Catching Up: MGE's solar-power trailer still teaching the public
Looking to take advantage of those days without rain and put the sun's rays to work ?
Madison Gas & Electric Co. is showing the public how solar power works, with its solar trailer.
Introduced on Earth Day, April 22, the trailer has been traveling to festivals and other gatherings. At least 2,000 people have toured the vehicle, said MGE spokesman Bryan Brosamle.
"There's an amazing amount of interest in solar power by our customers," Brosamle said.
Two types of solar panels are mounted on the trailer's roof. "It actually generates electricity while you're standing in it," he said. "You'll be able to see the meters run."
One solar panel costs about $8,500 to buy and install, but federal tax breaks and state grants can lower the price. Each panel can produce 1,500 kilowatt hours of electricity a year, or more than one-fifth of the estimated 7,000 kilowatt hours of power the average residential MGE customer uses annually, Brosamle said.
MGE has solar demonstration projects around the city at locations such as Madison's high schools and the UW Arboretum.
In addition, through its Green Power Tomorrow program, 22 homes and eight businesses are equipped with solar panels. The electricity they generate becomes part of the community's power source.
"We buy the solar power and put it onto the (electric) grid. Some days, they're selling to MGE. Some days, they're buying from MGE," Brosamle said.
MGE also is a partner with the city of Madison, Focus on Energy and the UW Extension in the city's MadiSUN program. With the help of a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, the goal is to double the number of solar installations in Madison over the next two years.
The solar trailer's upcoming appearances include:
• June 24, Eastside Farmers' Market, 201 S. Ingersoll St.;
• July 19-20, Hybrid Fest at the Alliant Energy Center;
• July 26, Fiesta Hispana at the Alliant Energy Center;
• Aug. 17, Bayview Triangle Fest.
— Judy Newman
Whatever happened to ... Look for Catching Up on Fridays in the Local section. Send your ideas to: justaskus@madison.com; 608-252-6192; Just Ask Us, P.O. Box 8058, Madison, WI 53708.
