From beverages to bakery, a variety of local products are made daily with renewable energy available through MGE's Shared Solar program.  

The coffee produced at Just Coffee Cooperative, a worker-owned roaster in Madison, is one such product. 

"Coffee roasting can be an energy-intensive business," said Rob McClure, an owner of Just Coffee. "We carefully monitor our carbon footprint and take steps to offset the emissions that result from our daily operations. Purchasing renewable energy from MGE's Shared Solar program is an easy and effective way to help achieve that goal."

More businesses are finding value in opportunities like Shared Solar that provide an easy way to lower their environmental impact, helping us create a more sustainable energy future. This is a key reason Giant Jones Brewing Co., a Madison-based independent craft brewery, joined the program. 

"At Giant Jones Brewing, we make big beers for everyone. To us, that means whether or not you drink our beer, it (and the process of making it) should be good for everyone," explained Erika Jones, Giant Jones CEO and Co-Owner. "By becoming the only certified organic brewery in Wisconsin, we made the commitment that our sourcing would be transparent and sustainable—supporting and enriching ecosystems. By becoming part of Shared Solar, we are furthering our commitment to making sure our impact on the community is a positive one—investing in renewable energy and doing our best to minimize our carbon footprint." 

Another local brewery, Karben4 Brewing, also chose Shared Solar as a way to be a community partner in sustainability.

"We thought participating in Shared Solar was one small thing we could do to be a productive member of this community," said Zak Koga, an owner of Karben4 Brewing, a full-scale production brewery that began as a start-up brewpub on the east side of Madison in 2012. "We are so grateful for all of the support everyone in the Madison area has shown us, and it is our duty to continue to look forward and earn that support." 

Easy and affordable 

Shared Solar gives customers across MGE's electric service territory the opportunity to power their business or home with locally generated solar energy at a minimal cost. Subscribers to the voluntary program can purchase up to half of their annual electricity use through Shared Solar. ORIGIN Breads, a growing Madison-based bakery that uses 100% locally grown organic grains, appreciates the affordability of the program. 

"We recently moved into a new space and purchased an electric oven in hopes of eventually being able to power it with renewable energy," said Kirk Smock, owner of ORIGIN Breads. "Shared Solar has allowed us to start using solar energy sooner than planned—and with a low initial investment."  

"We will benefit from reduced electric costs for the lifetime of the community solar project," McClure added. “It’s a win-win when we can cut emissions and electric costs—all without having to purchase and install solar panels on our facility." 

With Shared Solar, MGE owns and operates the solar array, so participating businesses do not need to install and maintain panels or make adjustments to their rooftops. 

Customers care 

Businesses also make their products with Shared Solar because they know that their customers appreciate sustainable actions. 

"Our customers are thirsty for change and hope. Seeing businesses and products they enjoy being part of long-term solutions matters to our customers," Jones explained. "As a business, we have the opportunity to make a significant impact because we have higher energy use. We can set the bar a little higher, push for more sustainable options and hopefully move toward a more sustainable energy future for everyone." 

"We recognize that our customers are implicit in every business choice that we make, and we feel strongly that they find great value in knowing that our breads and baked goods are made with renewable solar energy," Smock added. 

Making an impact 

Just Coffee, ORIGIN Breads, Karben4 and Giant Jones are four local businesses that are making a difference in the community. Their combined participation in renewable energy from MGE will eliminate an estimated 175,240 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year. This is equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions produced by 22 gasoline-powered cars and the carbon dioxide emissions from 11 homes' energy use for one year.  

"We hope our decision to participate in Shared Solar is part of a larger pattern of behavior that shows our customers and our community that K4 will always strive to give more than we take from our community," Koga said. 

Shared Solar for your business 

MGE's Shared Solar program helps meet the needs of customers who want affordable, locally sourced solar energy. Learn more about how your business can take part in this voluntary effort at mge.com/sharedsolar.  Back to Cover