[Deadline Approaching] New Project to Donate Solar Power Generation Facilities "Sorabear Power Plant" to 3 Facilities Launched. Delivering Renewable Energy to Kindergartens, Preschools, and Childcare Centers Nationwide to Support Environmental Education.

NPO Sorabear Fund (Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Hidemitsu Tomita) is currently implementing the 107th, 108th, and 109th "Sorabear Smile Project," which offers the free donation of solar power generation facilities "Sorabear Power Plant" to three kindergartens, preschools, and childcare centers nationwide. The application deadline is July 31, 2026. This initiative aims to promote the spread of renewable energy and environmental education for children.

Solar power generation facilities (equivalent to 5kW) will be donated free of charge to three kindergartens, preschools, and childcare centers.

Exceeding 100 Units! "Sorabear Smile Project" Embarks on a New Challenge

The "Sorabear Smile Project" is an initiative where the Sorabear Fund donates solar power generation facilities, "Sorabear Power Plant," to kindergartens, preschools, and childcare centers across the country, based on donations from companies that support the Sorabear Fund's activities. From 2008 to 2025, a total of 100 units have been donated over 17 years.

This project has received the following awards: 2010 Environmental Minister's Award for Global Warming Prevention Activities, 2012 Low Carbon Cup Award for Contribution to Disaster-Stricken Areas in the Great East Japan Earthquake, 2025 Ministry of the Environment's 13th Good Life Award Executive Committee Special Prize for Environmental Social Innovation, and the Solar Power Generation Association's 2025 Solar Week Grand Prize for Special Contribution.

The 107th, 108th, and 109th "Sorabear Smile Project" will be implemented using donations from Sony Assurance Inc., which operates a donation project that leverages the product characteristic of "pay-as-you-drive" car insurance.

Sorabear Logo for the 100th Unit

107th, 108th, and 109th "Sorabear Smile Project" Application Overview

[Application Period] May 11, 2026 (Mon) - July 31, 2026 (Fri) *Documents must arrive by July 31

[Donation Details] 1) Donated Equipment: Solar power generation facilities (equivalent to 5kW) will be donated free of charge to three facilities nationwide.

*Excluding special environmental conditions

2) Environmental Education Support Program "Sorabear-chan's Day"

Support for environmental education and eco-actions at the recipient facilities for three years.

▶Sorabear-chan's Day ( https://www.solarbear.jp/smileproject/#ecoaction )

3) Commemorative Gifts

▶Donation commemorative plate, 1 copy of the paper play "Sorabear," picture books "Sorabear" for all enrolled children.

[Application Guidelines HP] https://www.solarbear.jp/applications/5551/

[Installation Period] December 2026 onwards (planned) [How to Apply] Apply by email or mail. Please check the "Application Conditions Confirmation Sheet" in advance. [Contact Information] NPO Sorabear Fund Secretariat (info@solarbear.jp)

Sorabear Has Arrived! Donated Items: Picture Books, Commemorative Plates, Paper Plays

Commemorative photo at a recipient facility Rooftop solar panels of the "Sorabear Power Plant"

- Sorabear Smile Project: Past Achievements

"Sorabear Power Plant" CO2 Reduction Over 18 Years Equivalent to Approximately 93,382 Cedar Trees -- Promoting the Spread of Renewable Energy --

Total power generation from renewable energy "Sorabear Power Plant" over 18 years is approximately 2.76 million kWh. CO2 reduction is approximately 1,307 tons-CO2, contributing to environmental load reduction equivalent to approximately 93,382 cedar trees (2025 survey). We will continue to promote this project and aim for further CO2 reduction.

"Sorabear Power Plant" CO2 Reduction Over 18 Years Equivalent to Approximately 93,382 Cedar Trees

"Sorabear Power Plant" Map Across Japan Click on a pin to view reports. https://www.solarbear.jp/smileproject/#smileprojectmap

Environmental Education Program "Sorabear-chan's Day": 2,169 Children Participated Over 4 Years -- Promoting Environmental Education Activities for Children --

Since fiscal year 2021, we have reviewed the donation contents, expanded solar power generation facilities, and started supporting the environmental education program "Sorabear-chan's Day" with children at recipient facilities, further promoting our activities.

Recipient facilities choose one of several activities to engage children in eco-actions within the facility. In fiscal year 2025 (single year), 784 children from 16 facilities participated. The cumulative number of participating children over the four years from fiscal year 2022 to 2025 is a total of 2,169 children from 52 facilities, spreading children's eco-actions nationwide.

- What is "Sorabear-chan's Day"?

Everyone's Eco-Action: Sorabear-chan's Day

- Practice reports and activity reports by participating facilities utilizing online platforms

Fiscal Year 2025 "Sorabear-chan's Day" Activity Report

- Sorabear Fund

The Sorabear Fund is an NPO that promotes the spread of renewable energy and environmental education for children to prevent global warming. The character "Sorabear," a pair of polar bear brothers shedding tears, is active as the symbol character of the Sorabear Fund.

Organization Name: NPO Sorabear Fund

Location: Omura Bldg. 8F, 2-5-6 Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Representative Director Hidemitsu Tomita

Established: April 2008

TEL: 03-3504-8166 (Reception Hours: Weekdays 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM)

WEB: https://www.solarbear.jp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solarbear555/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@npo5480