Madison Gas and Electric adds 6 MW solar facility to Wisconsin grid

Amid a flurry of other renewable projects, Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) recently completed work on its Tyto Solar array in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, bringing 6 MW of additional energy to bear for its customers.

Tyto was based on bifacial solar panels, allowing it to produce energy from both sides of the panels. A program helps the panels track and rotate with the sun for optimum absorption, and allows operators to stow the panels during snow events to prevent blockages and build-ups. It should generate enough electricity to power around 1,400 households annually.

“This project is another step in our journey toward net-zero carbon electricity for all MGE electric customers,” Jeff Keebler, MGE chairman, president and CEO, said. “Our target is reduced carbon emissions. Under our commitment, by 2030, every MGE electric customer will have 80% fewer carbon emissions associated with their electricity use simply by being an MGE customer. Everyone we serve will reap the benefits of a cleaner grid as we invest cost-effectively for a net-zero carbon future.”

MGE tapped OneEnergy Renewables to develop and construct the Tyto Solar project, but owns the array now that it’s done and leases the land. Last year, it added the Red Barn Wind Farm to its portfolio and deployed a second phase of its Badger Hollow Solar Farm – nearly 60 MW of wind and solar in all. It has also filed for approval of a share in the High Noon Solar Energy Center in Columbia County.

If approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, MGE would be cleared to purchase a 30 MW share of High Noon’s solar production and 16.5 MW of its battery storage. The site will be capable of producing 300 MW of solar and 165 MW of battery energy storage, in all. The remainder of that site will be owned by We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service, once it finishes construction in 2026.