MGE Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Tesla Megapack battery energy storage system installed by Westphal & Company for MGE in the Madison area

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

MGE Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Dane County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Madison Area

OWNER

MGE

Tesla Megapack battery energy storage system installed by Westphal & Company for MGE in the Madison area
Aerial view of Tesla Megapack battery energy storage system installed by Westphal & Company for MGE
Battery energy storage system infrastructure installed by Westphal & Company for MGE in Wisconsin

Westphal & Company partnered on three 7 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) installations for Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) in and around the Madison area. Utilizing Tesla Megapack technology, these systems help store and distribute electricity during periods of peak demand, improving overall grid stability and reliability.

Westphal was responsible for underground electrical infrastructure, switchgear installation, balance of system components, and battery equipment connections. Our crews also set and connected batteries and associated equipment on owner-provided concrete pads.

Construction took place during challenging winter conditions, requiring detailed coordination and flexibility from our field teams to maintain project schedules safely and efficiently. Despite the weather-related obstacles, our electricians successfully completed the work on schedule while maintaining the level of quality and execution required for critical energy infrastructure projects.

Projects like these continue to support the modernization and resiliency of Wisconsin’s energy infrastructure as utility providers expand battery storage capabilities.

Key Project Highlights
  • Three 7 MW Tesla Megapack installations
  • Underground electrical infrastructure installation
  • Switchgear installation and connections
  • Balance of system (BOS) electrical work
  • Battery equipment setting and terminations
  • Winter construction coordination and execution
  • Utility and energy infrastructure support
  • Madison-area grid reliability improvements

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The Center for Black Excellence and Culture

Aerial view of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture showcasing the modern building exterior

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

the center for
black excellence & culture

Dane County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Madison, WI

OWNER

The Center for Black Excellence & Culture

ARCHITECT

JLA

Aerial view of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture showcasing the modern building exterior
Collaborative workspace seating inside The Center for Black Excellence and Culture featuring modern booths, pendant lighting, and vibrant interior design.
Center for Black Excellence 3
Interior gathering space at The Center for Black Excellence and Culture featuring colorful artwork, modern architecture
Modern kitchenette and lounge area inside The Center for Black Excellence and Culture featuring contemporary finishes, bar seating, and pendant lighting.
The Center for Black Excellence and Culture building exterior at sunset

Photo Credit: Cronkright Creative LLC 

The Center for Black Excellence & Culture is designed to be more than a building. It’s a first-of-its-kind space created to “bring Black culture, creativity, leadership, research, and innovation under one roof, creating a movement that transforms the future of the Black community in Madison, Wisconsin and beyond.”  

Westphal & Company delivered the project through a design-build approach, completing electrical systems across the three-story facility. 

Project highlights include: 

  • Electrical distribution, branch circuitry, theatrical lighting, AV infrastructure, fire alarm systems, and lighting controls
  • Over 800 light fixtures installed, including more than 100 unique fixture types
  • 1,600-amp, 208-volt, 3-phase electrical service
  • 10 electrical panels throughout the building
  • Highly coordinated installations across recording studios, classrooms, conference rooms, gallery spaces, makerspaces, executive offices, and event venues
  • Large multipurpose event space designed to support lectures, concerts, performances, and community events

One of the most technically demanding portions of the project involved coordinating complex lighting installations across multiple ceiling systems while maintaining schedule and design intent.  

Through BIM coordination, strong field leadership, and close collaboration between trades, the team successfully adapted to ongoing design changes throughout construction.  

Proud to help bring this project to the Madison community. 

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One09 Apartments

The Center for Black Excellence and Culture building exterior at sunset with modern architecture and illuminated windows under a cloudy sky.

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

one09 apartments

Dane County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Madison, WI

OWNER

Quad Capital

ARCHITECT

Potter Lawson

Resident community lounge at One09 Apartments with views of the Wisconsin State Capitol
The Center for Black Excellence and Culture building exterior at sunset with modern architecture and illuminated windows under a cloudy sky.
Modern apartment kitchen and living space inside One09 Apartments in downtown Madison
Bar interior at One Social District restaurant inside One09 Apartments in downtown Madison
Chophouse dining room at One Social District restaurant inside One09 Apartments Madison

Photo Credit: Potter Lawson, Inc.

One09 Apartments Overview

Located along the shores of Lake Monona in downtown Madison, One09 Apartments is a modern high-rise residential development designed to maximize lakefront views and luxury living. The building includes 12 floors of apartment units, a penthouse level, three levels of underground parking, and a full amenity floor overlooking the lake and the State Capitol.

