Wisconsin Ag Connection - UW-Madison to Benefit from Proposed O'Brien Solar Project

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UW-Madison to Benefit from Proposed O'Brien Solar Project
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 10/19/2020

The University of Wisconsin-Madison will purchase half of the energy produced by a proposed solar generation facility being developed in Dane County. The 20-megawatt solar array that Madison Gas and Electric will build in Fitchburg in partnership with EDF Renewables was approved earlier this month by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.

Located on the O'Brien family farm, the O'Brien Solar Fields will provide locally generated solar energy to businesses, municipalities and public institutions under MGE's Renewable Energy Rider. The UW System Board of Regents approved UW-Madison's participation in the RER program in February.

The O'Brien Solar Fields will feature 60,000 bifacial solar panels on approximately 160 acres and will provide an opportunity for students and faculty to engage in research and take field trips. Energy from the solar array will account for approximately five percent of UW-Madison's electricity use.

MGE will own, operate and maintain the solar operation. In addition to UW-Madison, the utility will partner with the City of Fitchburg, Placon, Promega Corporation, Tribe 9 Foods, Willy Street Co-op, and the Wisconsin Department of Administration on the project.

Construction is expected to begin this year, with the project going online by early 2021.

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