We Energies and Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) are setting another milestone in delivering affordable, reliable and clean energy to their customers. The final panels at the Badger Hollow Solar Park are now in service, completing the largest solar project in Wisconsin history.
Badger Hollow Solar Park is a 300-megawatt (MW) renewable energy facility located near the communities of Montfort and Cobb in Iowa County. The project came online in two 150-MW phases. The second phase began powering homes and businesses across Wisconsin last month. The facility’s first phase went online in December 2021.
The solar parks 300 MW generating capacity is equal to powering about 90,000 homes.
The project features 830,000 solar panels that move and track the sun throughout the day, maximizing power generation. The panels also capture solar energy on both sides — an especially useful feature in winter when sun reflects off the snow and onto the panels.
“This groundbreaking project demonstrates our commitment to delivering a bright, sustainable future for our customers and communities,” said Scott Lauber, president and CEO — We Energies. “From frigid winter mornings through the hottest summer days, Badger Hollow Solar Park will play an important role in helping us deliver affordable, reliable and clean energy.”
“Wisconsin utilities have a long history of working together, and I appreciate the partnership with We Energies to make this project a great success,” said Jeff Keebler, MGE Chairman, President and CEO. “The completion of Badger Hollow is another step in our ongoing transition to greater use of cost-effective, carbon-free, renewable energy to serve all MGE electric customers. By 2030, we expect every MGE electric customer will have 80% fewer carbon emissions from their electricity use simply by being an MGE customer as we work toward our goal of net-zero carbon electricity.”
We Energies and MGE jointly own the second phase of the Badger Hollow Solar Park. We Energies owns 100 MW of the facility’s capacity, with MGE owning 50 MW. We Energies sister company Wisconsin Public Service owns 100 MW of the first phase of the park, and MGE owns the other 50 MW.
The electricity produced at Badger Hollow is sent to the grid, providing renewable energy for Wisconsin homes and businesses.
Badger Hollow Solar Park was developed by American-led Invenergy, the leading privately-held developer, owner, and operator of sustainable energy solutions.
Continuing a commitment to homegrown renewable energy
Badger Hollow Solar Park is among several clean energy projects We Energies operates across Wisconsin. The company delivers renewable energy each day through the state’s largest wind parks, its hydroelectric dams and more than 25 solar projects that are part of its innovative Solar Now program.
We Energies and its parent company, WEC Energy Group, also are advancing plans for more renewable energy facilities in Wisconsin. Over the next five years, the company plans to invest in 3,800 MW of new solar, wind and battery storage projects in the state — more than quadrupling the company’s carbon-free generation.