Westphal & Company completed the full electrical scope for the apartment tower and restaurant spaces, totaling $9.7 million in electrical work, while Globalcom Technologies led the low-voltage systems that connect the building’s communications, security, and AV infrastructure.

Key Project Highlights

Full electrical installation for the apartment tower and first-floor restaurant spaces

  • Integrated structured cabling, AV, access control, and security systems connected to the property management platform
  • 131,000+ feet of CAT6 cabling
  • 70,000+ feet of CAT6A cabling
  • 6,000 feet of single-mode fiber
  • Installation of 7,000+ light fixtures
  • Installation of 10,000+ electrical outlets
  • Three 2,500-amp electrical services
  • 800-amp fire pump
  • AV systems installed in multiple amenity spaces including:
    • Pool area
    • Fitness center
    • Club room
    • Rooftop terrace

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Rock County Jail & Law Enforcement Services

Exterior view of a modern courtyard with landscaped walkways, seating areas, and large windows on an institutional building.

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

Rock County Jail & Law Enforcement Services

Rock County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Janesville, WI

CLIENT

Rock County Wisconsin

ENGINEER/ARCHITECT

JP Cullen

SIZE

240k sq. ft.
Exterior view of a modern courtyard with landscaped walkways, seating areas, and large windows on an institutional building.
Interior service counter area with signage and enclosed workspace inside an institutional building.
Interior lobby space with seating, tables, and natural light from large windows.
Outdoor courtyard seating area with tables, landscaping, and surrounding institutional building walls.
Exterior view of a newly constructed institutional building with modern facade and surrounding construction area.
Interior courtyard view with landscaped stone beds, walkways, and surrounding building walls.
Active construction site showing masonry walls, aerial lifts, and building infrastructure under construction.
Concrete floor with rebar reinforcement installed prior to a concrete pour inside a construction site.
Aerial view of a multi-story building under construction with interior rooms, scaffolding, and structural walls visible.
Aerial view of a large institutional campus showing multiple connected buildings, parking areas, and surrounding roadways.

Rock County Jail & Law Enforcement Services Project Overview

The Rock County Jail and Law Enforcement Services project includes a comprehensive expansion and renovation of existing public safety facilities to support the consolidation of sheriff’s department operations. The scope includes an addition to the existing sheriff’s department, an expansion of the jail, renovation of the current sheriff’s department space, and demolition of a 100 year old five story building to make room for the new facility.

Westphal and Company supported the project through extensive electrical and low voltage infrastructure work across multiple scopes. Electrical work included modification of the existing 3,000 amp service, installation of a new 1,200 amp service for the jail, generator replacement, and the installation of power distribution, lighting, lighting controls, and fire alarm systems. In parallel, structured cabling and communications infrastructure were installed to support operational, security, and future technology needs.

Low voltage and technology work was coordinated across multiple teams and vendors, with Westphal completing structured cabling and backbone infrastructure while the owner’s specialty vendor installed detention and security systems. This coordinated approach ensured system readiness while maintaining clear scope boundaries across all project partners.

Key Project Highlights

  • Addition to the existing sheriff’s department facility
  • Expansion of the Rock County jail
  • Renovation of the existing sheriff’s department
  • Demolition of a 100 year old five story building
  • Modification of the existing 3,000A electrical service
  • Installation of a new 1,200A electrical service for the jail
  • Generator replacement
  • Power distribution, lighting, and lighting controls
  • Fire alarm system installation
  • VDV, access control, and CCTV rough ins
  • Cat 6a station cabling and terminations
  • Telecommunications room cabinets and racks
  • Fiber optic backbone cabling and terminations
  • RG 6 and HDMI cabling to TV and display locations
  • Coordination with owner’s vendor for cameras, intercoms, card readers, detention door equipment, and duress alarm systems

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Madison Lafollette High School Solar

Overhead aerial view of a rooftop solar array with evenly spaced photovoltaic panels installed on a flat commercial roof.

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

Madison La follette High School Solar

Dane County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Milwaukee, WI

CLIENT

Madison Metropolitan School District

ENGINEER/ARCHITECT

N/A

SIZE

131 kW
Overhead aerial view of a rooftop solar array with evenly spaced photovoltaic panels installed on a flat commercial roof.
Exterior wall view showing rooftop solar electrical equipment, conduit runs, and access ladder on a commercial building.
Wall mounted solar inverters, disconnects, and electrical conduit installed on a brick commercial building.

