Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) and We Energies, a subsidiary of WEC Energy Group, have successfully initiated operations at the Badger Hollow Solar Farm, marking it as the largest solar PV plant in Wisconsin.
The 300MW facility, situated near Montfort and Cobb in Iowa County, Wisconsin, was commissioned in two phases, with the first 150MW becoming operational in December 2021, and the second phase commencing last month.
See also: Alliant Energy Expands Solar Portfolio, Adds 514 MW to Wisconsin's Renewable Mix
We Energies' affiliate, Wisconsin Public Service, holds a 100MW stake in the first phase, while MGE owns the remaining 50MW. For the second phase, We Energies possesses 100MW of the plant's capacity, with MGE holding the remaining 50MW. The solar PV plant is equipped with 830,000 bi-facial solar modules.
Jeff Keebler, Chairman, President, and CEO of MGE, expressed, “The completion of the solar PV plant is another step in our ongoing transition to greater use of renewable energy to serve all customers. By 2030, we expect every MGE customer will have 80% fewer carbon emissions from their electricity use.”
In a collaborative effort announced last year, MGE, We Energies, and Wisconsin Public Service unveiled plans to procure output from the Koshkonong Solar Energy Centre. This upcoming facility, located in Wisconsin's Dane County and expected to begin operations in late 2025, will comprise 300MW of solar energy capacity and 165MW of battery storage.
MGE will own 30MW of solar energy and 16.5MW of battery storage, with We Energies and WPS collectively owning the remaining 270MW of solar capacity and 148.5MW of battery storage. Invenergy LLC is the designated project developer for the Koshkonong Solar Energy Centre.
