Manatee School for the Arts in Florida launched an energy reduction initiative that will implement solar as the primary power source for its entire campus. 

The school will partner with Tampa Bay Solar on the rooftop solar project, which will bring significant environmental benefits and cost savings for the school. Current utility costs are expected to decline by 90% annually, and the project will pay for itself within seven years. These savings will go toward school operational expenses, including plans to expand offerings with new art and dance facilities and a dance auditorium available for public events.

Manatee School for the Arts is owned by Renaissance Arts And Education and includes a lower division (PK-5) and upper division (6-12).

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to convert to solar energy. Not only is this a cleaner option for the environment, but the school will save thousands of dollars a month in energy costs,” said Charles W. Jones Ph.D, President of Renaissance Arts and Education, parent company of Manatee School for the Arts, in a statement. 

The installation will include an estimated 3,000 panels, producing over 3,800,000 kWh of solar PV annually — enough to offset the energy needs of the school for the next 25 years — and generate up to 2.0 megawatts of PV power output when it is completed.

Manatee School for the Arts has increased its focus on adding sustainability projects to its campus, such as updating infrastructure like HVAC and roofing to conserve energy.

Manatee School for the Arts will also receive substantial tax benefits from the solar implementation. Regenerative Shift, an environmental consulting firm, is a tax incentive advisor partner for the project and will guide them through the process of accessing federal tax incentives and ensuring compliance with the requirements for the Domestic Content Bonus Credit and IRS Elective Payment.