Solar Array Construction Underway in Fitchburg

Solar panel installation is underway at Madison Gas and Electric's (MGE) O'Brien Solar Fields project in Fitchburg. The 20-megawatt (MW) array will provide locally generated solar energy to local businesses, municipalities and public institutions under MGE's innovative Renewable Energy Rider (RER).
O'Brien Solar

 
MGE is partnering with the following customers on the project through RER agreements: 
  • City of Fitchburg
  • Placon 
  • Promega Corporation 
  • Tribe 9 Foods
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Willy Street Co-op
  • Wisconsin Department of Administration
Spanning about 160 acres, the project will consist of more than 60,000 bifacial solar panels. After construction, MGE will own the solar fields and lease the land from the O'Brien family. The array is expected to come online this year. It will be the largest solar project in Dane County.


Renewable Energy Rider 

MGE's RER enables the utility to partner with a large energy user to tailor a renewable energy solution to meet that customer's energy needs. Customers that will be served by the O'Brien Solar Fields have entered into RER agreements with MGE. The agreements were approved by state regulators. 

RER customers are responsible for costs associated with the renewable generation facility and any distribution costs to deliver energy to the customer. The innovative model grows clean energy in the community, helping MGE to achieve its goal of net-zero carbon electricity by 2050.