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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,
About this update from Mge Energy Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"\nProject approval means the 20-megawatt solar array and 40-megawatt battery storage system will be MGE's first local solar with battery storage.\n\n MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nMadison 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.\n\n\"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.\"\n\nSunnyside Solar Energy Center details\n\nThe 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.\n\nEDF Renewables is the project developer. The solar array is expected to begin serving customers in 2026; the battery storage is expected in 2027.\n\nOther nearby solar projects\n\nThe Sunnyside Solar Energy Center will be one of a number of solar facilities in Fitchburg serving MGE customers.\n\n\nStrix 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.\n\n\nTyto 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.\n\n\nThe O'Brien Solar Fields is a 22-MW facility th...