It's no question that school districts have been forced to get creative in recent months.

At Maine-Endwell, that creativity started years ago.

Back in 2007, the district purchased 34 acres of vacant land next to Maine Memorial Elementary. While it was originally meant for athletic fields, the board voted to look into a solar farm 11 years later.

"That's when it really came to light, and then this past September, we went out and really made the final decision to move forward, spoke to the community, addressing some of their concerns," said Superintendent Jason Van Fossen.

Starting Monday, construction is underway on a massive solar farm that will eventually power the entire district.

The $7.2 million project is funded in large part through state aid with a little more than a $1 million hit to the tax base.

The project is set to pay for itself in less than 15 years.

"You buy property, you don't necessarily know what you're going to do with it. An opportunity lands and now were generating all of our electricity. To me it's a great story and I'm thankful that the community and the board and everybody that's been a part of this saw the long-term impact," said Van Fossen.

Maine-Endwell now becomes one of the few districts in the state to power their districts with solar panels.

Superintendent Jason Van Fossen said it could be a great learning opportunity for the students right next door.

"When you talk about renewable energy and how is energy created, and now you have this field where you can point and take tours and have representatives come in and talk to you about it, it has to open up eyes and at least learning, kids looking at the reality of what that process looks like," said Van Fossen.

The project is set to be completed at the end of August, just in time for the school year.