MGE: Solar energy center coming to Fitchburg

The Brief

• Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) has received approval to build a 20-megawatt solar array and 40-MW battery storage system in Fitchburg.

• The Sunnyside Solar Energy Center will provide locally generated solar energy to MGE’s distribution system, expected to serve about 6,000 households annually.

• The project is developed by EDF Renewables and is set to begin serving customers in 2026, with battery storage expected in 2027.

FITCHBURG, Wis. — A solar energy center is coming to Fitchburg. 

Madison Gas and Electric received approval from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to build a 20-megawatt solar array and 40-MW battery storage system in Fitchburg. 

MGE stated “Known as the Sunnyside Solar Energy Center, the project will provide locally generated solar energy to MGE’s distribution system.” 

”MGE shares our customers the goal of a more sustainable energy future,” said Jeff Keebler, MGE chairman, president, and CEO. 

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. 

EDF Renewables is the project developer. The solar array is expected to begin serving customers in 2026; the battery storage is expected in 2027. 

The 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.

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