MADISON, FL – North Florida College is turning sunlight into long-term savings with the completion of a new rooftop solar installation, a strategic investment designed to reduce operational costs while supporting the College’s most energy-intensive workforce programs.
Installed on two of the College’s Madison campus buildings, the system produces an
average of two megawatts of power each day, generating enough electricity to power
approximately 60 single-family homes. Annually, the system is expected to generate
approximately 695 megawatts of electricity, significantly offsetting the College’s
overall energy demand.
The solar array delivers both scale and efficiency, creating an estimated annual cost
savings between $40,000 and $70,000. Those savings directly support continued investment
in workforce training and student access.
“Solar and education are two of the investments that create more than they cost,”
said State Certified Solar Contractor of IGT Solar Lonnie Draper, MD.
With an expected lifespan of more than 20 years, the system positions NFC to stabilize
a portion of its operating expenses over time, reducing exposure to fluctuating energy
costs while preserving institutional resources for instruction and student support.
This goal aligns with the College’s access to high-quality, hands-on training in programs
such as Welding and Industrial Machinery Maintenance. These programs, which rely on
heavy equipment and continuous power usage, are critical to meeting regional workforce
needs.
“This project allows us to reinvest in what matters most, our students and programs,”
said NFC Dean of Administrative Services/CBO Micah Rodgers. “By offsetting energy
costs, we are able to sustain and grow the kind of workforce training that directly
supports our local economy.”
Clemons, Rutherford and Associates, Inc., the architectural firm responsible for the
project design, played a key role in bringing the solar installation to life. Will Rutherford, President of the firm, emphasized the significance
of the milestone. “We are very pleased to be part of such a big step for sustainable
design solutions with NFC,” said Rutherford. “This project marks the first major step
for NFC in alternative energy forms. CRA Architects are extremely pleased to be part
of this team.”
For a college serving one of the largest rural districts in the Florida College System,
the return is both immediate and long-term: lower utility costs, sustained program
capacity and continued alignment with regional workforce demand.
“The installation of solar panels on our workforce facility reflects our commitment
to innovation and stewardship,” said NFC Dean of Workforce and Economic Initiatives
and Chief Academic Officer David Dunkle. “At North Florida College, we’re preparing
students for high-demand fields while emphasizing sustainable practices that support
both industry and community.”
Rather than scaling back high-energy programs, NFC is investing in infrastructure
that allows them to expand responsibly, ensuring students have access to the equipment,
training and certifications needed to enter high-wage, high-demand careers.
The project reflects a broader strategy at North Florida College: pairing fiscal responsibility
with forward-looking solutions that strengthen both the institution and the communities
it serves.
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NFC Career and Workforce Solar panels
Clemmons, Rutherford and Associates, Inc
IGT Solar Logo