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CLEANER ENERGY

Sunnyside is MGE’s first local solar project to include battery storage.

A new solar project in Fitchburg will soon be serving MGE customers with carbon-free energy. Sunnyside Solar Energy Center will be MGE’s first local solar facility to include battery storage. The project, currently under construction, will include 40 megawatts (MW) of four-hour battery storage.  

Sunnyside’s 20 MW of solar capacity will provide enough electricity to power about 6,000 households annually. Both the solar array and battery storage are expected to begin serving customers later this fall. 

How battery storage works 

Battery energy storage systems store electricity for use when it's needed most. Similar to the rechargeable battery in your phone or laptop, utility-scale batteries are charged with electricity and then discharge that electricity later. 

When solar arrays are producing more electricity than customers are using—such as during sunny afternoons—the batteries store some of the excess energy. Later, when the sun isn't shining or when electricity demand increases, MGE can quickly dispatch the stored energy to the electric grid. 

Helping MGE move toward net-zero carbon electricity 

MGE is working to reduce carbon as quickly, responsibly and cost-effectively as possible as we work toward net-zero carbon electricity. Battery storage is an important tool as we continue to increase the amount of carbon-free energy serving our customers. 

By pairing solar arrays with battery storage, we can capture more of the renewable energy produced and provide cleaner electricity to customers throughout more hours of the day.  

Battery storage also provides flexibility and reliability for the electric grid. Batteries can respond almost instantly to changes in electricity demand or energy production, helping balance the demands on the grid and support reliable service.