La Follette High School Project Overview

Westphal and Company installed a ballasted rooftop solar array on the new gymnasium at La Follette High School in Madison, Wisconsin. The installation was coordinated as part of the school’s expanded facilities, requiring careful planning to integrate the system into the existing electrical infrastructure.

Due to building layout constraints, conduit routing presented a key challenge. Piping was routed through three interior hallways, spanning more than 300 feet before tying into the school’s main electrical room. This work required precise coordination to maintain clearances, minimize disruption within occupied spaces, and ensure a clean, code-compliant installation.

Key Project Highlights

  • Installation of a ballasted rooftop solar array on the new gymnasium
  • Interior conduit routing through three hallways
  • Over 300 feet of conduit installed to reach the electrical room
  • Electrical interconnection completed at the school’s main electrical room
  • Coordination within an active K–12 school environment

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IBEW Local 494 Solar Project

Aerial view of the IBEW Local 494 building with rooftop solar panels and adjacent solar canopy installation area.

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

IBEW Local 494 Solar

Milwaukee County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Milwaukee, WI

CLIENT

IBEW Local 494

ENGINEER/ARCHITECT

Westphal & Company

SIZE

75 kW
Aerial view of the IBEW Local 494 building with rooftop solar panels and adjacent solar canopy installation area.
Aerial view of the ballasted rooftop solar array installed on the IBEW Local 494 building.
Westphal and Company solar installation crew standing in front of the completed solar canopy at IBEW Local 494.
Electric vehicle charging at dual-pedestal EV stations located beneath the solar canopy at IBEW Local 494.
SolarEdge inverters and electrical service equipment mounted on the exterior brick wall at the IBEW Local 494 facility.
Drone view of the 36 kW cantilevered solar canopy structure in the IBEW Local 494 parking lot.

IBEW Local 494 Solar Project Overview

Westphal and Company delivered full EPC services for the IBEW Local 494 Solar Project in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The design-build installation includes both rooftop and parking canopy solar systems that serve as an educational case study for IBEW members interested in renewable energy technologies and electrical construction methods.

The project features a 36 kW cantilevered canopy array that covers twelve parking stalls, providing both energy generation and weather protection. Beneath the structure, Westphal installed two dual-pedestal EV charging units to support vehicle electrification for the union’s staff and members. On the roof of the facility, a 39.2 kW ballasted solar array was added to further expand the site’s clean energy capacity.

In addition to the new arrays, the project included the removal of two dual-axis tracking systems originally installed in the early 2000s. These upgrades improve system reliability, reduce maintenance needs, and create a modern platform for hands-on training and demonstrations. The combination of canopy, rooftop, and EV charging infrastructure makes the installation a valuable resource for IBEW members and a strong example of Westphal’s integrated design-build solar capabilities.

Key Project Highlights

  • Full EPC, design-build solar installation for IBEW Local 494
  • 36 kW cantilevered parking canopy covering twelve stalls
  • Two dual-pedestal EV charging stations installed under the canopy
  • 39.2 kW ballasted rooftop solar array
  • Removal and replacement of early-2000s dual-axis tracker systems
  • Designed as a hands-on learning resource for IBEW members

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Centro Hispano

Centro Hispano community center exterior at dusk

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

Centro Hispano

Dane County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Madison, WI

CLIENT

Centro Hispano of Dane County

GC

Findorff

Project Schedule

Sept. 2022 - April 2024

Centro Hispano Community Center Overview

The Centro Hispano community center project showcases Westphal and Company’s work on a highly collaborative, community focused facility in Dane County.

Centro Hispano’s new facility in Madison, Wisconsin transforms a former industrial site into a vibrant community center supporting youth programs, workforce development, and cultural services. Westphal and Company delivered the full electrical scope for this award-winning project, collaborating closely with the design and construction team to meet architectural, cultural, and sustainability goals.

The project has been widely recognized, earning the IIDA WI First Place Community Award, a 3-Star Climate Champion designation, and inclusion in the Daily Reporter’s Top Projects of 2024.

Westphal’s work required detailed coordination and innovative installation methods due to the building’s diverse spaces and intricate design elements. Crews integrated lighting systems into custom architectural features, implemented advanced lighting controls, and strategically placed electrical equipment in tight or nontraditional locations to maintain clearances and design intent. BIM coordination, total station layout, and a high level of prefabrication supported accuracy, reduced rework, and improved field productivity.

