Renaissance Arts and Education (RAE), Tampa Bay Solar and Regenerative Shift will collaborate on a 2-MW rooftop solar project at ¡HOLA! Elementary, a bilingual elementary school in Palmetto, Florida, within RAE’s Manatee School for the Arts. The project is scheduled to be placed into service by summer 2025.
The project intends to pursue the domestic content bonus credit within the IRA. 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.
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.”
Tampa Bay Solar will oversee the design, engineering, and installation of the 2-MW system. Regenerative Shift, an environmental consulting firm, will guide RAE through the complex process of accessing federal tax incentives and ensuring compliance with IRA requirements.
“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.”
News item from Regenerative Shift
