MGE Customers Plug Into Solar Power As Fitchburg Project Goes Live

Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) has announced that the 6-megawatt (MW) Strix Solar project in Fitchburg is now up and running. This solar project will provide clean, renewable energy to the community. Two-thirds of the energy generated will go to all MGE electric customers, while the remaining two MW will support the proposed Shared Solar – Strix program. This program builds on MGE’s existing Shared Solar initiative, which is already fully subscribed.

Strix Solar is located at the intersection of Byrne and Syene roads and is expected to generate enough electricity to power around 1,400 homes each year. The solar array features bifacial panels that absorb sunlight from both sides and track the sun throughout the day for maximum efficiency. The project was developed by U.S.-based OneEnergy Renewables.

Jeff Keebler, MGE Chairman, President and CEO, stated, “With the recent completion of the Paris solar project and now Strix Solar, MGE continues to grow our use of renewable energy, which is one of MGE’s key strategies for achieving our science-based carbon reduction goals. By growing our use of cost-effective carbon-free energy and by working with customers to advance energy efficiency and electrification, we can achieve our sustainable energy goals.”

If approved, Shared Solar – Strix would allow MGE customers to subscribe for solar energy with a small upfront payment and a fixed energy rate for six years. Residential and small business customers who join the program could source up to 50% of their annual electricity from carbon-free solar power. A special option for low-income customers is also included in the proposal.

MGE is committed to reducing carbon emissions and has already cut emissions by 40% since 2005. The company aims to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. To achieve these goals, MGE is expanding its use of clean energy, promoting energy efficiency, and supporting electric transportation.