Key Project Highlights

  • Award-winning community facility with complex architectural features
  • Advanced lighting systems and controls coordinated across multiple trades
  • Strategic routing and placement of electrical equipment in constrained spaces
  • BIM, total station layout, and extensive prefabrication to streamline installation
  • Sustainability incorporated during early collaboration, supporting a 3-Star Climate Champion rating

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Rock Lake Solar

Aerial view of the Rock Lake Solar project in Waterloo, Wisconsin, showing rows of solar panels arranged in multiple large sections surrounded by fall foliage.

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

Rock Lake Solar

Jefferson County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Waterloo, WI

CLIENT

OneEnergy Renewables

ENGINEER/ARCHITECT

OneEnergy Renewables

SIZE

5.7 MWDC

The Rock Lake Solar project is a 5.7 MWDC utility scale installation located in Waterloo, Wisconsin and developed by OneEnergy Renewables. Westphal & Company delivered the full construction scope for the site, beginning with civil site work and trenching to prepare the array for pile installation and structural foundations. The project occupies a highly visible location just north of Interstate 94, near the Lake Mills exit, making it a prominent example of regional clean energy development.

Once piles and racking foundations were in place, Westphal crews installed the solar modules, completed DC string wiring and made final electrical connections at the inverter pads and utility transformer locations. All circuits were tested and documented, with QA/QC processes carried throughout construction to support system reliability and long-term performance.

Key Project Highlights

  • 5.7 MWDC utility scale solar array in Waterloo, Wisconsin
  • Civil work and trenching completed prior to pile installation
  • Full module installation and DC string wiring
  • Final terminations at inverters and transformer pads
  • Comprehensive circuit testing and QA/QC during installation
  • High-visibility installation along Interstate 94

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Bridges Elementary School

Aerial image showing completed rooftop solar arrays across the Bridges Elementary School buildings and playground areas.

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

bridges elementary school

Sauk County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Sauk City, WI

CLIENT

Sauk Prairie School District

ENGINEER/ARCHITECT

Westphal & Company

SIZE

200 kW
Aerial view of rooftop solar arrays installed on multiple sections of the Bridges Elementary School campus.
Aerial image showing completed rooftop solar arrays across the Bridges Elementary School buildings and playground areas.
Three Westphal & Company electricians standing with a solar panel during rooftop solar installation at Bridges Elementary School in Sauk City, Wisconsin.
Rows of ballasted solar panels installed across the rooftop of Bridges Elementary School with crews working in the background.
Westphal electricians securing rooftop solar panels as part of the Bridges Elementary School installation.
Two Westphal electricians standing beside rooftop solar equipment during installation at Bridges Elementary School.

The Bridges Elementary School solar project in Sauk City Wisconsin is a 200 kW ballasted rooftop installation delivered for the Sauk Prairie School District. Awarded through a competitive bidding process, Westphal & Company served as the EPC contractor, providing engineering, procurement and construction services for the full system. Racking, ballast, modules and balance of system components were craned to the roof, with ballast stone swept away from beneath the racking before placement. The racking and ballast block were set directly on the roof membrane to support the ballasted array design.

Once the mechanical installation was complete, Westphal’s team installed the solar modules and routed all DC wiring to the inverters. From the inverters, AC power is delivered to the school’s main distribution panel to help offset power purchased from the local utility. Two Sauk City graduates worked on the project as electrical apprentices, providing a direct connection between the school community and the installation. The system was completed in the summer of 2025, and a ribbon cutting held on September 9, 2025 celebrated the activation of the new rooftop solar array.

Key Project Highlights

  • 200 kW ballasted rooftop solar array in Sauk City, Wisconsin
  • EPC delivery by Westphal & Company for the Sauk Prairie School District
  • Materials craned to the roof, with ballast stone cleared prior to racking placement
  • DC wiring routed to inverters, with AC power tied into the school’s main distribution panel
  • Involvement of two Sauk City graduates as electrical apprentices during construction
  • System completed in summer 2025, with a ribbon cutting on September 9, 2025

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Spring Brook Solar

Aerial view of the 6.9 MWDC Spring Brook Solar array in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

Spring brook solar

Walworth County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Whitewater, WI

CLIENT

OneEnergy Renewables

ENGINEER/ARCHITECT

OneEnergy Renewables

SIZE

6.9 MWDC
Aerial view of the 6.9 MWDC Spring Brook Solar array in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Aerial view of the inverter skid and transformer assembly at the Spring Brook Solar project in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Aerial view of the utility interconnection structures and overhead equipment at the Spring Brook Solar site in Whitewater, Wisconsin.

