Edison Birthplace Powers Up with Solar Energy, Fulfilling Inventor's Vision
- Edison Birthplace
- Mar 29
- 2 min read
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Robert Wheeler, President, Board of Trustees
media@tomedison.org | 419.499.2135 | tomedison.org
MILAN, OHIO – After years of legal challenges, local skepticism, occasional resistance, and bureaucratic hurdles, I am delighted to announce the Edison Birthplace’s solar array is now operational, powering the Office and Don Gfell Education Center. This initiative was achieved entirely through generous donations, making it cost-free to the Edison Birthplace.
When Mr. Edison visited his birthplace on August 11, 1923, with Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, he was reportedly ‘shocked’ to find it lacked electricity.
As Edison once stated, 'I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don't have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that. I wish we had more years left.' If he were to return in 2025, 102 years later, he would undoubtedly be pleased to see his legacy honored with solar power at the museum established to preserve his story.
Edison's 'Invention Factory,' the Menlo Park Laboratory, revolutionized innovation by bringing together diverse experts. Similarly, this solar project is a testament to collaboration, made possible by the generous donations of products and services from SolarEdge, Meyer Burger, Unirac, and National Renewable Energy Partners. We are immensely grateful for their support.
We are proud to be the only Edison site powered by solar energy, fulfilling his vision for harnessing the sun's power. It is particularly fitting that this initiative began at his birthplace, where his genius first took root.
Furthermore, this achievement places us among the pioneering museums built before 1850 to embrace solar power, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and innovation.
I extend my sincere gratitude to the past and present Trustees of the Edison Birthplace for their unwavering dedication. Special recognition goes to Trustee Ron Cull, whose perseverance was instrumental in realizing this project. We also thank our dedicated staff, both past and present, who serve as the public face of the Edison Birthplace, and all those who have generously supported our mission over the years.
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