Staff Report

PALMETTO — Manatee School for the Arts has launched a major solar initiative that will implement solar as the primary power source for its entire campus. The school is partnering with Tampa Bay Solar for what will be one of the largest rooftop solar projects in Florida history.

Manatee School for the Arts expects to decrease current utility costs by 90% annually. Estimates for the project claim it will pay for itself within seven years. The savings will go toward school operational expenses, including plans to expand offerings with new art and dance facilities, and a public dance auditorium that can be used for public events.

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

Tampa Bay Solar will oversee the design, engineering, and installation of the system. The installation will include an estimated 3000 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.

Once finished, it will generate up to 2.0 Megawatts of photovoltaic power output, advancing clean energy in Florida and setting a national precedent for sustainable infrastructure in education. The company says the system represents the equivalent of powering 200 homes every day for more than a quarter of a century.

"This partnership is particularly meaningful to me," said Steve Rutherford, Owner of Tampa Bay Solar. "It’s a chance to give back to my community and to show the next generation of leaders the power of solar energy—not just as a technical solution, but as a core value of environmental stewardship."