The Spring Brook Solar Project is a 6.9 MWDC installation developed by OneEnergy Renewables and constructed in Whitewater, Wisconsin. The project required both civil and electrical expertise, making it a multi-disciplinary scope well suited to Westphal & Company. Crews began with the civil site work and trenching needed to prepare the array for pile installation and cable routing. Once the pile foundations were in place, Westphal provided mechanical installation of the modules across the full layout of the site.

The electrical installation included DC string wiring, inverter connections and terminations at the utility transformer pads. Each circuit was tested and documented as part of the project’s quality-assurance process, ensuring reliability and compliance throughout construction. The combination of civil preparation, mechanical assembly and full electrical installation highlights Westphal’s integrated capabilities in utility scale solar delivery.

Key Project Highlights

  • 6.9 MWDC utility scale solar project in Whitewater, Wisconsin
  • Developed by OneEnergy Renewables
  • Civil scope included site work and trenching prior to pile installation
  • Mechanical installation of modules across the array
  • DC string wiring, inverter terminations and transformer pad connections
  • Full testing and QA/QC processes completed throughout the schedule

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Albany Solar

Aerial view of the Albany Solar project in Green County, Wisconsin, showing multiple solar panel arrays spread across open farmland.

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

Albany Solar

Green County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Albany, WI

CLIENT

Burns & MacDonald

ENGINEER/ARCHITECT

Burns & MacDonald

SIZE

64.2 MWDC
Aerial view of the Albany Solar project in Green County, Wisconsin, showing multiple solar panel arrays spread across open farmland.

The Albany Solar Project brings 64.2 MWDC of renewable generation to Green County and contributes to the continued expansion of utility scale solar across southern Wisconsin. Working in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, Westphal & Company delivered the complete electrical installation for the site, managing system construction activities across a large multi-field layout. The project required coordinated planning and steady production to support the installation of major electrical components and conductor routing throughout the array.

Westphal’s crews installed all DC and AC cabling for the site, including combiner boxes, sectionalizing cabinets and disconnects. The team provided and installed string-level cabling through the final inverter terminations, managing both underground and above-ground conductors to meet project specifications. Electricians also installed and terminated the central inverters, SCADA fiber connections and control wiring, and completed the final electrical ties to the project’s power transformers, protection relays and control panels.

Key Project Highlights

  • 64.2 MWDC utility scale solar installation in Albany Wisconsin
  • Full electrical installation delivered by Westphal & Company
  • Constructed in partnership with Burns & McDonnell
  • Extensive underground and above-ground conductor routing
  • Central inverter, SCADA and transformer integration across a large site footprint

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Paddock Solar

Aerial view of the Paddock Solar Project near Beloit Wisconsin showing the full layout of the utility scale solar array.

COMMUNITY PORTFOLIO

Paddock Solar

Rock County

SPECIFICATIONS

LOCATION

Beloit, WI

CLIENT

Burns & MacDonald

ENGINEER/ARCHITECT

Burns & MacDonald

SIZE

82.5 MWDC
Aerial view of the Paddock Solar Project near Beloit Wisconsin showing the full layout of the utility scale solar array.
Electricians installing wiring along solar panel rows at the Paddock Solar Project near Beloit Wisconsin.
Electrician performing wiring work on solar panels at the Paddock Solar Project near Beloit Wisconsin.
Westphal and Company solar construction crew at the Paddock Solar Project near Beloit Wisconsin.
Aerial view of the Bear Creek Solar Project in Lone Rock Wisconsin showing the full layout of the utility scale solar array.

The Paddock Solar Project is an 82.5 MWDC installation and one of the largest renewable energy sites supported by Westphal & Company. Partnering with Burns & McDonnell, Westphal delivered the full electrical installation across the multi-field layout, installing DC and AC cabling, underground and above-ground conductors, sectionalizing cabinets, combiner boxes and disconnects. The scale of the project required strong workforce coordination and careful planning to maintain production across a broad construction area.

In addition to cabling and terminations, Westphal’s teams installed and commissioned central inverters, SCADA fiber connections, control wiring and the final electrical ties into the site’s main power transformers and protection equipment. The project demonstrates Westphal’s capability to execute high-volume, utility-scale solar construction on demanding schedules.

Key Project Highlights

  • 82.5 MWDC utility-scale solar installation
  • One of the largest solar sites supported by Westphal & Company
  • Full electrical scope completed in partnership with Burns & McDonnell
  • Multi-field layout requiring broad workforce coordination
  • Comprehensive inverter, SCADA and transformer integration

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