MGE Seeks to Expand Popular Community Solar Program

A voluntary program, Shared Solar II proposal includes a low-income participation option.

Madison, Wis., April 3, 2024—Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) is asking the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to approve a new community solar program largely based on Shared Solar, MGE's original and fully subscribed community solar program. Shared Solar II would offer participants the option to pay a minimal up-front fee to subscribe to receive energy from a local solar array for six years as the company continues to work toward reduced carbon emissions of at least 80% by 2030 (based on 2005 levels). 

Under Shared Solar II, customers who may not own their residence or who do not want to install rooftop solar could receive additional solar energy from MGE. Customers also would be able to take their subscription with them if they move within the MGE service territory.

 "MGE shares with our customers the goal of a more sustainable energy future. We continue to invest in the greater use of cost-effective, utility-scale renewable resources as we work toward our carbon reduction goals," said Jeff Keebler, MGE Chairman, President and CEO. "Shared Solar II builds on the success of our popular community solar program and provides our customers with another option for affordable, locally generated, carbon-free energy while also reducing costs for nonparticipating customers. Our Shared Solar II program also includes a proposal for a participation option for eligible low-income customers."

Under its commitments to reducing carbon, by 2030, MGE expects to deliver electricity with 80% fewer carbon emissions to every electric customer. Similarly, by 2050, MGE expects to deliver net-zero carbon electricity to every electric customer. MGE's carbon reduction goals are aligned with climate science. 

Shared Solar II program details

MGE residential and small business electric customers who choose to participate in Shared Solar II 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. Participating customers would pay a minimal up‑front participation fee based on the number of shares they choose. 

A low-income alternative also is proposed for Shared Solar II. Under the proposed low-income option, eligible customers would pay a smaller up-front participation fee to reserve shares and a lower energy rate to participate. This energy rate also would be fixed for the duration of the six-year agreement. Eligible customers could include those who receive energy assistance from the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program, the Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund, the MGE Energy Fund, housing-related funding or other sources. 

Strix Solar

Strix Solar, a 6-megawatt (MW) solar array being built in Fitchburg, would serve the Shared Solar II program. The project will be built on about 30 acres at the corner of Byrne and Syene roads. Shared Solar II would account for two MW of the output from Strix Solar during its first six years of operation. 

The Strix Solar project is being developed by OneEnergy Renewables. It's expected to begin serving customers by the end of 2024. 

About MGE

MGE generates and distributes electricity to 163,000 customers in Dane County, Wis., and purchases and distributes natural gas to 176,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties. MGE's parent company is MGE Energy, Inc. The company's roots in the Madison area date back more than 150 years.