylvania City Council on Sept. 2 for a 475-kilowatt solar carport on the Lourdes University campus at 6832 Convent Boulevard. Molly Thompson of Perrysburg Energy opened the public hearing asking for support for “the special use permit that will allow us to construct a 475 kilowatt solar carport on the campus of Sisters of Saint Francis and Lourdes University.”

The proposal, filed as SUP2-2025, was reviewed and unanimously recommended by the Municipal Planning Commission on July 16. The project team told council the carport is phase 1 of a multi-phase campus solar plan; Perrysburg Energy said the first phase alone will reduce carbon emissions by “over 328 metric tons” and save the Sisters “more than $60,000 a year annually in energy costs.” Jenny Belt, chief operating officer for the Sisters of Saint Francis, said the project is part of a seven-year Laudato Si implementation plan that has already produced campus sustainability steps such as composting and a new sustainability coordinator position.

One resident, who identified herself as Tanisha and gave a Sylvania Township address, spoke in favor of the project during public comment, saying she has used Lourdes programs and walks the campus and “supports this project.” No speakers registered opposition during the hearing.

Council asked questions about the long-term vision and phasing. Scott Thompson of Perrysburg Energy described phases 2 and 3 as “a 150 kilowatt rooftop array on a rec center” and a later project near the chemical center south of Northview High School, if leadership approves, but he said he did not have a consolidated total capacity figure at the hearing.

Following the public hearing, Council member Hayner moved to advance legislation to proceed with SUP2-2025; Council member Richardson seconded the motion and the motion carried. Later in the meeting the council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 102-2025 as an emergency measure, granting the special-use permit for the carport on the Lourdes campus.

The project team reported that Lucas County has approved construction documents, FirstEnergy has issued a preliminary interconnect approval, and First Solar has pledged to donate modules for the carport. The project proponents said they intend to complete the carport before the end of 2025 and to use energy-cost savings to support the Sisters’ mission of service and education.

Council did not adopt conditions beyond the special-use permit at the meeting; no formal restrictions or timelines beyond the stated intent were recorded in the hearing record.

The city will now advance legislation implementing the wording of SUP2-2025 and proceed with the administrative steps needed to issue the permit and allow construction to begin under applicable approvals.