Fitchburg Solar Project Now Serving MGE Customers

In late January, our utility subsidiary, Madison Gas and Electric (MGE), announced the 6-megawatt (MW) Strix Solar project in Fitchburg became operational. Two-thirds of the project serve all MGE electric customers with locally generated, carbon-free energy. The remaining two MW are expected 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.  

"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," said Jeff Keebler, MGE Chairman, President and CEO. "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." 

The Strix Solar array includes bifacial solar panels that produce energy from both sides as they track the sun throughout the day. The facility was developed for MGE by U.S.-based OneEnergy Renewables.  

Shared Solar – Strix 

MGE’s proposed new community solar option is based on MGE's original and fully subscribed community solar program, Shared Solar. If approved, Shared Solar – Strix would offer participants the option to pay a minimal up-front fee to subscribe to receive energy from the Strix array for six years as MGE works toward its goal of 80% reduced carbon emissions by 2030. 

MGE residential and small business electric customers who choose to participate would receive carbon-free energy for up to 50% of their annual consumption and would lock in their energy rate for the six-year term of the agreement. A low-income alternative also is proposed for Shared Solar – Strix. Learn more about joining the Shared Solar waiting list at mge.com/sharedsolar. 

Working toward net-zero carbon electricity  

MGE is working to achieve deep decarbonization, consistent with global climate science, as quickly, responsibly and cost-effectively as possible. By 2030, on behalf of all customers, MGE expects to deliver electricity with 80% fewer carbon emissions, and by 2050, MGE expects to deliver net-zero carbon electricity.