Madison Reporter: City of Madison Reaches Major Solar Milestone

The City of Madison recently celebrated a significant milestone, announcing that it has reached 2 megawatts of installed and commissioned solar on its buildings and facilities. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway expressed her excitement at the accomplishment, stating, “This is a huge milestone for the City. We are excited not only for reaching two megawatts of solar on our facilities, but for how quickly we have reached that goal.” The Mayor emphasized the importance of continuing to add solar installations across the community.

The City of Madison has solar installations on 38 different City facilities, totaling 6,203 panels. Mayor Rhodes-Conway highlighted the environmental impact of these installations, stating, “That is saving us over 1800 tons of carbon emissions each year. That’s the equivalent to the total energy usage of 237 homes annually. That’s equivalent to planting 30,000 trees.”

The majority of the installed solar on City buildings is a result of the GreenPower program, which began in 2016 and has grown to a team of thirteen staff members dedicated to achieving the City’s solar power goals. Brooke Peterson, a former trainee of GreenPower and current City of Madison Electrician Trainee, shared how the program has positively impacted her career trajectory, stating, “I often stop and think about the positive impacts these projects provide for our city and the personal gratification to be a part of building something so monumental and meaningful.”

Looking ahead, the City of Madison remains committed to solar energy for its local and global benefits. Mayor Rhodes-Conway emphasized the importance of solar energy in reaching the City’s climate goals, stating, “We are well on track for our 2030 goal, and need everyone’s help to get our 2050 goal.”

City of Madison Engineering Division Deputy for Facilities Bryan Cooper shared that the City's goal is to install nearly 1 megawatt of solar per year through 2030, with a notable project in 2024 being a partnership with the federal Department of Energy to install over 400 kW solar power systems at the Community Development Authority Truax Apartment Complex, benefiting lower-income tenants.

City of Madison Sustainability Program Coordinator Gregg May encouraged residents to take advantage of current incentives for solar energy, stating, “With the Inflation Reduction Act, solar panels and other sustainability features are currently 30 percent off, thanks to rebates and tax incentives.” May highlighted the City of Madison MadiSUN Program as a resource for residents interested in going solar.

The City of Madison's achievement of reaching 2 megawatts of installed solar power marks a significant step towards its renewable energy and sustainability goals, showcasing its commitment to a cleaner and greener future for the community.

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