Manatee School for the Arts to Launch Largest Rooftop Solar Project of Its Kind in Florida
Manatee School for the Arts is making history as it prepares to operate almost entirely on solar power, thanks to the largest rooftop solar installation at any school of its size in Florida. Crews are installing over 3,100 solar panels across over 250,000 square feet of rooftop space, a project expected to slash the school's utility costs by 90%.
The initiative, made possible through a partnership with Tampa Bay Solar, represents a significant investment in financial sustainability and environmental stewardship. The two-megawatt system is projected to save the school hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in energy costs.
School officials say the switch to solar energy has been years in the making, waiting for the right financial opportunity to move forward. The $4 million project is expected to pay for itself within seven years and could operate effectively for 25 years or longer.
The savings will directly benefit students and teachers, as operational costs decrease and funds can be redirected toward expanding educational programs. Administrators also hope the project serves as a model for other schools across the state, demonstrating how renewable energy can create lasting benefits for future generations.
With the installation well underway, Manatee School for the Arts is on track to officially begin running on solar power within a few weeks.
