Renaissance Arts and Education, Inc., (Dba Manatee School For the Arts (MSA); Dba ¡HOLA! Elementary at MSA (¡HOLA!)), Tampa Bay Solar, and Regenerative Shift Announce Landmark Rooftop Solar Project
[Palmetto, Fl] – [Date] – Renaissance Arts and Education (RAE), Tampa Bay Solar, and Regenerative Shift are proud to announce their partnership on one of the largest rooftop solar projects in Florida history. This groundbreaking initiative will generate up to 2.0 Megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) energy, advancing clean energy in Florida and setting a national precedent for sustainable infrastructure in education. It is estimated to have 3150 panels, producing over 3,800,000 kWh of Solar PV annually.
Currently in final design and permitting phases, the project is scheduled to be placed in service by Summer 2025. The rooftop solar installation represents a significant leap forward for renewable energy deployment in the nonprofit sector and aims to showcase how schools can lead in sustainability, reduce energy costs, and provide educational opportunities for students around clean energy technologies.
National Firsts in Clean Energy Policy
This project will be among the first in the country to pursue the Domestic Content Bonus Credit, a 10% adder to the Section 48E Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This credit incentivizes the use of domestically manufactured components, supporting the growth of U.S.-based clean energy manufacturing and aligning with broader national goals for energy independence and job creation. With the Domestic Content Bonus Credit, MSA is expected to receive a tax credit that equals 40% of the system cost.
Additionally, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, RAE will take advantage of the IRS Elective Payment provision, which allows tax-exempt organizations to directly receive the full value of clean
energy tax credits as a direct payment from the IRS. This groundbreaking policy under the Inflation Reduction Act enables nonprofits to access the financial benefits of renewable energy investments in ways previously unavailable to them.
The project will fully comply with Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship Requirements outlined under the Inflation Reduction Act. By ensuring that all workers are paid fair, competitive wages and that a portion of labor is performed by registered apprentices, the project not only supports a skilled workforce but also qualifies for enhanced federal tax incentives. This commitment reflects the partnership’s dedication to equitable labor practices and community investment, while driving long-term economic benefits in the region.
A Model for Sustainability
Manatee School for the Arts has long been a champion of innovation and sustainability, and this project reinforces its commitment to environmental stewardship and operational efficiency. By investing in solar energy, RAE will significantly reduce its carbon footprint, cut long-term energy costs, and set an example for schools and nonprofits nationwide.
“This project demonstrates how the nonprofit and education sectors can lead the way in sustainability,” said Dr. Charles Jones, President of RAE and Founder of Manatee School For the Arts. “With Tampa Bay Solar and Regenerative Shift as our partners, we are proud to implement this transformative clean energy solution that benefits both our students and our planet in a cost effective way.”
Partnership for Progress
Tampa Bay Solar will oversee the design, engineering, and installation of the 2.0 MW system, leveraging years of expertise in large-scale solar projects. Regenerative Shift, an environmental consulting firm, will guide RAE through the complex process of accessing federal tax incentives and ensuring compliance with the requirements for the Domestic Content Bonus Credit and IRS Elective Payment.
“This partnership with RAE 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.”
“This project is a beautiful showcase of how to utilize tax incentives to advance renewable energy projects,” added Caleb Quaid, President of Regenerative Shift. “It gives an example to other nonprofits and businesses of how to lower operational costs while benefitting the environment.”
Looking Ahead
Once operational, the solar project will provide clean, renewable energy for RAE, significantly reducing energy costs while contributing to Florida’s growing renewable energy capacity. The collaboration between RAE, Tampa Bay Solar, and Regenerative Shift serves as a model for schools, nonprofits, and communities aiming to adopt sustainable energy solutions.
About Renaissance Arts and Education
Founded by Dr. Charles Jones in 1998, the mission of Renaissance Arts and Education was to advance the transformative power of arts into education. For over two decades, our organization has ignited creativity and fueled a lifelong passion for the arts and learning in students across Manatee County and beyond. Through our two pioneering schools, Manatee School for the Arts (MSA) and Hola Elementary at MSA, we have helped cultivate future generations of artists, performers, creators, and academic scholars.
About Manatee School for the Arts
Founded by Dr. Charles Jones 26 years ago, Manatee School for the Arts (MSA) has become a beacon of excellence in arts education. With a unique focus on both the arts and academics for grades 6 through 12, MSA serves nearly 2,200 students across a sprawling campus. Through its diverse programs, MSA provides an extraordinary educational experience that prepares students to excel in the creative industries and beyond. The school is committed to innovation, community engagement, and providing every student with the opportunity to reach their full potential.
About ¡HOLA! Elementary for MSA
¡HOLA! Elementary at MSA (¡HOLA!) opened its doors in 2023-24 as an arts-infused dual language school. ¡HOLA! Elementary is amongst the first of its kind as a truly bilingual Spanish/English immersion elementary school serving nearly 600 Pre-K to grade 5 students. Through its unique program, ¡HOLA!) provides an extraordinary educational experience that stands apart from any other and excels in creativity and diversity. The school is committed to innovation, community engagement, and providing every student with the opportunity to reach their full potential.
About Tampa Bay Solar
Tampa Bay Solar, led by Steve Rutherford, is one of Florida’s premier solar energy providers. With an extensive portfolio of commercial, residential, and special projects, TBS specializes in delivering high-quality solar solutions that provide long-term value and sustainability for their
clients. TBS is dedicated to offering unparalleled service, building lasting relationships with customers, and contributing to Florida’s transition to clean, renewable energy.
About Regenerative Shift
Regenerative Shift, based in Tampa, FL, provides holistic environmental consulting, helping organizations and communities integrate environmental and nature-based solutions into sustainability plans. Since the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in August 2022, Regenerative Shift has guided clients through various aspects of projects related to Department of Energy funding, IRS Elective Payment, commercial solar development, energy efficiency, and industrial decarbonization.
