MGE to Add More Local Solar and Battery Storage with Sunnyside Solar Energy Center
Project approval means the 20-megawatt solar array and 40-megawatt battery storage system will be MGE’s first local solar with battery storage.
MADISON, Wis.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) received approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) to build a 20-megawatt (MW) solar array and 40-MW battery storage system in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. Known as the Sunnyside Solar Energy Center, the project will provide locally generated solar energy to MGE’s distribution system.
“MGE shares with our customers the goal of a more sustainable energy future,” said Jeff Keebler, MGE Chairman, President and CEO. “The Sunnyside Solar Energy Center builds on the progress we’ve already made reducing carbon emissions, increasing our use of cost-effective, locally generated renewable energy and advancing new technologies to benefit all our customers. By also working with customers to advance energy efficiency and electrification, we can achieve our sustainable energy goals.”
Sunnyside Solar Energy Center details
The Sunnyside Solar Energy Center will be located off Whalen Road in Fitchburg. The 20 MW of solar capacity are expected to generate enough electricity annually to serve about 6,000 households. The 40 MW of four-hour battery storage will provide electricity during times when energy demand is greatest and when renewable capacity is insufficient to meet all customer needs.
EDF Renewables is the project developer. The solar array is expected to begin serving customers in 2026; the battery storage is expected in 2027.
Other nearby solar projects
The Sunnyside Solar Energy Center will be one of a number of solar facilities in Fitchburg serving MGE customers.
- Strix Solar is a 6-MW facility that came online in early 2025. The project serves all MGE electric customers with locally generated, carbon-free energy. MGE has requested to assign two megawatts of the project to serve the company’s proposed Shared Solar – Strix program. Shared Solar – Strix is based on MGE’s original and fully subscribed community solar program, Shared Solar.
- Tyto Solar is a 6-MW solar array that came online in early 2024. Tyto Solar is a distributed energy resource that is connected to MGE’s distribution system. It serves all MGE electric customers.
- The O’Brien Solar Fields is a 22-MW facility that came online in 2021. This project provides solar energy to seven local businesses, municipalities, government agencies and public institutions through separate Renewable Energy Rider agreements.
Working toward 80% reduced carbon emissions by 2030
Reduced carbon emissions is MGE’s goal. MGE is working to decarbonize the electricity we supply to customers, targeting carbon reductions consistent with global climate science as quickly, responsibly and cost-effectively as we can.
By 2030, on behalf of all customers, MGE expects to deliver electricity with 80% fewer carbon emissions, and by 2050, we expect to deliver net-zero carbon electricity. MGE already is halfway to its 2030 goal to reduce carbon emissions by 80% compared to 2005 levels.
Growing our use of cost-effective, cleaner energy and working with customers to advance energy efficiency and the electrification of transportation are all key strategies for deep decarbonization. Learn more about MGE’s other solar projects.
About MGE
MGE generates and distributes electricity to 167,000 customers in Dane County, Wis., and purchases and distributes natural gas to 178,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties. MGE’s parent company is MGE Energy, Inc. The company’s roots in the Madison area date back more than 150 years.
Contacts
Steve Schultz
Corporate Communications Manager
608-252-7219 | sbschultz@mge.com
