MGE’s Tyto Solar Serving Customers - MGE Energy, Inc. - Madison, Wisconsin

MGE’s Tyto Solar Serving Customers

MGE’s 6-megawatt Tyto Solar facility during construction in Fitchburg, Wis.

MGE’s 6-megawatt Tyto Solar facility during construction in Fitchburg, Wis.

Our utility subsidiary, Madison Gas and Electric (MGE), has introduced its latest solar array, the 6-megawatt (MW) Tyto Solar project in Fitchburg. The generating facility became fully operational in February, delivering locally generated, carbon-free energy to MGE’s distribution grid. Like MGE’s other Madison-area renewable energy projects, Tyto Solar is a distributed energy resource that is connected to MGE’s distribution system. Tyto Solar serves all MGE electric customers.

“This project is another step in our journey toward net-zero carbon electricity for all MGE electric customers,” said Jeff Keebler, MGE Chairman, President and CEO. “Our target is reduced carbon emissions. Under our commitment, by 2030, every MGE electric customer will have 80% fewer carbon emissions associated with their electricity use simply by being an MGE customer. Everyone we serve will reap the benefits of a cleaner grid as we invest cost-effectively for a net-zero carbon future.”

The project uses bifacial solar panels. Bifacial solar panels produce energy from both sides as they track the sun throughout the day. OneEnergy Renewables developed and constructed the Tyto Solar project.

MGE owns the array and leases the land. Tyto is expected to generate enough electricity to power about 1,400 households each year. 

Working toward 80% reduced carbon emissions by 2030

Tyto Solar is one of several projects to help MGE achieve its industry-leading carbon reduction goals. With the addition of the Red Barn Wind Farm and the second phase of the Badger Hollow Solar Farm in 2023, MGE added nearly 60 MW of wind and solar to our energy supply mix last year to serve all MGE electric customers.

More than 50 MW of solar generation is expected to be added to MGE’s energy supply mix by the end of this year with projects currently in development. MGE continues to evaluate other potential clean energy investments as we work toward net-zero carbon electricity.

To achieve deep decarbonization, MGE is growing its use of renewable energy, engaging customers around energy efficiency and working to electrify transportation, all of which are key strategies identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.